Introduction

The Centre for High Performance Computing and Visualisation (HPC/V) offers scientists state-of-the-art facilities in the field of high-performance computers as well as 3D visualization and Virtual Reality (VR).

Located in the Zernikeborg as part of the Center for Information Technology of the University of Groningen, HPC/V promotes the use of these facilities through support and education as well as novel applications of them. 

External parties can also purchase the services of the HPC/V, for example for architectural or landscape visualization.

 

High-performance computing

Scientists at the University of Groningen can make use of the advanced high performance computing facilities offered by HPC/V. These consist of a Linux cluster, a grid cluster and a 12,288-core IBM BlueGene/P for the LOFAR project. With a peak performance of 35 TeraFlops, the BlueGene is one of the fastest computers in the world. 

New insights through Virtual Reality

The Zernikeborg houses the Reality Centre, a unique Virtual Reality (VR) facility that has many uses within and outside the university. It consists of the Reality Theatre, the Reality Cube and the portable 3D system.

These facilities immerse the user in a virtual 3D world full of interaction, allowing scientists to gain new insights into 'real world' problems, ranging from molecular structures to the development of the universe to human behaviour.

To enable optimal use of its facilities, the HPC/V supports scientists in these projects through 3D software development and 3D modelling.  

Good for all

When the Reality Centre was built, one of the prerequisites was that this high-tech installation would also benefit (local) non-university parties. This has led to many successful commercial projects, for example in the field of architectural and landscape visualization. HPC/V has also applied its expertise to several theatre performances and museum exhibitions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in doing a project with HPC/V.

The bigger picture 

The HPC/V is one of the members of the Groningen Visualization Centre, a platform for all visualization groups in the Groningen area.

The HPC/V is one of the three national centres for high performance computing within NWO (the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research). 

The HPC/V is part of the Donald Smits Center for Information Technology of the University of Groningen. A scientific board advises the management of the HPC/V Centre on technical and scientific issues.

Industrial or governmental departments can also benefit from the facilities of the HPC/V. Many of the projects of the HPC/V were conducted for these types of department.