Parallel PDE-based simulations using the Common Component Architecture

Summary. The complexity of parallel PDE-based simulations continues to increase as multi-model, multiphysics, and multi-institutional projects become widespread. A goal of component-based software engineering in such large-scale simulations is to help manage this complexity by enabling better interoperability among various codes that have been independently devel-oped by different groups. The Common Component Architecture (CCA) Forum is defining a component architecture specification to address the challenges of high-performance scientific computing. In addition, several execution frameworks, supporting infrastructure, and general-purpose components are being developed. Furthermore, this group is collaborating with others in the high-performance computing community to design suites of domain-specific component interface specifications and underlying implementations. This chapter discusses recent work on leveraging these CCA efforts in parallel PDE-based simulations involving accelerator design, climate modeling, combustion, and accidental fires and explosions. We explain how component technology helps to address the different chal