Emergent Mind

JAX-SPH: A Differentiable Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Framework

(2403.04750)
Published Mar 7, 2024 in physics.flu-dyn and cs.LG

Abstract

Particle-based fluid simulations have emerged as a powerful tool for solving the Navier-Stokes equations, especially in cases that include intricate physics and free surfaces. The recent addition of machine learning methods to the toolbox for solving such problems is pushing the boundary of the quality vs. speed tradeoff of such numerical simulations. In this work, we lead the way to Lagrangian fluid simulators compatible with deep learning frameworks, and propose JAX-SPH - a Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) framework implemented in JAX. JAX-SPH builds on the code for dataset generation from the LagrangeBench project (Toshev et al., 2023) and extends this code in multiple ways: (a) integration of further key SPH algorithms, (b) restructuring the code toward a Python library, (c) verification of the gradients through the solver, and (d) demonstration of the utility of the gradients for solving inverse problems as well as a Solver-in-the-Loop application. Our code is available at https://github.com/tumaer/jax-sph.

Simulation depicts channel flow with heat diffusion using SPH, showing temperature across time steps.

Overview

  • The paper introduces JAX-SPH, a framework that integrates Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) with the JAX computing library, aiming to leverage machine learning for improved simulation accuracy and efficiency.

  • JAX-SPH enhances existing SPH simulation approaches by incorporating critical algorithms, validating gradient computations, and demonstrating practical applications like solving inverse problems and a Solver-in-the-Loop (SitL) application.

  • The framework is validated through rigorous testing, including gradient validation and application in complex simulation scenarios like the Taylor-Green vortex and lid-driven cavity problems.

  • The research highlights the potential of JAX-SPH for future development in PDE-constrained optimization, physics-informed machine learning models for fluid dynamics, and the possibility of integrating more SPH algorithms.

Overview of JAX-SPH: A Step Towards Integrating SPH Simulations with Machine Learning

JAX-SPH: A Differentiable Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Framework

In the realm of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) has secured a strong foothold due to its adeptness at capturing complex fluid behaviors, especially in applications dealing with free surfaces. The recent confluence of ML with traditional numerical simulation techniques has unlocked new prospects in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. Within this burgeoning field, the research work encapsulated in "JAX-SPH: A Differentiable Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Framework" marks a significant advancement.

The Driving Force Behind JAX-SPH

At the core of this study lies the development of JAX-SPH, a framework designed to bridge the SPH simulation approach with the computational efficiency and gradient computation capabilities of JAX, a high-performance numerical computing library. This framework notably extends the LagrangeBench project's dataset generation code by incorporating critical SPH algorithms, transitioning towards a more library-centric structure, validating gradient computations, and demonstrating the practical utility of these gradients in solving inverse problems and facilitating a Solver-in-the-Loop (SitL) application.

Comprehensive Features and Validation

JAX-SPH introduces several noteworthy features, including the integration of Transport Velocity, Riemann SPH algorithms, and thermal diffusion effects, together with a methodical validation of the solver's accuracy and the fidelity of automatically derived gradients. Through rigorous gradient validation using analytical and numerical schemes, the study establishes the reliability of JAX-SPH's gradient computations across several simulation scenarios, including the Taylor-Green vortex and the lid-driven cavity.

Practical Applications Demonstrated

Beyond the technical enhancements, this research underscores the applicability of JAX-SPH in addressing inverse problems and in implementing Solver-in-the-Loop methodologies. The inverse problem demonstration, where the initial conditions of a fluid simulation are deduced given the final state, serves as a compelling proof-of-concept for the potential of differentiable solvers in design and control challenges. Furthermore, the committed exploration into SitL showcases JAX-SPH's versatility, where it synergizes with a neural correction model to refine a coarsely simulated fluid dynamics problem.

Future Directions and Potentials

While this work pioneers in marrying SPH simulations with machine learning efficiencies through JAX-SPH, it also opens up avenues for more nuanced integration of SPH with ML workflows, including the potential for hybrid solver architectures. Anticipated future endeavors include expanding the cadre of SPH algorithms incorporated within JAX-SPH, refining gradient computation methodologies, and exploring novel applications in PDE-constrained optimization and physics-informed machine learning models for fluid dynamics.

Concluding Thoughts

In summary, "JAX-SPH: A Differentiable Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Framework" represents a substantial stride towards harmonizing traditional fluid simulation approaches with the computational prowess of modern machine learning libraries. By validating its utility in real-world problem scenarios and laying down a robust foundation for future exploration, this work not only enriches the toolbox available to researchers in computational fluid dynamics and applied mathematics but also signals the burgeoning potential of hybrid numerical-ML solvers in advancing the frontiers of scientific computing.

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