HPC in the Cloud

My proposed research proposal for a PhD aims to investigate new cloud platform-based resources for traditional HPC applications, exploring new methods of resource elasticity in terms of scalability (scale-out) and versatility (resource heterogeneity). The proposal is linked with the EPSRC / Rolls-Royce Strategic Partnership in Computational Science for Advanced Simulation and Modelling of Virtual Systems (ASiMoV) consortium project. ASiMoV's aim is to lead the development of the virtual certification of gas turbine engines and develop the next generation of engineering simulation and modelling techniques. A key emerging path for HPC systems deployment is to use the cloud. However, for companies such as Rolls-Royce there are major challenges that significantly limit cloud systems utility, particularly commercial cloud platforms such as AWS. These include data and code security, software containerisation, the optimization of data movement, and the understanding of cost (versus computing locally). This research will investigate solutions to these challenges drawing on my experience of blockchain technology for trusted remote/distributed computation and learning from the ASIMOV consortium's research collaborators Intel and Zenotech. I believe that this makes for a timely and well-placed PhD project.

ASiMoV aligns with the EPSRC Prosperity outcomes, particularly the Productive Nation. Enabling large scale simulations with unprecedented modelling accuracy will drive innovation in product design and technology and business innovation through digital transformation. The lean computing theme will deliver productivity improvements and affordable solutions. A significant focus of the partnership is to develop a talent pipeline for scientists to provide future technical leadership in an area critical to UK competitiveness. The extreme computing theme focuses on large-scale data and mathematical algorithms for Exascale which contribute to the Connected Nation ambition. The trusted computing theme will also develop solutions to cyber threats particularly for large distributed simulations in the cloud and so contributes to the Resilient Nation ambition.