Parallel implementations of a finite element formulation for fluid-structure interactions in interior flows

In this paper, shared-memory parallel implementations of a finite element formulation for unsteady interior flows with fluid-structure interactions are presented. The parallel computing platforms targeted are the CRAY C90, the Silicon Graphics (SGI) ONYX and the SGI Power Challenge. The formulation is based on the stabilized space-time finite element method developed earlier for a more general class of flow problems involving moving boundaries and interfaces. The specific test problem used in the performance evaluations involves fluid-structure interactions between a barotropic working fluid and one of the two pistons surrounding this fluid. We demonstrate that advanced formulations applicable to complex problems can be implemented in a parallel computing environment without resulting in a significant distraction from the scientific objectives of solving such complex problems.