Parallel Computation of Transient Flows within Hypersonic Impulse Testing Facilities

Using parallel computation to successfully simulate the starting flow characteristics of an Expansion tube as the primary and secondary diaphragms rupture. The main goals are to increase resolution of the simulation and improve turn around time for achieving a solution as compared to previous work carried out in this area.

As well as using large parallel computing facilities such as the SGI Power Challenge and the IBM SP2, we are building a dedicated parallel computer called NOVA. NOVA is a Beowulf class computational facility, consisting of several IBM-PC clone computers connected together to produce a distributed, parallel computer capable of solving large problems. NOVA relies upon using free operating systems and standards to help reduce the system cost, yielding significant computational power for the cost of the hardware only, and can easily be scaled by adding more computers. Typically, as of 1997, NOVA's is estimated to cost $50 per Mflop (Million floating point operations), whereas UQ's SGI PowerChallenge Array is estimated to cost $400 per Mflop.

Publications:

1. Johnson, I. and Mc.Ghee, A., "A CFD Study of Flight in a Martian Atmosphere.", The Institute of Engineers, Australia Conference Proceedings, pp 361-366 (National Conference Publication No. 95/1)
2. Mc.Ghee, A. and Jacobs, P., "Parallel Simulation of Hypervelocity Flow", Computational Techniques and Applications: CTAC95, World Scientific.