Porsche uses new supercomputer in vehicle developmentHigh-performance computer inaugurated at the University of Stuttgart
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has now significantly increased the computing capacities available for its simulation calculations. Today, the Minister President for Baden Württemberg, Günther Oetiinger, was present to witness both the official inauguration of the newly constructed high-performance computer centre at the University of Stuttgart and the start-up of the extremely powerful NEC SX-8 supercomputer. Porsche will use this high-performance computer to perform the complex computer simulations required as part of its vehicle development activities even more rapidly and efficiently than before.
The new electronic NEC SX-8 "super brain" delivers a computing performance of 8,923 terraflops, a feat that puts it at no. 27 in the list of the world’s 500 most powerful computers. This supercomputer calculates around 4,000 times more quickly than the average normal workplace PC.
The computer centre will be run by Betriebsgesellschaft für Höchstleistungsrechner mbH (hww), Stuttgart, which was founded in 1995. Porsche AG is a founding shareholder in the company and holds a 10 percent interest in it. "Commerce and science in Germany have a shared interest in powerful supercomputers, which are becoming more and more important for research and development in the face of international competition," emphasised Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, CEO of Porsche AG. The decision to bundle these interests in a joint project had been made not least on account of the high associated investment costs. According to Wiedeking, the many years of commitment being provided by the automobile manufacturer would contribute not only to improved levels of efficiency in development work at Porsche, but would also ultimately strengthen Germany’s standing in the world of science.
GO
21.07.2005