Computers Cluster for Parallel Processing with the Mcnp4b Code: Linux + Pvm + Mcnp4b

Procedures and results obtained in the installation process of a microcomputers cluster (Linux and PVM) to reduce processing time in MCNP simulations are described. The necessities and specificity concerned to the hardware, the Linux operational system, the PVM software package and an adequated compiled version for MCNP4B are presented. The system was tested to verify the gain in the processing time as function of the number of computers in the cluster using the MCNP input developed to simulate the research reactor TRIGA IPR R1 of the CDTN/CNEN. Advantages and disadvantages of MCNP code generated with several compilers are discussed, as well as the performance of the executable code generated by each compiler is compared. The results show the viability of the system. It is possible to reduce significantly the simulations processing time of the MCNP code by utilizing PVM computers cluster. It was found that the cost/performance of such a system is often better than the sequential machine (workstations or even mainframes).