It’s easy to take computing power for granted when the ability to look up any piece of information we need sits in our pockets each day. But when you explore the world of supercomputing your smartphone looks like an abacus.
A supercomputer is one that performs at or near the highest operational rate for computers. Today, that means being able to compute over one quintillion (18 zeroes) floating point operations (FLOPS) per second. For comparison, a desktop computer works in the range of hundreds of gigaFLOPS (11 zeroes) to tens of teraFLOPS (13 zeroes). This level of processing is made possible with architectures powered by multiple central processing units (CPUs) that communicate to process data in parallel for complex problem solving.
The Department of Energy (DoE) is a leader in building and harnessing the power of supercomputing with four of the top 10 fastest supercomputers in the world residing in DoE labs. These supercomputers provide a range of services to support government efforts.
Weather and Climate Forecasting
Twin supercomputers located in Virginia and Arizona provide weather modeling for meteorologists across the country. The newest generation of supercomputers have three times the capacity for advanced weather monitoring than the previous supercomputers which allows them to deploy higher-resolution models that better capture small-scale features like severe thunderstorms. They also provide more realistic models to better capture the formation of clouds and precipitation, and a larger number of individual model simulations to better quantify model certainty for more accurate forecasts and warnings.
Supercomputing is also being used for more long-term forecasting. The modeling enabled by supercomputers can analyze how warming patterns will impact not only weather, but critical infrastructure sectors like energy and transportation. Additionally, DoE’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) can create simulations of ocean circulation in the Atlantic to help model patterns for Antarctic systems.
Artificial Intelligence Research
As the government looks to harness and regulate the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, the infrastructure and experience of DoE’s supercomputing could prove valuable. At a recent hearing, DoE officials explained how they could use existing computing infrastructure to support high volumes of data processing to train and run advanced AI models in a way that mitigates risks including privacy and intellectual property rights.
Prototyping
The Department of Defense is utilizing supercomputing power to provide a virtual space to design and test jets, helicopters, ships, submarines, tanks, and antennas without building expensive prototypes or putting the public at risk. These simulations have improved and streamlined training for the fighter jet refueling process, leading to both significant cost savings and improved safety. Supercomputing powered models also helped troubleshoot issues a helicopter was having with engine inefficiency at low altitudes, pinpointing an issue with engine exhaust. Finding this in a virtual model likely saved more than $100 million in real-world examinations and testing.
The Future of Supercomputing
Supercomputing power is seen as a strategic asset for global competitiveness. The Next Generation Computing Research and Development Act aims to support the continued development of supercomputing power and capabilities at DoE as machines achieve faster speeds.
The technology, future development, policy, use cases, and more will be highlighted at SC23, the leading technical program for professionals and students in the supercomputing community exploring the technology and use cases. If you can’t make it to SC23 check out these other resources and events.
- Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence (white paper) – Technical progress in AI has been enabled in large part by advances in the underlying computational hardware—also known as semiconductors, integrated circuits, microelectronics, or simply chips—that offer increased processing power to improve the development of AI systems. This paper describes the types of semiconductors used in AI, concerns related to their supply chains, and challenges for the regulation of semiconductors to promote U.S. competitiveness in AI.
- Designing Ecosystems of Intelligence from First Principles (white paper) – This white paper lays out a vision of research and development in the field of artificial intelligence for the next decade (and beyond). Its outcome is a cyber-physical ecosystem of natural and synthetic sense-making, in which humans are integral participants.
- Tornadoes: Background and Forecasting (white paper) – Due to problems with reporting, it is not clear if the average number of tornadoes per year has changed or if climate change has shifted the number or strength of tornadoes overall. Considerations for Congress include whether and how federal agencies should keep looking into possible links between climate change and tornadoes and ways to lessen the effects of climate change.
- Extreme Weather Risk in a Changing Climate: Enhancing Prediction and Protecting Communities (white paper) – Extreme weather has devastating impacts on the American people, our communities, and our economy. Severe wildfires that have ravaged parts of the American West, and destructive tropical cyclones along the Gulf Coast, are salient examples. This paper focuses on how climate science and computing can provide significantly better information about the physical risks of extreme weather to empower households, communities, and companies and enable smart policy.
- Delivering Decision Advantage: Securing the Competitive Edge with Enhanced C2ISR Capabilities (November 15-16, 2023; Arlington, VA) – The future of warfare is marked by an accelerated tempo, increasing complexity, extended operational distances, and decentralized operations across all domains. At C2ISR USA, dive into the key pillars that define the future of C2ISR. Explore the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, and witness how they revolutionize decision-making and enhance operational effectiveness.
- 5th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit (February 28, 2024; Tysons Corner, VA) – Federal leaders and industry experts converge to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Discover cutting-edge AI advancements, engage in dynamic discussions, and forge strategic collaborations with key partners at this annual gathering of the movers and shakers in the field of AI.
Find more supercomputing insights on GovWhitePapers and GovEvents.
