A comparison of some dynamic load-balancing algorithms for a parallel adaptive flow solver

In this paper we contrast the performance of a number of different parallel dynamic load-balancing algorithms when used in conjunction with a particular parallel, adaptive, time-dependent, 3D flow solver. An overview of this solver is given along with a description of the dynamic load-balancing problem that results from its use. Two recently published parallel dynamic load-balancing software tools are then briefly described and a number of recursive parallel dynamic load-balancing techniques are also outlined. The effectiveness of each of these algorithms is then assessed when they are coupled with the parallel adaptive solver and used to tackle a model 3D flow problem.