R&D Center Grows Computing Muscle

DHAHRAN, August 19, 2009 -- Computer space and speed can limit a scientist’s research capabilities, particularly when it comes to modeling or simulating real-world conditions in the virtual world. Saudi Aramco researchers now will have more computational clout as the Research and Development Center’s (R&DC’s) High Performance Computing Cluster grows..

For many of the company’s research activities, advanced software requires massive supercomputer networks operating more than a hundred times faster than the local area network and requiring vast data storage expressed in terabytes instead of gigabytes.

To ensure that R&DC would have the computer power it needs, a team of employees from Information Technology and R&DC formed to examine both the requirements and a system that could handle them.

What resulted was a cluster of 336 processor cores of the latest, fastest generation, working together as one to handle a variety of tasks, from exploring new whole-crude desulfurization techniques to modeling fuel combustion. The cluster is currently up and running with a planned capacity expansion expected by late 2010 to handle the projected growth.

The HPC Cluster performs simulations of experiments that are cheaper, faster and safer than actually performing the experiment, Facilities Services head Emad A. Kohaji said during a July 18 recognition event.

Maan H. Shami of the R&DC Computational Team commented: “The cluster is a new Windows-Linux hybrid platform with several simulation packages working at the same time. This is a new experience for both the Research and Development Center and Information Technology.