Development of a parallel CUDA algorithm for solving 3D guiding center problems

• Published in: Computer physics communications 2022-07, Vol.276, p.108331, Article 108331
• Main Authors: Bak, Soyoon, Kim, Philsu, Park, Sangbeom
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Backward semi-Lagrangian method; Compute unified device architecture; Graphics processing units; Guiding center problem; Parallel computing
• ISSN: 0010-4655; 1879-2944
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2022.108331

In this study, we develop a novel compute unified device architecture (CUDA) algorithm, which we call C-ECM3, for solving a three-dimensional (3D) guiding center problem. The C-ECM3 is a parallel algorithm for the iterative-free backward semi-Lagrangian method with third-order temporal accuracy (ECM3). One well known challenge in speeding up a CUDA program is to efficiently design kernel functions that can optimally use hierarchical memory classified according to access speed. To solve this challenge, the C-ECM3 is mainly devoted to making a decomposition strategy for solving the tremendous number of generated Cauchy problems. The decomposition strategy divides the 9×9 linear system for each Cauchy problem in the ECM3 into two 3×3 linear systems, more solverable parts. In addition, the strategy explicitly solves these small systems using Cramer's rule. It turns out that the proposed C-ECM3 enables us to design an array-free kernel function that efficiently uses hierarchical memory. In addition, the C-ECM3 significantly reduces the run-time for tracing trajectories of particles compared to other graphics processing unit (GPU) programs that use the usual Gaussian algorithm. The Kelvin-Helmholtz instability and a 3D guiding center problem are simulated to demonstrate the numerical evidence for the C-ECM3. With these numerical experiments, we verify that the proposed C-ECM3 significantly improves computational speed compared to other methods while maintaining the accuracy of the CPU (central processing unit) version of ECM3. The validity of the C-ECM3 is also confirmed by showing that it satisfies Shoucri's analysis for Kelvin-Helmholtz instability.