Issue 150 October/November 2016 CONTENTS
High-performance computing HPC goes mainstream
William Payne investigates the use of modular HPC, built on industry-standard hardware and soſtware to support users across a range of applications
Energy-efficient supercomputing
Te Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) is driving the development of new energy-efficient practices for HPC, as Robert Roe discovers
Supercomputing in Salt Lake City
Looking towards the next edition of the US supercomputing conference, SC16, which takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah
Laboratory informatics Catalonia calling
Plans are progressing for the fiſth paperless Lab Academy, which will be held in Barcelona in April
Facing a formidable challenge 18
Turning data into scientific insights is not a straightforward matter, writes Sophia Ktori Informatics news
Applications Unlocking Cosmology
Gemma Church finds out how astronomers are using simulation to investigate the universe
Advancing automotive simulation
Robert Roe looks at developments in crash testing simulation and learns that collaboration is the key for many companies and research organisations to improve simulation further
Resources Suppliers' directory
EDITORIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Managing editor Tim Gillett
editor.scw@
europascience.com Deputy editor Robert Roe
robert.roe@
europascience.com
Specialist reporters Sophia Ktori, William Payne, Gemma Church
Subscriptions marketing manager Sarah Sharpe
subs.electro@europascience.com
ADVERTISING TEAM Advertising sales Mike Nelson Tel: +44 (0)1223 221 039 Fax: +44 (0)1223 213 385
mike.nelson@
europascience.com
www.scientific-computing.com l @scwmagazine 30 24 22 12 10 4-8
INDUSTRY GEARING UP FOR SC16
As the industry prepares for the US supercomputing conference, SC16, it seems fitting that this issue focuses on computing to drive new insights, particularly through HPC technology. Astronomy is a
traditional HPC application because of the size and complexity of the simulations involved. On page 24 Gemma Church looks at simulation in astronomy, with a particular focus on soſtware tools that are enabling new insights. On page 4 William Payne investigates a new
16
wave of HPC technology, based on modular, standardised designs that reduce the burden of setting up and manging clusters. Tis is particularly useful for non-HPC experts and new users who can focus on deriving insights from their research rather than concentrate on maintaining a supercomputer. Turning to page 10, we focus on the methods of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre, which provides HPC capabilities and drives the development of energy-efficient computing technologies through the co-design of its data centre. On page 12 there is a preview of SC16, describing the activities and exhibitors that attendees can expect to see when they arrive in Salt Lake City. Elsewhere the focus shiſts away from
supercomputing but its impact can still be felt on page 30, where I look at the latest developments in crash simulation. Many of these simulations are so complex that they require considerable computing power, as well as collaboration between developers and users. On page 18, Sophia Ktori investigates the
use of data standards to streamline laboratory informatics research. Increasingly, the tools of informatics researchers need to support volumes of data that are growing dramatically – and, in some cases, converging with big data.
Robert Roe Deputy editor @scwmagazine
34
Production manager Alex Mappledoram Tel: +44 (0)1223 221 035 Fax: +44 (0)1223 213 385
alex.mappledoram@
europascience.com
CORPORATE TEAM Managing director Warren Clark Web
www.scientific-computing.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS:Free registration is available to qualifying individuals. Register online at
www.scientific-computing. com Subscriptions £180 a year for six issues to readers outside registration requirements. Single issue £20. Orders to ESL, SCW Circulation, 4 Signet Court, Swann Road, Cambridge, CB5 8LA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1223 221 030. Fax: +44 (0)1223 213 385. ©2016 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 specifically 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.
US copies:Scientific Computing World (ISSN 1356-7853/ USPS No 018-753) is published bi-monthly for £100 per year by Europa Science Ltd, and distributed in the USA by DSW, 75 Aberdeen Rd, Emigsville PA 17318-0437. Periodicals postage paid at Emigsville PA. Postmaster: Send address corrections to Scientific Computing World PO Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437.
Subscribe for free at
www.scientific-computing.com/subscribe
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 3
Cover: Alexaldo/
Shutterstock.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36