Engineers are now relying more often on simulation software and the software can now cope with very large and complex models.
Such a vast number of equations can sometimes take too long to solve especially when there are so many pressures from customers to achieve results quickly.
Engineers today use multi-core computers and they are often connected to more computers via high speed networks. This gives engineers access to a large amount of computer power within most companies.
Clusters of compute servers are also available and very affordable.
High Performance Computing (HPC) refers to the use of these multiple, high-speed processors (CPUs) to solve computationally intensive problems.
- Why is HPC important?
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Why is HPC important?
HPC systems can allow engineers to add more detail to their simulations. More detail may mean greater geometric detail or more realistic treatment of the physics of the problem. More detail means less assumptions and a greater confidence in the results. These higher fidelity simulations can lead to a reduced number of physical prototypes.
HPC with domain decomposition solves the helix array on a spacecraft with other antennas nearby
Past a Billion: Racing yacht design researchers push flow simulation past a meshing milestone.
Two leeward (downwind) views from behind (left) and front (right) showing the air flow velocity over the yacht.
Courtesy Ignazio Maria Viola
HPC systems can also allow engineers to run a greater number of simulations. This allows them to look at lots of different design ideas. It can even allow them to run an automatic optimisation of their design.
- HPC Systems and Simulation Software
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HPC Systems and Simulation Software
Engineers should ensure that their simulation software will allow them to tap into the available computer power provided by high-performance computing platforms. There are few topics they need to consider:
- Scaling
- Benchmarks
- Hardware Partners
- Tuning
- I/O Issues
- GPU
- Support and Advice
Scaling
Multi-processor and/or multi-core systems should be able to solve your simulation in parallel to speed-up the computation but is the speed up linear? Does the solution time reduce in the same proportion as the added number of extra processors?
Benchmarks
As you move from desktop systems to supercomputers you will need to be confident that your simulation software has been thoroughly tested on the platforms you intend to use. Look for published benchmarks before you invest.
Hardware Partners
Similarly, check whether your simulation software provider works closely with other players in this HPC industry to ensure compatibility. Is your software vendor partnering with hardware OEMs and is the software supported on multiple operating systems?
Tuning
Is your simulation software developer continually tuning their software to make to most out of the latest available HPC technologies?
I/O Issues
Solver speedup is not the only area that needs to be addressed by simulation software. The input and output (I/O) or reading and writing of results files is a potential bottleneck with large-scale solutions. I/O performance is an important consideration
GPU
Engineers may want to investigate using a graphics processing unit (GPU). GPUs can have hundreds of low power cores on a single socket and they have the potential to dramatically reduce solution times if your simulation software supports this approach
Support and Advice
Undoubtedly HPC technologies offer companies tremendous value. With so many issues to consider before implementing a HPC strategy it is crucial you have access to great support and sound advice. LEAP Australia has a large team of engineers. We have experience with large-scale simulations using HPC systems and ANSYS. We can provide advice and literature and we have access to hardware for running benchmarks and tests.
- More Information
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More Information
ANSYS HPC
