DiRAC is the integrated supercomputing facility for theoretical modelling and HPC-based research in particle physics, nuclear physics, astronomy and cosmology, areas in which the UK is world-leading.
HPC-based modelling remains an essential tool for the exploitation of observational and experimental facilities in astronomy, particle physics and nuclear physics. The investment in new hardware has provided UK particle physicists, nuclear physicists, and astronomers with upgraded HPC technology to address some of the most challenging scientific problems and to test theories and run simulations from the data gathered in experiments.
The DiRAC facility provides a variety of computer architectures, matching machine architecture to the algorithm design and requirements of the research problems to be solved, whilst addressing the STFC scientific challenges. The science facilitated includes:
The continued pooling of complementary expertise within DiRAC ensures that the UK remains one of the world-leaders of theoretical modelling in particle physics, nuclear physics, astronomy and cosmology.
Some of the science questions which can be achieved by the DiRAC facilities include the following:
DiRAC is both an academic-led and academic supervised Facility with an active Project Board and Technical Working Group that ensures that the science goals of the community are solved by the most appropriate technical and algorithmic solution. DiRAC is managed as a single Facility.
Information regarding the services and resources supported by DiRAC can be found on the DiRAC website.
The DiRAC Project Board is the highest body with the DiRAC management structure and is responsible for the overall direction of the Facility. It puts together the scientific strategy of the Facility and oversees the implementation of this, along with the technical strategy. The Project Board monitors the operations and development, ensuring this is efficient and is responsible for the operations and capital budgets.
In addition to its excellent support for the STFC PPAN (Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics) programme, DiRAC has an outstanding track record of impact delivery in both industrial engagement and innovation activities; along with training and outreach. PhD students use DiRAC resources for their research and develop advanced skills which are transferred to their future careers, and on average trains 50-130 people per year. Many of the projects using DiRAC facilities are actively engaged in public outreach activities which generates significant media and public interest.
A selection of science highlights achieved using DiRAC resources can be found on the DiRAC website, one of which includes the following:
Gravitational Waves 2017: There were a number of significant discoveries during the LIGO-Virgo second observing run where a third binary black hole observation was made in January 2017, followed by another black hole signal in June. During August, a number of further observations were made, including the first observation of gravitational waves from two neutron stars spiralling together. This signal provides the strongest support for Einstein’s general relativity. The theoretical models of binary-black-hole signals were developed with the numerical simulations performed on DiRAC facilities which were an integral part of these gravitational waves measurements. These models have been extended to an approximate model of subdominant harmonics, in readiness for the next observing run in early 2019. This model is now being more precisely tuned to numerical simulations.
Both academic and non-academic users are welcome to use the DiRAC facilities.
Non-academic users should see the information on the DiRAC website.
Academic users can gain access by applying to the DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee (RAC). The RAC is responsible for the allocation of DiRAC’s resources. The RAC consists of two sub-panels: the Particle Physics and Nuclear Theory Sub-Panel, and the Astronomy and Cosmology Sub-Panel. The sub-panels will assess applications in their respective scientific remits and then the full RAC will recommend the overall allocation of resources across all applications.
The RAC will issue one Call per year inviting applicants to apply for time on DiRAC facilities. The Call guidelines and application forms can be found on the DiRAC website.
The RAC invites the following proposal types:
The DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee (RAC) will:
The DiRAC Resource Allocation Committee is responsible to the STFC Executive and will provide reports to the STFC DiRAC Oversight Committee. Terms of Reference and membership are provided for reference. The DiRAC RAC holds one call per year for projects to gain time on the DiRAC facility.
Anyone wishing to apply for Seedcorn Time can do so by following the instructions on the DiRAC Website.
Last updated: 22 November 2019