Upgrading of a Linux PC Cluster for Geodynamical Modeling

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

0091971 Van Keken This grant provides partial support for the installation of a linux PC cluster in the department of Geological Sciences at the University of Michigan. The PI, Peter van Keken, is an assistant professor specializing in geodynamics. In addition to Van Keken, the facility will be used by Lars Stixrude, Carolina Lithgow-Bertelloni and Larry Ruff. The cluster will be used extensively for modeling of Earth's structure and dynamics with focus on thermochemical convection, chemical mixing, Earth's thermal evolution and ab-initio crystal structure calculations. Computational methods are based on parallel domain decomposition of 2D and 3D finite element applications, parallel Fourier transforms and Monte-Carlo investigations of multi-parameter spaces. This facility will support collaborative projects with investigators at several institutions that include Purdue, Arizona State, Minnesota, and Yale. The cluster will be integrated with the geophysics computational and visualization facilities. ***