Scalability of finite element applications on distributed-memory parallel computers Original Research Article

This paper demonstrates that scalability and competitive efficiency can be achieved for unstructured grid finite element applications on distributed memory machines, such as the Connection Machine CM-5 system. The efficiency of finite element solvers is analyzed through two applications: an implicit computational aerodynamics application and an explicit solid mechanics application. Scalability of mesh decomposition and of data mapping strategies is also discussed. Numerical examples that support the claims for problems with an excess of fourteen million variables are presented.