Issue 120 October/November 2011 CONTENTS
Laboratory and Statistical Science News and Products
Review
Felix Grant reviews Unscrambler X Crop power
Greg Blackman on the use of informatics in biofuel production
Cover feature: Planetary investigations Statistical software helps unveil the secrets of Mars, as Felix Grant discovers
High-Performance Computing News and Products
Virtual options
Can virtualisation work with HPC? Gillian Law investigates Parallel performance
Paul Schreier explores the tools and methods used for heterogeneous CPU/GPU systems
SC11 preview
A look ahead to the HPC products and services being showcased at SC11 in Seattle this November
Modelling and Engineering News and Products
Engine innovators
Matthew Peach explores the use of powertrain simulation software Up in the air
Paul Schreier on the use of modelling software in aerospace design
Resources
Suppliers’ Directory Diary dates
EDITORIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Editor Beth Sharp
editor.scw@
europascience.com
Assistant Editor Greg Blackman
greg.blackman@europascience.com
Specialist Reporters Felix Grant, Paul Schreier Circulation/readership enquiries Pete Vine
subscriptions@europascience.com
ADVERTISING TEAM
Advertising Sales Darren Ebbs Tel: +44 (0)1223 211 180 Fax: +44 (0)1223 211 107
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www.scientific-computing.com
49 50
Advertising Production Jennie Caley Tel: +44 (0)1223 477 411 Fax: +44 (0)1223 574 817
jennie.caley@
europascience.com
CORPORATE TEAM
Chairman and Publisher Dr Tom Wilkie Publishing Director Warren Clark Web
www.scientifi
c-computing.com
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Europa Science Ltd. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the publishers or of the editorial staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or editorial staff. All rights reserved. Unless specifi cally stated, goods or services mentioned are not formally endorsed by Europa Science Ltd, which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication.
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Subscribe for free at
www.scientific-computing.com/subscribe OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 3
38 40
44 32
16 21
27 12 Super Seattle
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8
The focus in this issue is once again on HPC, as SC11 takes place in Seattle in November. Scientists and engineers will fi nd plenty to interest them there: as well as an extensive range of suppliers of HPC-related products and services, there are also several HPC centres and research organisations with large booths. They showcase the research they’ve been working on, and are also happy to discuss how HPC has played a part in them carrying out this research. For those unable to make it, we have a preview starting on page 32. If you are coming along, be sure to drop by and see the Scientifi c Computing World team at booth 5311 on Level 6. Alongside HPC, we continue our
in-depth coverage of informatics with a look at biofuels (page 8); our coverage of statistical science is enhanced with the return of Felix Grant’s highly-regarded software reviews (page 7); and there is also plenty of interest for engineers as we look at the use of modelling packages on land (page 40) and in the air (page 44). Lastly, please join us in wishing our
editor Beth Sharp a speedy recovery from a back problem – we hope she’ll be back fi t and healthy soon!
Warren Clark Acting editor
Cover image Chris Harvey/
Shutterstock.com
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