You are here: silicon.com > Hardware > Servers

Servers

UK supercomputer gets upgrade

Now packing 2,500 processors...

Tags: supercomputer

By Steve Ranger

Published: 8 November 2006 15:30 GMT

The supercomputer used by UK academics to tackle some of the thorniest scientific challenges has had its capacity doubled.

The third and final phase of the UK National Academic Supercomputer - dubbed HPCx - has been formally accepted into service by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

silicon.com Public Sector

Get the latest public sector news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the PS newsletter today!

When originally commissioned in 2002, the system was rated as one of the top 10 largest supercomputers in the world. But despite a doubling of capacity in 2004, it currently resides at number 59 in the list.

Now the capability of HPCx, which uses IBM technology, has been doubled again, so it is now packing more than 2,500 processors.

EPSRC CEO, professor John O'Reilly, said HPCx can be "justifiably proud" of the service it has provided to the academic community.

The supercomputer has allowed UK researchers to examine scientific problems in ways previously unavailable to them.

For example, researchers at the University of Bristol modelled the aerodynamics of helicopter rotor blades using the machine, creating rotor wake simulations essential for both the design of civil and military helicopters.

Scientists from University College London used the computer to develop an understanding of the transport of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and polypeptides across protein membrane channels in biological cells.

Recently the UK's Met Office called for more supercomputing power to tackle global warming calculations.

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

  • Jobs
Graduate Account Manager III-V Compound Semiconductors

This role involves consulting and technical discussions with scientists and researchers regarding silicon surfaces and as such it is imperative that ...

Bright Theoretical Physicist/Mathematician - Outstanding Academic Record, Modelling, some Software; Cambridge, to c30k + benefits

With an outstanding academic record (Grade A in 'A' level Physics, 2.1 / 1st in Mathematics, Theoretical Physics or similar from a top University - ...

Research Engineer Flow Control

Drag reduction by active flow control is seen a key enabler to meet environmental targets for civil transport aircraft. BEng/BSc in Engineering, ...

Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.





Quick Sitemap Links: