MRI: Acquisition of a Shared High-Performance Computing System for Cyber-Enabled System Design

Iowa State University, Ames IA

Investigators

Abstract

This instrument, a new high-performance computing (HPC) platform, aims to accelerate knowledge discovery by supporting the research of 32 investigators from 15 departments. Building upon an institutional focus on simulation- and data-driven science, it will enable significant advances in two types of research, foundational and translational, and support training and development. Leveraging the HPC cluster, investigators in computer science, engineering, statistics, agriculture, and biology will conduct research on cyber-enabled systems design, thermal flows in the built environment, the design of materials, and phenotyping methods for plant and animal agriculture. This HPC cluster will enhance existing collaborative efforts and enable building new ones, support advanced student training in computational modeling and algorithm development, and allow sustained workforce development. This HPC system for Cyber-Enabled System Design includes a mix of computing nodes and nodes with general-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs), with sufficient memory, disk storage and parallel input/output capability to support cutting-edge research. The instrument will enable: (a) foundational data science advances with a focus on algorithms for system design under uncertainty, for cyber-physical data assimilation, and analysis of complex flow and material systems, (b) translation research in three thematic areas: energy, materials and manufacturing, and precision agriculture, with a focus on “materials by design”, smart power grid, quieter aircraft and wind turbines, and precision animal science, and (c) HPC training for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, to prepare a globally engaged, HPC aware workforce. Research using this computer system has the potential to improve food production, energy usage and manufacturing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.