Exascale computing refers to computing systems capable of at least one exaflop or a billion billion calculations per second (1018). That is 50 times faster than the most powerful supercomputers being used today and represents a thousand-fold increase over the first petascale computer that came into operation in 2008. How we use these large-scale simulation resources is the key to solving some of today’s most pressing problems, including clean energy production, nuclear reactor lifetime extension and nuclear stockpile aging. [1]

Figure 1. Benefits of exascale computing

Reducing Pollution. Exascale computing has the potential to reduce pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Over 85 percent of the world’s energy is generated by burning fossil fuels. But we can minimize pollution and optimize efficiency by understanding and controlling the chemical process of combustion. Through exascale computing, we expect it will be possible to increase the efficiency of combustion systems in engines and gas turbines for transportation and power generation by potentially 25-50%, and to lower emissions.

Advances in Materials Science. In order to create certain new technologies and inventions, we need to discover new materials with specific properties. One crucial way to make these discoveries is by complex calculations that simulate how materials behave in nature, and the use of massive databases of known compounds to identify combinations that have the desired properties. Deep learning techniques and classical simulation are in use today in this field; exascale computing will enable faster and more complex designs.

Advances in Healthcare. Exascale computing will accelerate cancer research by helping scientists understand the molecular basis of key protein interactions and by automating the analysis of information from millions of cancer patient records to determine optimal treatment strategies. It will also enable doctors to predict the right treatments for the patient by modeling drug responses.

Predicting Severe Weather. Weather prediction models will be able to predict more accurately and quickly the timing and path of severe weather events such as hurricanes by using much higher spatial resolution, incorporating more physics, and assimilating more observational data. [3]

References:

1. https://www.lanl.gov/projects/exascale-computing-project/
2. https://www.arm.com/glossary/exascale-computing
3. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-we-need-exascale-computing_b_58c94f59e4b0009b23bd94c4

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2021) Benefits of Exascale Computing, AnaTechmaz, pp. 33