High-performance computing can be defined as an ability to perform complex calculations in a lightning-fast manner. It works by networking numerous servers into a single cluster that does the processing.
Naturally, the ability to compute enormous amounts of data in a manageable timeframe is very useful to all kinds of big and small businesses. However, some industries benefit from the inclusion of HPC even more than others.
These industries vary a lot in terms of their products, applications, and even goals. What connects them is an insatiable need for fast processing power necessary to simulate various outcomes. Read on to discover what business avenues gain the most from high-performance computing!
Automotive Industry
High-performance computing is becoming more prevalent in the auto industry as time goes by. It is used to design and test new cars, but also to improve the existing ones. HPC helps engineers simulate how a new car will behave on the road, how it will handle different terrain, and how safe it is.
To do that, they need to run complex simulations of real-world conditions. Various automotive simulation solutions can easily process countless gigabytes of data without any issues. This allows the engineers to experiment with new materials, components, or designs and know the most likely outcome before the pre-production.
For example, it is possible to simulate different types of car crashes and only then approve the vehicle for initial manufacturing and real-life crash tests.
Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is another sector where HPC is a must-have. The main reason for that is the complexity of aircraft design and the need to simulate their behavior in many different scenarios (e.g., turbulence, extreme weather conditions, etc.). This can be done by running supercomputer simulations, which is much cheaper than building test prototypes.
Also, it allows engineers to examine every aspect of a new aircraft and make adjustments early on instead of making changes during production. This way, the entire manufacturing process is much more efficient and less resource intensive.
Financial Sector
The financial sector utilizes HPC in a variety of different fields. For example, banks use it to predict future trends and detect fraudulent behavior. This can be done faster and more accurately with computer simulations than by human experts alone.
Another area where supercomputers are used is risk assessment. With this application of HPC, financial institutions can predict the probability of market crashes, interest rate changes, or any other events that might negatively impact their business. This allows them to take proactive measures and reduce risks and losses.
Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry is an area where HPC is becoming more and more important. The main reason for this is the increasing complexity of medical treatments and the need to tailor them to each individual patient.
To do that, doctors need to have access to large databases of patient records and medical knowledge so that they can make informed decisions about treatment plans. Supercomputers are very good at storing and processing enormous amounts of data, and this allows doctors to get the information they need quickly and without any errors.
High-performance computing can also be used to develop new drugs and treatments. By running simulations, scientists can test how a new drug will interact with the human body and what side effects it might have. This way, they can reduce the risk of failed clinical trials and save a lot of time and money.
Manufacturing Industry
High-performance computing is also becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing industry. The main reason for this is the need to design and produce ever-more complex products. For example, new types of materials and components are constantly being introduced, and it is not possible to test all of them in the real world.
With HPC, engineers can run simulations to see how the new material will behave under different conditions. This allows them to choose the best ones for their products and avoid expensive mistakes.
HPC can also be used to optimize production processes. By running tests using HPC, manufacturers can find the most efficient way to produce a particular product. This way, they can save a lot of time and money while still ensuring that the final product meets all quality standards.
Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry is another sector that is benefiting from high-performance computing. The main reason for this is the need to find and extract oil and gas from ever-more complex reservoirs. To do that, engineers need to run simulations to see how different extraction methods will affect the supply.
This way, they can select the best method to extract the maximum amount of oil and gas while minimizing any kinds of risks related to the location, supply chains, and so on. HPC can also be used to reduce the complexity of identifying potential oil and gas wells.
Conclusion
High-performance computing is a great tool that can be used by businesses in a variety of different industries. It allows them to run simulations and test different scenarios quickly and easily. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, financial, healthcare, manufacturing, and oil and gas can all benefit from the use of high-performance computing.
Of course, these are only some of the industries that profit from HPC. Any business that needs to process large amounts of data quickly and accurately can use high-performance computing. Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas about how HPC can be used in different businesses!