Compete.org — Council on Competitiveness

Publications

  • SAIC Sun HPC

    “Learning To Cope With The Sun’s Stormy Weather Using High Performance Computing.”

    Researchers at Science Applications International Corporation in San Diego have been studying the sun’s corona and its impact on space weather for well over a decade. Advances in their understanding of the physics of solar activity, made possible by the use of supercomputers at the nearby NSF-funded San Diego Supercomputer Center, have allowed them to move from one-dimensional models of solar flares and coronal mass ejections to 3-D models that can more accurately predict the impact of these phenomena on weather in space. Space weather can have a major impact on Earth’s power grids, communications, satellites and other essential systems.

    Read More
  • Motorola HPC

    “Driving the Cellular Revolution With the Help of High Performance Computing.”

    Since 1986, Motorola has been using high performance computing to model cellular networks and telephones, an approach that has given them a clear competitive advantage and made the company a leader in wireless communications. The firm accesses the supercomputers at the NSF-funded University of Illinois National Center for Supercomputing Applications to create highly complex models of their wireless devices and infrastructure as different communications technologies emerge. They are now creating models that reflect the newest generation of cellular systems. Their work continues to help Motorola retain its leadership position in the global wireless marketplace.

    Read More
  • Alcoa HPC

    “High Performance Computing Drives a “Can-Do” Attitude at Alcoa.”

    Alcoa, the world’s leading producer of aluminum products, was one of the first companies to make major use of high performance computing when it became the NSF-funded Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center’s first industrial affiliate in 1987. When aluminum faced growing competition from plastic and other composite materials, the company used the PSC supercomputer to handle the complex modeling and simulations needed to get the jump on their competitors by successfully redesigning cans for the beverage industry and a variety of components for the automotive, aerospace, building and construction industries.

    Read More