Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Shift in simulation superiority

Shift in simulation superiority

May 04, 2009

Science and engineering are advancing rapidly in part due to ever more powerful computer simulations, yet the most advanced supercomputers require programming skills that all too few U.S. researchers possess. At the same time, affordable computers and committed national programs outside the U.S. are eroding American competitiveness in number of simulation-driven fields.

These are some of the key findings in the International Assessment of Research and Development in Simulation-Based Engineering and Science, released on Apr. 22, 2009, by the World Technology Evaluation Center (WTEC).




"The startling news was how quickly our assumptions have to change," said Phillip Westmoreland, program director for combustion, fire and plasma systems at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and one of the sponsors of the report. "Because computer chip speeds aren't increasing, hundreds and thousands of chips are being ganged together, each one with many processors. New ways of programming are necessary."

Like other WTEC studies, this study was led by a team of leading researchers from a range of simulation science and engineering disciplines and involved site visits to research facilities around the world.

The nearly 400-page, multi-agency report highlights several areas in which the U.S. still maintains a competitive edge, including the development of novel algorithms, but also highlights endeavors that are increasingly driven by efforts in Europe or Asia, such as the creation and simulation of new materials from first principles.

"Some of the new high-powered computers are as common as gaming computers, so key breakthroughs and leadership could come from anywhere in the world," added Westmoreland. "Last week's research-directions workshop brought together engineers and scientists from around the country, developing ideas that would keep the U.S. at the vanguard as we face these changes."

Sharon Glotzer of the University of Michigan chaired the panel of experts that executed the studies of the Asian, European and U.S. simulation research activities. Peter Cummings of both Vanderbilt University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory co-authored the report with Glotzer and seven other panelists, and the two co-chaired the Apr. 22-23, 2009, workshop with Glotzer that provided agencies initial guidance on strategic directions.

"Progress in simulation-based engineering and science holds great promise for the pervasive advancement of knowledge and understanding through discovery," said Clark Cooper, program director for materials and surface engineering at NSF and also a sponsor of the report. "We expect future developments to continue to enhance prediction and decision making in the presence of uncertainty."

National Science Foundation



Related Computer Simulations Current Events and Computer Simulations News Articles Computer Simulations Current Events and Computer Simulations News RSS Computer Simulations Current Events and Computer Simulations News RSS
Computational microscope peers into the working ribosome
Two new studies reveal in unprecedented detail how the ribosome interacts with other molecules to assemble new proteins and guide them toward their destination in biological cells.

Boat tail reduces truck fuel consumption by 7.5 percent
An articulated lorry was driven for a period of one year with a boat tail (of varying length) and one year without a boat tail. The improved aerodynamics, depending on the length of the boat tail, resulted in reduced fuel consumption (and emissions!) of up to 7.5 percent. The optimum boat tail length proved to be two metres.

LANL Roadrunner simulates nanoscale material failure
Very tiny wires, called nanowires, made from such metals as silver and gold, may play a crucial role as electrical or mechanical switches in the development of future-generation ultrasmall nanodevices.

Models begin to unravel how single DNA strands combine
Using computer simulations, a team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has identified some of the pathways through which single complementary strands of DNA interact and combine to form the double helix.

A new take on why social cues confuse babies and dogs in a classic hiding game
A study by developmental scientists at the University of Iowa and Indiana University challenges the conclusions of two recent studies on how babies and dogs respond to certain social cues.

Concentrating emissions
Researchers at MIT have shown the benefits of a new approach toward eliminating carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions at coal-burning power plants.

Magnetic Fields Play Larger Role in Star Formation than Previously Thought
he simple picture of star formation calls for giant clouds of gas and dust to collapse inward due to gravity, growing denser and hotter until igniting nuclear fusion. In reality, forces other than gravity also influence the birth of stars. New research shows that cosmic magnetic fields play a more important role in star formation than previously thought.

Environmentally 'green' beer: Munich brewing engineers research energy savings
A cool, freshly drawn beer - for many a person this is the greatest of pleasures. But, in fact, a bad conscience should haunt us when we drink beer as it is among the most energy-intensive foodstuffs during production.

The Arctic offers more evidence of human influences on climate change
A new study indicates that Arctic temperatures suddenly increased during the last 50 years of the period from 1 AD to the year 2000. Because this warming occurred abruptly during the 20th Century while atmospheric greenhouse gases were accumulating, these findings provide additional evidence that humans are influencing climate.

Hot and cold moves of cyanide and water
Scientists have long known that molecules dance about as the temperature rises, but now researchers know the exact steps that water takes with a certain molecule.
More Computer Simulations Current Events and Computer Simulations News Articles
Computer Simulation of Liquids

Computer Simulation of Liquids
by M. P. Allen (Author), D. J. Tildesley (Author)

A first in its field, this book is both an introduction to computer simulation of liquids for upper level undergraduates and a how-to guide for specialists. The authors discuss the latest simulation techniques of molecular dynamics and the Monte Carlo methods as well as how to avoid common programming pitfalls. Theoretical concepts and practical programming advice are amply reinforced with examples of computer simulation in action and samples of Fortran code. The authors have also included a wide selection of programs and routines on microfiche to aid chemists, physicists, chemical engineers, and computer scientists, as well as graduate and advanced students in chemistry.

  Summer Computer Simulation Annual Conference Proceedings
by Soc Computer Simulation Intl

Contains papers on computer simulation presented at the summer conference in a wide variety of areas.

Flight Sim X-Gold

Flight Sim X-Gold
by Microsoft

Flight Acceleration X-pack enables gamers to play head to head against their friends or others in exciting racing missions, in addition to 20 new missions and new content.  Looks better than ever with enhanced DX10 graphics!

Easy Simulations: Pioneers: A Complete Tool Kit With Background Information, Primary Sources, and More to Help Students Build Reading and Writing Skills—and Deepen Their Understanding of History

Easy Simulations: Pioneers: A Complete Tool Kit With Background Information, Primary Sources, and More to Help Students Build Reading and Writing Skills—and Deepen Their Understanding of History
by Tim Bailey (Author)

Relive the pioneer experience in your classroom with this easy-to-implement, weeklong simulation. Students take on the roles of various citizens from the 1840s and experience the challenges of traveling in a wagon on the Oregon Trail. Includes step-by-step directions, plus reproducible student worksheets, charts, maps, and rubrics—everything you need to run a successful simulation! For use with Grades 5 & Up.

  Using Computer Simulation to Understand & Optimize High Speed Machining [VHS]



  Using Computer Simulation to Understand & Optimize High speed Machining



Littlest Pet Shop

Littlest Pet Shop
by Electronic Arts

Littlest Pet Shop puts you right in the middle of all the fun in the Littlest Pet Shop world. Collect some of the newest and cutest pets from the Littlest Pet Shop. Have your pet explore the four separate environments in the Littlest Pet Shop world, where you can care for and play with your pets in a variety of mini-games too. You can even share your pets with your friends. The more time you spend with your pet having fun, the more great stuff you earn for your pet shop, including new pets, playsets, accessories, and more. Experience your Littlest Pet Shop in a whole new way. Key Game Features: Collect and name 32 pets—all your soon to be favorite Littlest Pet Shop friends including brand new Fanciest, Cuddliest, Sportiest, and Chilliest pets, and many...

Blueprints Computer-Based Case Simulation Review: USMLE Step 3 (Blueprints Series)

Blueprints Computer-Based Case Simulation Review: USMLE Step 3 (Blueprints Series)
by Carter E. Wahl (Author)

Blueprints Computer-Based Case Simulation Review is the first and only book to break down the computer-based case simulations administered on day two of the Step 3 exam. Many review books help you study for the multiple-choice question portion of Step 3, but none of them prepare you for the computer-based cases.

More than a practical guide, this must-have resource is your key to scoring high. The focused strategy for handling cases lets you apply your clinical knowledge to the exam with confidence. If you want to maximize your Step 3 test score, you need Blueprints Computer-Based Case Simulation Review!

Features:

Master the CCS test format Understand the tricks to treating computerized patients Predict your CCS Case topics before the exam Learn how your exam...

Battleground of Champions - Computer Tennis Simulation

Battleground of Champions - Computer Tennis Simulation

Tennis Master Series is a real tennis simulation thanks to a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence that simulates the true reactions of tennis players. Net rushers charge with piercing volleys and baseliners pound with powerful forehands and backhands. Each player follows his true style of play. You'll test your skills against 71 professional players. Each of them have their own tactics and attitudes - tiredness, power, precision, morale, aggressiveness, and special skills. Truly unsurpassed reality! Features: Wonderful 3D graphics with over 500 animations. Play singles or doubles. Excellent playability thanks to intuitive controls. 10 Masters Series stadiums faithfully reproduced. 3D graphics and 3D sound (crowd noise). Choose 3 different game modes: Tennis Masters Series Championship,...

Blueprints Computer-based Case Simulation Review: Usmle Step 3

Blueprints Computer-based Case Simulation Review: Usmle Step 3
by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Blueprints Computer-Based Case Simulation Review: USMLE Step 3 : Blueprints Computer-Based Case Simulation Review: USMLE Step 3 Pub Date: July 2004 Product Type: Print Author/s: Carter Wahl Blueprints Computer-Based Case Simulation Review: USMLE Step 3 is the first and only book to break down the computer-based case simulations administered on day two of the Step 3 exam. Many review books help you study for the multiple-choice question portion of the USMLE Step 3, but none of them prepare you for the computer-based cases.More than a practical guide, this must-have resource is your key to scoring high. The focused strategy for handling cases lets you apply your clinical knowledge to the exam with confidence.If you want to maximize your Step 3 test score, you need...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com