Dynamic load-balancing of finite element applications with the DRAMA library

The DRAMA library, developed within the European Commission funded (ESPRIT) project DRAMA, supports dynamic load-balancing for parallel (message-passing) mesh-based applications. The target applications are those with dynamic and solution-adaptive features. The focus within the DRAMA project was on finite element simulation codes for structural mechanics. An introduction to the DRAMA library will illustrate that the very general cost model and the interface designed specifically for application requirements provide simplified and effective access to a range of parallel partitioners. The main body of the paper will demonstrate the ability to provide dynamic load-balancing for parallel FEM problems that include: adaptive meshing, re-meshing, the need for multi-phase partitioning.

Modeling the dynamics of electromagnetically agitated metallurgical flows: levitation, cold crucible, aluminium electrolysis, etc.

We present practical modelling techniques for electromagnetically agitated liquid metal flows involving dynamic change of the fluid volume and shape during melting and the free surface oscillation. Typically the electromagnetic field is strongly coupled to the free surface dynamics and the heat-mass transfer. Accurate pseudo-spectral code and the k-omega turbulence model modified for complex and transitional flows with free surfaces are used for these simulations. The considered examples include magnetic suspension melting, induction scull remelting (cold crucible), levitation and aluminium electrolysis cells. The process control and the energy savings issues are analysed.