A supercomputer is an ultra-fast computer that can be used for large-scale scientific calculations across a wide range of fields. Simulations using supercomputers have become vitally important as a third method of research and development, alongside experiments and theory. These supercomputer simulations can be extremely effective in a variety of situations in which experimental approaches are not applicable. Such situations include, for example, those where the object of study is too large or complex for analytical solutions, or in which experimental observation would require excessive time or high cost, or involve extreme or dangerous conditions (for instance radioactivity or high temperature). Simulations are also useful in cases where the subject of study is not amenable to experiment, such as in the case of the natural environment, geographic regions, or societies.
Supercomputers are now used in weather forecasting, in the design of cars and aircraft for analyzing structures and fluid flows, and for a wide range of other purposes. They are indispensable for the future of science and technology and the competitiveness of industry.
Comprehensive and high-level electronics skills in high-performance, low power dissipation semiconductor technology, optical communication technologies, network technologies and quality control technology, are all required in supercomputer development. Japan is at the top of the world in this field, but continued research development is needed to maintain and improve the country’s technological capacity.
K Computer
Japan’s Third Science and Technology Basic Plan (a Cabinet resolution adopted in March 2006) designated next-generation supercomputing as a key technology of national importance that should be the focus of investments in gestation periods for large-scale national projects. As a result, RIKEN along with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) are putting full efforts into the development and advancement of such technology.
Under the guidance of MEXT and on the basis of the “Law on Joint Use Promotion of Large-Scale Advanced Research Facilities” (effective July 2006), RIKEN is currently managing the construction of the Next-Generation Supercomputer, the “K computer.” The K computer is to be a shared resource based on the above law and, with its wide accessibility, is expected to be put to a broad range of uses—from diverse fields of basic science and technology research to applications in industry. It was with this in mind that RIKEN established the Advanced Institute for Computational Science (AICS) on July 1, 2010. Through the use of its world-class supercomputer boasting 10 petaflops of computational power, and through collaboration and integration of the fields of computational science and computer science, AICS strives to create an international center of excellence dedicated to generating world-leading results.
Additionally, the K computer serves as the core of the “innovative high-performance computer infrastructure (HPCI)” concept currently promoted by the Administration. The RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science promises to be the driving force behind the HPCI consortium.
*AICS: Advanced Institute for Computational Science
The K computer actually consists of more than 800 computer racks and an excess of 200,000 cables having a total length over 1,000km. In order to efficiently configure the racks and cables, the third floor of the computer building ― a huge space covering 50m x 60m ― is free of structural pillars.
On one hand, the degree of freedom for layout has been attained, but on the other hand it is necessary to secure the floor load capacity of 1t/m2 (avg.) in order to support the weight of racks, which can reach a maximum of 1.5t. High-technology design and construction have been used to meet the requirements.
Additionally, the first floor, on which the global file system is placed, has just three pillars, all of which are located near its center point.
Cores 548352
Rmax(GFlops) 8162000
Rpeak(GFlops) 8773632
Nmax 10725120
Ref:
Top500
K-Computer
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