FSU researchers will use the Dell cluster to study a host of important topics. For example, one of the key factors in fighting forest fires is the ability to predict the spread of the fire. The Dell cluster will simulate forest fire patterns with the goal of developing knowledge to help firefighters predict the behaviour of fires.

To reduce the noise created by jet engines, engineers look for subtle ways to change the shape of the jet engine turbo fans, aircraft wings and the fuselage. Using the Dell cluster, FSU researchers will examine possible aircraft design changes to identify ways to reduce noise during flight. Conducting this research using computer modelling is more cost-effective and faster than using wind tunnels.

"Working with Dell, FSU faculty and staff have come up with an innovative approach that allows for a continuously evolving computing capability which fills the gap between large national facilities and a desktop computer", stated Kirby Kemper, vice president for Research at FSU. "This new cluster builds on the concept originated at FSU of utilizing PC computer cluster farms for tackling problems that are computing-intensive."