Using WCF and TPL in Distributed and Parallel Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

This paper examines the use of .NET's Task Parallel Library (TPL) and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) in finite element analysis. TPL is studied in terms of equation solvers. It is shown that there is no significant difference in execution speed compared with non-TPL code, though it does offer advantages in terms of software engineering. WCF based equation solvers are also examined, and a WCF approach to designing finite element software. Using WCF based solvers involves no loss of execution speed. WCF is an example of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and the possibilities for using this to increase flexibility of finite element based applications is discussed.