DiRAC-2.5 DC - Operations 2017-2020

Physicists across the astronomy, nuclear and particle physics communities are focussed
on understanding how the Universe works at a very fundamental level. The distance scales
with which they work vary by 50 orders of magnitude from the smallest distances probed
by experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, deep within the atomic
nucleus, to the largest scale galaxy clusters discovered out in space. The Science challenges,
however, are linked through questions such as: How did the Universe begin and how is it evolving?
and What are the fundamental constituents and fabric of the Universe and how do they interact?

Progress requires new astronomical observations and experimental data but also
new theoretical insights. Theoretical understanding comes increasingly from large-scale
computations that allow us to confront the consequences of our theories very accurately
with the data or allow us to interrogate the data in detail to extract information that has
impact on our theories. These computations test the fastest computers that we have and
push the boundaries of technology in this sector. They also provide an excellent
environment for training students in state-of-the-art techniques for code optimisation and
data mining and visualisation.

The DiRAC-2.5 project builds on the success of the DiRAC HPC facility and will provide the resources needed
to support cutting edge research during 2017 in all areas of science supported by STFC.

Specifically the funding sort by Durham will allow:

A factor 2 increase in the computational power of the DiRAC supercomputer at the University of Durham, which is
designed for simulations requiring large amounts of computer memory. The usage of the system will be decided by
the DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee primarily, but it is envisaged that the enhanced system will be used, for
example, to:

(i) simulate the merger of pairs of black holes which generate gravitational waves such as those recently discovered by the
LIGO consortium;

(ii) perform the most realistic simulations to date of the formation and evolution of galaxies in the Universe

(iii) carry out detailed simulations of the interior of the sun and of planetary interiors.

The expected impact of the DiRAC 2.5 HPC facility is fully described in the attached pathways to impact document and
includes:
1) Disseminating best practice in High Performance Computing software engineering throughout the theoretical Particle
Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear physics communities in the UK as well as to industry partners.
2) Working on co-design projects with industry partners to improve future generations of hardware and software.
3) Development of new techniques in the area of High Performance Data Analytics which will benefit industry partners and
researchers in other fields such as biomedicine, biology, engineering, economics and social science, and the natural
environment who can use this new technology to improve research outcomes in their areas.
4) Share best practice on the design and operation of distributed HPC facilities with UK National e-Infrastructure partners.
5) Training of the next generation of research scientists of physical scientists to tackle problems effectively on state-of-theart
of High Performance Computing facilities. Such skills are much in demand from high-tech industry.
6) Engagement with the general public to promote interest in science, and to explain how our ability to solve complex
problems using the latest computer technology leads to new scientific capabilities/insights. Engagement of this kind also
naturally encourages the uptake of STEM subjects in schools.