High-Performance Computing Challenges in Aeronautics and Space Applications

Abstract

Aeronautics and space applications regarding for example aircraft, spacecraft or helicopter design on high performance computing (HPC) systems result in particular challenges regarding algorithm and software framework development. Algorithms must be robust, scalable and allow for highly accurate computations, in many cases for the solution of time-dependent and non-linear engineering problems. Software frameworks must exploit hardware parallelism on several levels, must be tunable for different, heterogeneous computing systems and must be easily to maintain. Engineering simulations often require coupling of several application components. This is a particular challenge for the underlying parallel algorithms, for example regarding convergence and communication behavior as well as load balancing. We presents a survey on aeronautics and space projects from German Aerospace Center (DLR), Simulation and Software Technology, which require use of HPC technology. These projects include solver development for quantum physics problems as well as pre- and postprocessing concepts for future exascale computers, helicopter and aircraft simulation as well a design, multi-disciplinary optimization for thermal management in spacecraft, experimental solution of aeronautic and space problems on adiabatic quantum annealers and application of HPC technology for space situational awareness (SSA).