Researchers performed unique computer simulations
One of the most extensive data simulations ever was carried out a few weeks ago by researchers at KTH. The test is unique because the research group is the only one in Sweden to have access to Europe's new supercomputer LUMI.
”It was a unique event because the research group also tested the machine before it went into production. Suppose a simulation like this is to happen again. In that case, negotiations are required, " says Niclas Jansson, a researcher at the Parallel Computer Center (PDC) at KTH who performed the simulation together with his colleague Martin Karp.
In the simulation, the researchers at KTH wanted to test for example programmes, air flows around aeroplanes and cars, which affects energy use when building and designing wings and cars. The goal has been to try the simulation and how much computing power can be used simultaneously.
During the simulation, the data scientists were given access to LUMI during a 12-hour shift in a so-called Hero simulation, corresponding to 2 million computers simultaneously. In the simulation, the researchers tested the supercomputer's capacity and found that 80 percent of LUMI was used to 80 percent of its capacity.
”Outstanding capacity is emerging, and it is very rare to see that”, says Stefano Markidis, Associate Professor in computational science and computational systems.
Fruitful collaboration
The new supercomputer LUMI is unique in many ways because the supercomputers available in Sweden are small compared to those available in dominant countries such as the USA, China and Japan. Built-in Europe by a consortium, LUMI is the third-largest supercomputer in the world.
The simulations carried out are a fruitful collaboration between several different actors and schools at KTH, the Department of Computational Science and Computing Technology (CST) at EECS, the Department of Technical Mechanics at SCI and the Parallel Computer Center (PDC) at EECS.
”This shows that the research group at KTH is at the forefront when it comes to simulations and at the forefront of this type of research”, says Stefano Markidis.