Computational Physics and Parallel Programming Education Through Lattice Gas Cellular Automata

Cellular Automation (CA) is a discrete model often used in computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biological sciences to model complex behavior using a simple set of rules. The most recognizable example of CA is John Conway's Game of Life, which is presented in many introductory computer science and mathematics courses. Here, I discuss the use of lattice gas cellular automata (LGCA) to simulate fluid flow in a domain from the perspective of computational physics and parallel and distributed computing (PDC) education. In recent years, high-performance computing (HPC) and the need for powerful supercomputers are becoming a staple in many areas of academia and industry. Thus, understanding and using these powerful systems is more important than ever. LGCA, and specifically the model of Hardy, Pomeau, and de Pazzis (HPP), allow students to become familiar with the computational aspects of a physics model in multiple parallel computing environments, including multicore, manycore, and distributed contexts.