Characterization of Domain-Based Partitioners for Parallel SAMR Applications

Dynamic adaptive mesh re nement methods for the numerical solution to partial di erential equations yield highly advantageous ratios for cost/accuracy as compared to methods based upon static uniform approximations. Distributed implementations of these techniques have the potential for enabling realistic simulations of complex systems. These implementations however, present signi cant challenges in dynamic data-distribution and load balancing. This paper presents an experimental characterization of dynamic partitioning/load-balancing techniques for adaptive grid hierarchies. Techniques studied include newly proposed as well as existing approaches. The overall motivation is the formulation of policies required to drive a dynamically adaptive meta-partitioner for SAMR grid hierarchies capable of selecting the most appropriate partitioning strategy at runtime, based on current application and system state. We believe that such a partitioner can signi cantly decrease application execution time.