MRI: Interdisciplinary Cluster Computing at a Liberal Arts College

该项目建立了一个计算机集群，用于需要大量计算处理和数据存储的研究，使以下研究成为可能：-缓冲区缓存策略的集成；-点阵量子场论的洞见；化石可视化;和a-汞分散的计算模型。第一种组合了管理计算机系统内主存的策略，模拟了这些策略可以组合的多种方式，确定了每种策略对另一种策略的影响，并最终为操作系统内核开发了统一的主存管理器。第二个应用计算密集型方法来深入了解晶格量子场论。使用蒙特卡罗模拟，本项目寻求对这些模型的基本物理（例如，相结构）的理解。这些模型将被用作研究改进动作和算法的实验室。第三个尝试是改进在使用x射线计算机断层扫描显示岩石中嵌入的化石时，将衰减投影转换为切片图像过程中出现的延迟。最后一篇论文开发了一个计算模型，用于计算附近燃煤电厂汞的扩散。计算能力允许探索完整的40年历史数据记录，从而允许测试和改进当地大气化学和运输模式。来自其他领域的其他教师将使用该设施来扩展现有研究项目的深度和广度，以及需要大量计算能力的新调查线。五所学院联盟（阿默斯特、霍利奥克山、史密斯、汉普郡和马萨诸塞大学）将共享基础设施。更广泛的影响：这种基础设施促进了多学科和机构间的研究。该集群将用于荣誉论文和暑期研究。因此，计算机集群增加了学生，包括许多女性和少数民族学生从事研究的机会。许多接受服务的本科生应该继续读研。

This project, setting up a computer cluster for research that requires substantial computational processing and data storage, enables the following research:-Integration of buffer cache policies;-Insights into lattice quantum field theories; -Fossil visualization; and a-Computational model for dispersion of mercury.The first combines strategies for managing main memory within computer systems simulating the many ways in which these strategies can be combined, determining the effect each has on the other, and ultimately developing a unified main memory manager for operating system kernels. The second applies computational intensive methods to gain insights into lattice quantum field theories. Using Monte Carlo simulation, this project seeks an understanding of the basic physics (e.g., the phase structure) of these models. The models will be used as a laboratory for studying improved actions and algorithms. The third attempts to improve the delays that occur in the process of converting attenuation projections into slice images when using X-radiographic computed tomography to visualize fossils embedded in rock. The last develops a computational model for dispersion of mercury from a nearby coal-fired power plant. The computational capabilities permit exploring the full 40-year historical data record, thus allowing testing and refinement of the local atmospheric chemistry and transport model. Additional faculty from other areas will use the facility to expand the depth and breadth of existing research projects and new lines of investigation requiring massive computational power. The Five College Consortium (Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Smith, Hampshire, and U Mass) will share the infrastructure.Broader Impact: This infrastructure promotes multidisciplinary and inter-institutional research. The cluster will be used for honor theses and summer research. Hence, the computer cluster increases the opportunity for students, including many female and minority students, to engage in research. Many of the undergraduates being serviced should continue unto graduate school.