Compute-intensive Problems

Overview Certain problems can be thought of as compute-intensive. Typically, compute-intensive problems are problems that involve processing complex calculations on massive amounts of data. One compute-intensive problem may consist of calculations numbering in the quadrillion range! What sorts of problems are this complex? Why do we need to solve these problems? Follow the links below to learn more about the compute-intensive problems scientists are working on today.

General Information Read about compute intensive problems in artificial intelligence in this article by Bart Selman, a professor at Cornell University. How PCs show strength in numbers is an interesting article about the use of multiple computers to solve difficult compute-intensive problems. Read how Ford and Altair worked together to solve compute-intensive problems related to automotive design and data management in this article about Altair PBS Pro engineering.

Supercomputer Centers One good place to start looking for compute-intensive problems is to look at the various supercomputer centers around the country. Most supercomputer centers have Web pages that include links to information about the supercomputers themselves, the scientists and researchers who work with them, and the types of problems they work on. Check out the following links to supercomputer centers to learn more.

• The Advanced Biomedical Supercomputing Center (BSC)
• Center for Advanced Computing Research (CACR)
• University of Minnesota Supercomputing Institute
• National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)
• Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center
• Texas A&M University Supercomputing Facility

Specific Problems You might think of compute-intensive problems as highly technical, complex, and downright boring. However, a lot of the research is actually quite interesting, and may even be related to your daily life! Check out the links below to learn more about some exciting compute-intensive projects.

• If you're interested in astronomy, you might be surprised to learn that planets take only  a few hundred years to form, not thousands as was previously believed. Check out astrophysicist Thomas Quinn's work at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center to learn more.
• The Earth Simulator project simulates the physical properties of the earth and allows scientists to better understand global-scale phenomena.
• NOAA runs many compute-intensive projects related to weather phenomena. Read about them at the NOAA Climate Research page.