A Distributed Computing Facility in Support of Atmospheric Science at Purdue University

传统上，大气科学的研究人员在计算支持领域有很大的需求。这是由于科学中对观测的重视(因此，需要处理和显示大量数据)，以及对非线性偏微分方程解的要求，而非线性偏微分方程组只能借助高速计算机进行数值求解。大型集中式计算机设施可以满足大气科学家的许多需求(例如，国家大气研究中心科学计算部；国家科学基金会赞助的超级计算机中心)，但长期以来已经证明，现场访问具有良好计算和图形能力的中端计算机可以显著提高教育和研究效率。与普渡大学分摊的费用一起，这项奖励将帮助购买一台中档系级计算机，这台计算机将直接支持七名教职员工的教育活动和研究，这些教职员工目前要么得到基金会的支持，要么正在等待提案。

Traditionally, researchers in the atmospheric sciences have had great needs in the area of computational support. This is due to the emphasis in the science on observations (hence, the need to manipulate and display large quantities of data) and the requirement for solutions to non-linear partial differential equations which can only be solved numerically with the aid of high speed computers. Many of the needs of atmospheric scientists can be satisfied by large centralized computer facilities (e.g. the National Center for Atmospheric Research Scientific Computing Division; National Science Foundation Sponsored supercomputer centers), but it has long been demonstrated that on-site access to mid-range computers with good computational and graphical capabilities can substantially enhance education and research productivity. In conjunction with cost sharing by Purdue University, this award will assist in the purchase of a mid-range departmental computer which will directly support educational activities and the research of seven faculty members who are either currently supported by the Foundation or have pending proposals.