Welcome to ASCR Discovery, a webzine about the research
that powers computational science – the use
of computers to gain insight and understanding of scientific
questions.
The Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research in the
Department of Energy Office of Science supports the projects
described here. ASCR’s portfolio includes projects at DOE
laboratories and many public and private universities.
Such research may take years to reach fruition, but has
profound impact on science and, ultimately, the way we live.
We hope you find ASCR Discovery enlightening, and we encourage
your comments.
Science in motion
Scientific visualization harnesses the power of computing and human vision as full partners in scientific reasoning. As this gallery of computer-animated simulations shows, there is no end to the possibilities in sight.
Computer scientists must tweak codes
to optimize performance on today's supercomputers &ndash a time-consuming process that often doesn't
translate
from one platform to another. Orio, a
new software tool, uses annotations
to automate the
process.
Concrete may be as common as dirt today, but much of what's known about
pouring this vital material is based on the gut feelings
of experienced crews. Now computer models are illuminating what influences flow and how that affects stress and environmental
impact.
Clearing up clouds
- new
A team of researchers led by a Colorado State University scientist is hoping to disperse some
of the haze surrounding clouds' behavior and influence on the atmosphere. The tool: a
simulation operating at an exceptionally fine scale.
Subterranean blues
- new
Understanding how water carries contaminants underground &ndash and how those chemicals react with soils &ndash is key to stopping the
spread of radionuclides left by nuclear fuel production. A research
team's simulations are helping decipher the process so site managers can
choose the best cleanup methods.
More than a bit faster
An eight-year effort to improve database indexing is paying off for a group of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researchers. FastBit, their program to accelerate searches, recently earned recognition as a promising technology.
Consistently inconsistent
A Sandia National Laboratories scientist is wading into the unpredictable
reactions driving processes like gene regulation and electricity generation
from fuel cells. He earned a prestigious honor for his work, which could
advance medicine and energy.
Notable covers developments in the scientific computing field, including work that has gained recognition and researchers who are moving up or moving on.
