5. Jobs

5.1. Overview

Application workflows can be executed as Local Jobs (on your computer) or as Remote Jobs (on a supercomputer via DesignSafe). This page explains how to run, view, share, and clean up both kinds of jobs.

5.2. Local Jobs

5.2.1. What are Local Jobs?

Local Jobs run on your computer using your machine’s CPU/GPU and local storage.

Important

Local runs are great for small to moderate studies and quick iteration. Heavy UQ with large ensembles is usually better suited for Remote Jobs.

5.2.2. How to Run (Local)

  • Click RUN to launch the workflow on your machine.

Note

The UI will switch to the results tab when the run completes. Any errors will be shown in the log pane.

5.2.3. How to View Files (Local)

  1. Open File / Preferences on the top bar and locate the path under Local Jobs Directory.

  2. Navigate to that directory and open the tmp.SimCenter folder.

Note

You need to have ran a local job workflow for this folder to be populated with files for viewing. We recommend running the first Example on the top bar.

Typical local job contents:

Folder

Description

workdir

Per-sample working dirs and raw simulation artifacts (can be large).

templatedir

Generated workflow and template inputs.

results

Aggregated results, statistics, plots.

Warning

The workdir can grow quickly for CFD/FEM cases. Clean old runs regularly to reclaim disk space.

5.2.4. How to Delete (Local)

  • Easiest: start a new local run; the app will clean the previous job as needed.

  • Manual: delete the tmp.SimCenter folder from your Local Jobs Directory.

Warning

Deleting tmp.SimCenter removes all local job artifacts for the current session. Make backups if needed.

5.3. Remote Jobs (DesignSafe/TACC)

5.3.1. What are Remote Jobs?

Remote Jobs run on supercomputers. While the SimCenter approach is general (could support many providers in theory), the application currently supports TACC systems via DesignSafe.

Note

Examples include Stampede3 and Frontera at TACC, launched through the tapis API automatically in SimCenter applications.

5.3.2. How to Run on DesignSafe

  1. Click RUN at DesignSafe.

  2. Set a unique Job Name to find it easily later.

  3. Configure reservation parameters: - Num Node, Num Processors Per Node, Max Run Time - Consult the TACC Stampede3 user guide for limits and best practices.

  4. Set a valid TACC Allocation. Common value today: DesignSafe-SimCenter: - This may change; users may need their own allocation in the future.

  5. Choose an Archive System ID (DesignSafe project where outputs are saved): - Default is designsafe.storage.default (your personal space). - To use a project, click Refresh Projects and select one you belong to.

  6. If you did not use the default archive system, set an Archive System Dir: - Use a unique, organized path such as (fill in appropriate fields): {app_name}/{user_name}/{job_name}. - When filled in for an example user: HydroUQ/bonusj/example_job.

  7. Click Submit to queue the job at TACC.

Important

Use a generous Max Run Time. Too small and the scheduler may kill your run before post-processing finishes.

5.3.3. How to Retrieve Files (Remote)

  • Click GET from DesignSafe.

  • Right-click your job and select Retrieve Data.

This downloads the most important products (e.g., statistics, summaries) to your Remote Jobs Directory on your computer. Large per-sample artifacts may be omitted; see “How to View Files” below to access everything through the DesignSafe website.

Note

Retrieval is only possible after the job status is FINISHED. See “How to Refresh Jobs” below.

5.3.4. How to View Files (Remote)

There are two ways to inspect remote outputs:

    • Retrieve files as described above in “How to Retrieve Files (Remote)”.

    • Open File / Preferences and note the Remote Jobs Directory.

    • Go to that path and open tmp.SimCenter.

    You will typically see:

    Folder

    Description

    results

    Key results and statistical data from your workflow.

    templatedir

    Workflow and template files used across simulations.

    Note

    You will not see workdir here. Remote jobs often produce massive per-sample files unsuitable for bulk download. To browse everything (including workdir), use method 2.

    • Click GET from DesignSafe.

    • Right-click your job and select Open Job Folder.

    • Log into DesignSafe to browse and download any file or folder.

Warning

Full CFD/MPM outputs can be very large. Prefer selective downloads to avoid long transfers and storage bloat.

5.3.5. How to Refresh Jobs (Remote)

  • Click GET from DesignSafe.

  • Right-click your job and select Refresh Job.

The STATUS column updates (e.g., RUNNING, FAILED, FINISHED). Once FINISHED, you can retrieve data.

5.3.6. How to View Metadata (Remote)

  • Click GET from DesignSafe.

  • Right-click your job and select View Job Metadata to open the DesignSafe page with full job details.

5.3.7. How to Share (Remote)

  • Click GET from DesignSafe.

  • Right-click your job and select Share Job.

  • Enter one or more DesignSafe usernames (comma-separated).

Important

The job’s Archive System ID must not be designsafe.storage.default. Sharing requires that outputs are in a project area where the recipients are members. Manage project membership via DesignSafe My Projects.

Note

You must be the Owner of the job to share it. Check the Owner column in the jobs table.

5.3.8. How to Delete (Remote)

  • Click GET from DesignSafe.

  • Right-click your job and select Delete Job.

This hides the job from your table but does not remove all files on DesignSafe. To fully delete job data, use the DesignSafe website to remove files from the archive project.

Warning

Deletion on the website is permanent. Confirm you have downloaded anything you might need before removing files.