Computing, Simulation and Modelling

Our high performance computing facilities include Crescent with 1488-cores and 28 TeraFlops performance and the 60 TeraFlops, 1976 core HPC Delta. This enables us to implement distributed, high performance computing solutions. Some of our academics are able to access ARCHER, the UK's most powerful supercomputer, capable of over 3000 TeraFlops. We use this supercomputer to undertake very large complex reacting flow CFD simulations.

We have a wide-range of local servers providing numerical computing capability. We use Amazon and Microsoft cloud computing services in addition to our own.

Industry-standard software is used across our postgraduate degree courses, allowing students the opportunity to become familiar with packages they might encounter in the workplace. Examples include ANSYS, Fluent, CATIA, @Risk and SPSS.

Our work with business and research partners begins with developing an understanding the key drivers that are currently of importance – whether it’s reduction of time due to increased efficiency, improvement to reliability or to minimise cost. This ensures our solutions will be of maximum value.

Examples of advanced techniques we can utilise include:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Computed Aided Engineering (CAE)
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)

These are employed to address a number of client problems and decisions. We might be required to analyse, measure or simulate scenarios or environmental conditions, and make appropriate recommendations. We undertake feasibility or optimisation studies which involve modelling designs or modifying properties before assessing likely impact.
We work with businesses to understand and minimise uncertainties where potential risk cannot be evaluated using traditional methods, through the use of techniques such as sensitivity analysis. For design applications, this can reduce time and cost considerably compared to developing multiple prototypes. This is particularly important for industries where strict design standards and regulations must be adhered to.

Where our clients require the development of advanced computing software, we are able to provide bespoke solutions which can be readily implemented within the organisation.

Computing is a major element of our postgraduate degree courses, with our postgraduate student community able to work on client projects. Projects are supervised by our academic experts and results can be delivered in a matter of months. We have a large portfolio of short courses which offer a practical insight into computing, simulation and modelling techniques and software for each of our sectors.