Just like similar systems all over the word, HECToR will support scientists in their research, providing complex computer simulations that can help to forecast the impact of climate change, study fluctuations in ocean currents and the spread of epidemics and develop new materials and medicinal drugs.
In short, its objectives are:
- to provide a world-class service for UK-based academic research;
- to support the development of innovative computational technologies;
- to encourage industry and commerce to make effective use of high-end computing;
- to work with colleagues in Europe and worldwide.
According to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), HECToR - a Cray XT4 system worth GBP113 million (151 million) - is the most advanced supercomputing facility in the UK and one of the largest and most advanced supercomputers in Europe. It is four times faster than its predecessor and is capable of 63 million calculations a seconds, which is equivalent to the processing capacity humanity would achieve if every person on the planet were able to carry out 10,000 calculations in a second at the same time.
HECToR will have an initial theoretical peak capability of 63 teraflops (Tflop/s) with two upgrades planned for October 2009 and October 2011. The first upgrade is intended to increase its peak capability to approximately 250 Tflop/s.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.hector.ac.uk/
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