Super problems for supercomputers

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Sci. News (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3968917· OSTI ID:6101391

Peterson, I

This article discusses the ways in which simulations performed on high-speed computers combined with graphics are replacing experiments. Supercomputers ranging from the large, general-purpose Cray-1 and the CYBER 205 to machines designed for a specific type of calculation, are becoming essential research tools in many fields of science and engineering. Topics considered include crystal growth, aerodynamic design, molecular seismology, computer graphics, membrane design, quantum mechanical calculations, Soviet ''nuclear winter'' maps (modeling climate in a post-nuclear-war environment), and estimating nuclear forest fires. It is pointed out that the $15 million required to buy and support one supercomputer has limited its use in industry and universities.

• OSTI ID: 6101391
• Journal Information: Sci. News (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Sci. News (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 126; ISSN SCNEB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200* -- Mathematics & Computers
AERODYNAMICS
CHEMISTRY
CLIMATES
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
COMPUTERS
CRAY COMPUTERS
CRYSTAL GROWTH
ENGINEERING
FALLOUT
FIRE RESISTANCE
FLUID MECHANICS
FORESTS
GEOCHEMISTRY
MECHANICS
MEMBRANES
MOLECULES
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
QUANTUM MECHANICS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SEISMOLOGY
SIMULATION
USES
WEAPONS