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Vectorized Monte Carlo molecular aerodynamics simulation of the Rayleigh problem

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Abstract

A fully vectorized version of a Monte Carlo algorithm applied to molecular aerodynamics is presented. The algorithm is applied to the one-dimensional Rayleigh problem, an impulsively accelerated, heated flat plate, and is implemented on the CYBER 205. Issues relating to the details of vectorization, including the use of bit-type vectors, the maintaining of long vector lengths, and vector gather/scatter use, are discussed. Timings as functions of problem size are presented for various facets of the algorithm, and the problem of the “tail” due to stragglers is examined and quantified. Asymptotic speedup factors due to vectorization in the neighborhood of 7 to 8 are reported, depending upon problem parameters. The results indicate that, under certain circumstances, the problem performs well on vector architectures.

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Pryor, D.V., Burns, P.J. Vectorized Monte Carlo molecular aerodynamics simulation of the Rayleigh problem. J Supercomput 3, 305–330 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00128168

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