Multiphysics simulations

TLDR

Multiphysics applications span algorithmic and architectural domains, often reducible to a common algebraic coupling paradigm, yet mathematical analysis is impractical for realistic cases, so representative model problems are used for insight. The study examines existing multiphysics software frameworks, identifies commonalities, and extrapolates best practices for future systems. These frameworks have been developed within disciplinary communities and run on leading‑edge computer systems, illustrating the architectural and algorithmic approaches employed. The analysis highlights challenges and forecasts opportunities for advancing multiphysics simulation.

Abstract

We consider multiphysics applications from algorithmic and architectural perspectives, where “algorithmic” includes both mathematical analysis and computational complexity, and “architectural” includes both software and hardware environments. Many diverse multiphysics applications can be reduced, en route to their computational simulation, to a common algebraic coupling paradigm. Mathematical analysis of multiphysics coupling in this form is not always practical for realistic applications, but model problems representative of applications discussed herein can provide insight. A variety of software frameworks for multiphysics applications have been constructed and refined within disciplinary communities and executed on leading-edge computer systems. We examine several of these, expose some commonalities among them, and attempt to extrapolate best practices to future systems. From our study, we summarize challenges and forecast opportunities.