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Did you know that supercomputers, first invented by Seymour Clay, have been around since the 1960s? Scientists have spent decades shaping this technology.
These fast computers are thousands of times more powerful than regular computers. For a long time, they were used only by governments and research centers.
Today, they’re used across industries for research and technological advancement. Many people don’t realize just how much influence these computers have on their lives.
Curious to know more? Keep reading for three examples of how supercomputers are used today.
- Simulations
Supercomputers’ advanced computer processors create complex, accurate simulations. They allow us to predict how machines will behave in real-life settings. Manufacturers can then update their designs to create safer, more effective models.
For example, supercomputers are used to simulate car crashes.
Before a new car ever hits the manufacturing floor, it’s run through hundreds of virtual tests. Engineers can see exactly how the car will behave under many crash conditions. They can adjust any part of the car’s design within moments and test the model again.
If they had to rely only on physical tests, this process would be expensive and resource-intensive. With virtual simulations, though, they have basically unlimited opportunities to design safe vehicles. Models are tested and approved before anyone builds a physical prototype.
Similar simulations are used in the aircraft industry. Supercomputers can make the complex calculations involved with fluid dynamics. They use these to simulate real-world flight conditions.
Scientists can even model the creation of the universe with supercomputers! Black holes and other mysteries of the universe become clearer with advanced computing.
Of course, it takes massive computing power to pull these simulations off. Read this article for more detail on the software required for supercomputing.
- Weather Forecasting
Once upon a time, people had to manually track various weather conditions. They used their observations to make predictions about future weather patterns. Now, supercomputers handle this job.
These computers make calculations across much wider data sets than people ever could. Global data lets these computers make accurate weather predictions in real time.
They’re also very good at making climate predictions across time. Supercomputers provide key insights into how climate change will affect the planet. The models these machines provide will help us plan for the future.
- Molecular Modeling
Microbiology, chemistry, and computer engineering have all had major advances in the past few decades. Together, these strides let us use supercomputers to model molecular compounds.
Pharmaceutical companies test out new medicines before creating them in the real world. Researchers model pathogens and their potential variants through supercomputers (including the novel coronavirus!). With these insights, we can better meet the challenges of the future.
Supercomputers: Unlimited Potential
Now you know three of the ways that supercomputers impact our lives. They can do everything from weather forecasting to the creation of new medicines. As our understanding of our world and computing advances, we’ll gain more insights and more power to shape our world.
Looking for more technology news? Look through the other articles on our site now!
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