Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics

1
Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics
David Bird Works on quantum mechanics of
electrons at surfaces and electromagnetism of
photonic crystals. Currently I mostly manage with
local workstations, but in the past I made
considerable use of national HPC facilities. I
chaired the UK Car-Parrinello HPC consortium and
I was a member of the working group that managed
the procurement of HPCx. I was the PI on the
grant that enabled us to purchase skein.
2
Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics
Simon Crampin Works on quantum mechanics of
electrons at surfaces and in nanostructures. Has
recently been working in nanomagnetism. Mostly
manages with local workstations, but has
occasional requirement for more serious computing
power. Would have made more use of skein for
this, but scheduling policy made it difficult. He
would strongly support the provision of a
University HPC cluster, provided the access to it
is managed to suit his needs.
3
Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics
Dick James Works on modelling information flow,
etc on networks inspired by biological
applications. Uses local workstations, which are
usually sufficient for his needs. He would
support the provision of a replacement for skein,
for occasional use when local machines are
insufficient.
4
Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics
Dmitry Skryabin Works on theory and modelling of
non-linear propagation of light in optical fibres
and other photonic structures. Currently uses
local workstations provided by grants. However,
he has plans to work on systems for which some
real parallel processing will be needed. He would
strongly support the provision of a University
HPC facility.
5
Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics
Alison Walker Works on modelling of charge
transport in optoelectronic devices (particularly
those based on organic materials). This work has
large computing requirements, which are currently
met by her own collection of workstations. She
has no requirement for real parallel
processing. She anticipates her requirements
increasing, and would support the provision of a
University-level HPC facility.
6
Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics
Nigel Wilding Works on molecular dynamics and
Monte Carlo simulation of liquids, colloids, etc.
This requires substantial computing resources.
His group made extensive use of skein not really
using parallel processing, but there are always
many runs to be carried out, which can be farmed
on to different processors. He has his own
collection of high-power workstations, purchased
from grants. He would strongly support the
provision of a replacement for skein.
7
A University High-Performance Computing Facility

• Would be used by several academics in Physics
• Would help us attract high-calibre academic
  staff, research fellows, etc
• Would help us to match the facilities available
  in competitor institutions

• Would be expensive to maintain needs system
  manager(s) plus hardware refresh every 2 or 3
  years
• Should it be funded like other University
  research facilities under FEC? After an initial
  University investment, the users apply for funds
  to get access the facility. The access charge
  would cover both running and depreciation costs.