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Use of High-Performance Computing in Physics. David Bird
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
