Distributed computing finite element electromagnetic analysis of traveling wave tubes

Purpose - The paper's aim is to focus on the utilization of the GRID distributed computing environment in order to reduce simulation time for parameter studies of travelling wave tube (TWT) electron guns and helix slow-wave structures. Design/methodology/approach - Two TWT finite-element analysis modules were adapted to be run on the GRID, for this purpose scripts were written to submit a collection of independent jobs (the parameter study) to the GRID and collect the results. Findings - A 25-job electron gun parameter study runs on the GRID in 30-40 min instead of 7 h locally. A 16-job slow-wave structure parameter study runs in 1 h on the GRID instead of 8 h locally. Turnaround time on the GRID was limited by priority levels presently set by GRID management for the various jobs submitted. Practical implications - The procedures guarantee a remarkable reduction of the computing time. Originality/value - For heavy-computational cost tasks such as the above finite element electromagnetic calculations, the effective use of a heterogeneous, distributed, computing platform (the GRID computing platform) is very advantageous. The paper shows the development of new generation collaborative tools.