A GPU-accelerated geodynamic modelling framework: JUSTRELAX.JL v0.8

Abstract. The rapid evolution of high-performance computing and the widespread adoption of graphics processing units (GPUs) require corresponding advances in solver design and strategies in computational geodynamics. Pseudo-transient, or dynamic-relaxation, approaches are particularly promising for multi-physics problems on structured staggered grids and are well suited to efficient parallel execution. Here, we introduce JUSTRELAX.JL, a geodynamic code written in the Julia programming language that runs seamlessly on GPUs, from a single device to distributed multi-device systems. JUSTRELAX.JL separates material-property calculations, particle-in-cell advection, and (distributed) parallelism into dedicated packages, facilitating the integration of new physical processes, numerical methods, and solver strategies while limiting modifications to the solver core. We demonstrate the capabilities of JUSTRELAX.JL using a suite of geodynamic applications, including plastic shear-band localization, thermal convection, subduction, and magmatic systems. We assess its parallel scalability on modern GPU-based supercomputers, showing efficient scaling to hundreds of GPUs and providing a foundation for future extensions in computational geodynamics.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Published
2026-11-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-5366
Primary Topic
Parallel Computing and Optimization Techniques
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

A GPU-accelerated geodynamic modelling framework: JUSTRELAX.JL v0.8

Boris J. P. Kaus, Pascal Aellig, Ludovic Räss, Christian Schuler et al.
1 links
Parallel Computing and Optimization Techniques
preprint

A GPU-accelerated geodynamic modelling framework: JUSTRELAX.JL v0.8

Boris J. P. Kaus, Pascal Aellig, Ludovic Räss, Christian Schuler, Thibault Duretz, Albert de Montserrat
preprint en

Abstract

Abstract. The rapid evolution of high-performance computing and the widespread adoption of graphics processing units (GPUs) require corresponding advances in solver design and strategies in computational geodynamics. Pseudo-transient, or dynamic-relaxation, approaches are particularly promising for multi-physics problems on structured staggered grids and are well suited to efficient parallel execution. Here, we introduce JUSTRELAX.JL, a geodynamic code written in the Julia programming language that runs seamlessly on GPUs, from a single device to distributed multi-device systems. JUSTRELAX.JL separates material-property calculations, particle-in-cell advection, and (distributed) parallelism into dedicated packages, facilitating the integration of new physical processes, numerical methods, and solver strategies while limiting modifications to the solver core. We demonstrate the capabilities of JUSTRELAX.JL using a suite of geodynamic applications, including plastic shear-band localization, thermal convection, subduction, and magmatic systems. We assess its parallel scalability on modern GPU-based supercomputers, showing efficient scaling to hundreds of GPUs and providing a foundation for future extensions in computational geodynamics.

Goethe University Frankfurt (DE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (DE), ETH Zurich (CH), University of Lausanne (CH)
Parallel Computing and Optimization Techniques
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon
A GPU-accelerated geodynamic modelling framework: JUSTRELAX.JL v0.8 — Boris J. P. Kaus, Pascal Aellig, et al. · (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS