OpenFOAM並列計算

Category: 解析 | Integrated 2026-04-06
CAE visualization for openfoam parallel theory - technical simulation diagram
OpenFOAM並列計算

Theory and Physics

Overview

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Teacher! Today's topic is about OpenFOAM parallel computing, right? What is it like?


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Domain decomposition via decomposeParDict (scotch, hierarchical, simple, etc.) and MPI parallel execution setup methods. Scalability optimization and load balancing.


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After hearing this, I finally understand why things like this are important!


Governing Equations


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Expressing this with equations, it looks like this.


$$S_p = \frac{T_1}{T_p}, \quad E_p = \frac{S_p}{p}$$

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Hmm, just the equations don't really click... What do they represent?


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Amdahl's Law:



$$S_p = \frac{1}{(1-f) + f/p}$$

Theoretical Foundation

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I've heard of "theoretical foundation," but I might not fully understand it...


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The numerical methods for OpenFOAM parallel computing are based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM) or the Finite Element Method (FEM). Being open source, its greatest advantage is the ability to verify and modify algorithm details at the source code level. Discretization schemes and convergence criteria logic, which are black boxes in commercial solvers, can be directly verified, making it particularly suitable for academic research and method development. Continuous improvement and bug fixes by the community ensure its quality.


🧑‍🎓

Wow, the talk about numerical methods for parallel computing is super interesting! Tell me more.


Licenses and Terms of Use

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Next is "Licenses and Terms of Use"! What is this about?


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Depending on the type of open source license (GPL, LGPL, Apache, BSD, etc.), obligations for publishing modified code and restrictions on commercial use differ. It is recommended to check the license terms before using it in a project and consult with the internal legal department in advance. Also consider the handling of derivative works and the possibility of dual licensing.


🧑‍🎓

Wow, the talk about open source licenses is super interesting! Tell me more.


Theoretical Background of Numerical Methods

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Next is "Theoretical Background of Numerical Methods"! What is this about?


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Explains the theoretical foundation of numerical methods implemented in open-source CAE tools.



Variational Principle of the Finite Element Method (FEM)

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Please teach me about the "Finite Element Method"!


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The principle of minimum potential energy, fundamental to structural analysis:



$$ \Pi(\mathbf{u}) = \frac{1}{2} \int_{\Omega} \boldsymbol{\sigma} : \boldsymbol{\varepsilon} \, d\Omega - \int_{\Omega} \mathbf{f} \cdot \mathbf{u} \, d\Omega - \int_{\Gamma_t} \mathbf{t} \cdot \mathbf{u} \, d\Gamma $$


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The displacement field $\mathbf{u}$ that makes $\Pi$ stationary is the equilibrium solution. CalculiX and Code_Aster implement the Galerkin method based on this variational principle.




Conservation Law of the Finite Volume Method (FVM)

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Please teach me about the "Finite Volume Method"!


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The FVM adopted by OpenFOAM is based on the integral conservation law for a control volume:



$$ \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \int_{V} \rho \phi \, dV + \oint_{S} \rho \phi \mathbf{u} \cdot d\mathbf{S} = \oint_{S} \Gamma \nabla \phi \cdot d\mathbf{S} + \int_{V} S_\phi \, dV $$


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Discrete equations are obtained by applying this integral form to each control volume and numerically evaluating the fluxes on the faces.



Licenses and Quality Assurance

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Please teach me about "Licenses and Quality Assurance"!


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Open-source CAE allows third-party verification of algorithms because the source code is public. On the other hand, since there is no vendor support like with commercial tools, information sharing within user communities and forums is important.


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Wow, the talk about open source is super interesting! Tell me more.


Application Conditions and Precautions

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I've heard of "Application Conditions and Precautions," but I might not fully understand it...


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  • Results from OSS tools should always be verified with known benchmark problems.
  • Be aware of incompatibilities between versions (especially differences between OpenFOAM forks).
  • It is recommended to verify the accuracy of OSS by comparing results with commercial tools.
  • When documentation is lacking, direct reference to the source code may be necessary.

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Wait, wait, when you say tool results, does that mean it can be used even in cases like this?


Dimensionless Parameters and Dominant Scales

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I've heard of "Dimensionless Parameters and Dominant Scales," but I might not fully understand it...


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Understanding the dimensionless parameters governing the physical phenomenon being analyzed is the foundation for appropriate model selection and parameter setting.


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  • Peclet Number Pe: Relative importance of convection and diffusion. Pe >> 1 indicates convection dominance (stabilization methods required).
  • Reynolds Number Re: Ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. A fundamental parameter for fluid problems.
  • Biot Number Bi: Ratio of internal conduction to surface convection. Bi < 0.1 allows application of the lumped capacitance method.
  • Courant Number CFL: Indicator of numerical stability. Explicit methods require CFL ≤ 1.

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Ah, I see! So that's how the mechanism of the physical phenomenon being analyzed works.



Verification via Dimensional Analysis

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Please teach me about "Verification via Dimensional Analysis"!


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Dimensional analysis based on Buckingham's Π theorem is effective for order-of-magnitude estimation of analysis results. Using characteristic length $L$, characteristic velocity $U$, and characteristic time $T = L/U$, estimate the order of each physical quantity in advance to confirm the validity of the analysis results.



Classification and Mathematical Characteristics of Boundary Conditions

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I've heard that if you get the boundary conditions wrong, everything falls apart...


TypeMathematical ExpressionPhysical MeaningExample
Dirichlet Condition$u = u_0$ on $\Gamma_D$Specification of variable valueFixed wall, specified temperature
Neumann Condition$\partial u/\partial n = g$ on $\Gamma_N$Specification of gradient (flux)Heat flux, force
Robin Condition$\alpha u + \beta \partial u/\partial n = h$Linear combination of variable and gradientConvective heat transfer
Periodic Boundary Condition$u(x) = u(x+L)$Spatial periodicityUnit cell analysis
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Choosing appropriate boundary conditions is directly linked to solution uniqueness and physical validity. Insufficient boundary conditions lead to an ill-posed problem, while excessive ones cause contradictions.



🧑‍🎓

I've grasped the overall picture of OpenFOAM parallel computing! I'll try to be mindful of it in my practical work from tomorrow.


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Yeah, you're doing great! Actually getting hands-on is the best way to learn. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime.


Coffee Break Casual Talk

Mathematical Background of Domain Decomposition (DD) Methods — Relationship with the Schwarz Alternating Method

OpenFOAM's parallel computing is based on domain decomposition via scotch or metis, but the mathematical origin of this method lies in the "Schwarz Alternating Method" proposed by Hermann Amandus Schwarz in the 19th century. It's the idea of alternately solving PDEs in overlapping domains, exchanging information at boundaries until convergence. In modern parallel CFD, non-overlapping domain decomposition is common, but by exchanging "ghost (halo) cells" between processors, overlapping information is virtually realized. What OpenFOAM handles as procBoundary is the implementation of this ghost cell exchange. What determines the efficiency of distributed memory parallel computing is the "communication-to-computation ratio," and scotch optimizes to make the domain shape as close to spherical as possible to lower this ratio.

Physical Meaning of Each Term
  • Time Variation Term of Conserved Quantity: Represents the rate of change over time of the physical quantity in question. Becomes zero for steady-state problems. 【Image】When filling a bathtub with hot water, the water level rises over time—this "rate of change per time" is the time variation term. The state where the valve is closed and the water level is constant is "steady," and the time variation term is zero.
  • Flux Term (Flow Term): Describes the spatial transport/diffusion of the physical quantity. Broadly classified into convection and diffusion. 【Image】Convection is like "a river's current carrying a boat," where things are carried along by the flow. Diffusion is like "ink naturally spreading in still water," where things move due to concentration differences. The competition between these two transport mechanisms governs many physical phenomena.
  • Source Term (Generation/Destruction Term): Represents the local generation or destruction of the physical quantity, such as external forces or reaction terms. 【Image】When a heater is turned on in a room, thermal energy is "generated" at that location. When fuel is consumed in a chemical reaction, mass is "destroyed." A term representing physical quantities injected into the system from the outside.
Assumptions and Applicability Limits
  • The continuum assumption holds for the spatial scale.
  • The constitutive laws of materials/fluids (stress-strain relationship, Newtonian fluid law, etc.) are within the applicable range.
  • Boundary conditions are physically valid and mathematically well-defined.
Dimensional Analysis and Unit Systems
VariableSI UnitNotes / Conversion Memo
Characteristic Length $L$mMust match the unit system of the CAD model.
Characteristic Time $t$sFor transient analysis, time step should consider CFL condition and physical time constants.

Numerical Methods and Implementation

Details of Numerical Methods

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Specifically, what algorithms are used to solve OpenFOAM parallel computing?


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Explains the key points of numerical methods and implementation for OpenFOAM parallel computing.


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I see. So if you have the numerical methods for parallel computing, you're basically okay to start?


Compilation and Build

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I've heard of "Compilation and Build," but I might not fully understand it...


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Building from source code uses CMake or dedicated build systems (like OpenFOAM's wmake). Dependency libraries (MPI, PETSc, etc.) must be installed in advance. For production environments, it is recommended to use pre-built binaries or container images (Docker, Singularity) to ensure reproducibility.


🧑‍🎓

Wow, the talk about compilation and build is super interesting! Tell me more.


Details of Parallelization Methods

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Next is "Details of Parallelization Methods"! What is this about?


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OpenFOAM's parallel computing is based on domain decomposition. The decomposeParDict file specifies the decomposition method (scotch, hierarchical, simple, etc.) and the number of subdomains. The decomposed mesh and fields are distributed to each processor, and calculations proceed with communication of boundary information (ghost cells).


🧑‍🎓

I see. So if you have the parallelization methods, you're basically okay to start?


Execution and Monitoring

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I've heard of "Execution and Monitoring," but I might not fully understand it...


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Parallel execution uses the mpirun or mpiexec command. For example: mpirun -np 4 simpleFoam -parallel. During execution, you can monitor load balance and communication volume using tools like top, htop, or dedicated profiling tools (Scalasca, Vampir, etc.).


🧑‍🎓

Wow, the talk about execution and monitoring is super interesting! Tell me more.


Post-processing and Visualization

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Next is "Post-processing and Visualization"! What is this about?


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For parallel calculation results, use the reconstructPar utility to reconstruct the data into a single case. Visualization can be done with ParaView or VisIt. For large-scale data, it's efficient to use parallel I/O or in-situ visualization.


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I see. So if you have the post-processing and visualization, you're basically okay to start?


Troubleshooting

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I've heard of "Troubleshooting," but I might not fully understand it...


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  • Load imbalance: Adjust the decomposition method or weights.
  • Communication errors: Check MPI library version and network settings.
  • Memory shortage: Reduce the number of cells per process or use out-of-core solvers.
  • Convergence issues: Review solver settings, relaxation factors, etc.

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Wait, wait, when you say load imbalance, does that mean it can be used even in cases like this?


Benchmarking and Performance Evaluation

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Next is "Benchmarking and Performance Evaluation"! What is this about?


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Use standard benchmark problems (e.g., lid-driven cavity, backward-facing step) to evaluate parallel performance. Key metrics include speedup, efficiency, and strong/weak scaling. Compare with theoretical values (Amdahl's Law, Gustafson's Law) to identify bottlenecks.


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I see. So if you have the benchmarking and performance evaluation, you're basically okay to start?


Advanced Topics

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I've heard of "Advanced Topics," but I might not fully understand it...


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  • Hybrid parallelization: Combination of MPI and OpenMP.
  • GPU acceleration: Using libraries like CUDA, OpenACC.
  • Dynamic load balancing
  • Fault tolerance: Checkpoint/restart mechanisms.

🧑‍🎓

Wow, the talk about advanced topics is super interesting! Tell me more.


Coffee Break Casual Talk

The Reality of Parallel Efficiency — Beyond Amdahl's Law

Amdahl's Law is famous for showing the limit of speedup due to the serial portion. However, in actual large-scale parallel computing, communication overhead and load imbalance often become bigger bottlenecks than the serial portion. Especially in CFD, the need for neighbor cell information makes communication volume increase with surface area, while computation increases with volume. Therefore, as the number of processes increases, the communication-to-computation ratio worsens, and efficiency drops. This is why domain decomposition algorithms like scotch aim to minimize the surface area of subdomains. Also, in modern clusters, network topology (NUMA, InfiniBand fat-tree, etc.) significantly impacts performance, so placement of processes is also important.

Comparison of Decomposition Methods
MethodPrincipleAdvantagesDisadvantagesSuitable For
scotchGraph partitioning minimizing edge cutsGood load balance, handles complex geometriesRequires graph library, preprocessing timeGeneral purpose, unstructured meshes
hierarchicalRecursive coordinate bisectionSimple, fastPoor load balance for skewed distributionsRegular geometries, initial testing
simple

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