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The University of Southampton’s Microsoft Institute of High Performance Computing advances aerospace engineering

Published: 9 June 2006

The University of Southampton announced today (9 June) that its Microsoft Institute for High Performance Computing (MIHPC), with support from the Microsoft Technology Centre, will deliver a proof-of-concept design system for BAE Systems based on Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003. Microsoft will support the MIHPC BAE Systems project with software and consultation.

The MIHPC at Southampton was selected by Microsoft and BAE Systems to improve the aircraft design process because of the University’s expertise in aerospace engineering, high performance computing, and Windows systems.

The proof-of-concept project integrates current and next-generation computing technologies to streamline the aerodynamic simulation process. This includes running the BAE Systems Solar System on Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003, managed through Windows Workflow Foundation, WinFX and SQL Server technologies.

"We are excited about this opportunity to work with Southampton and Microsoft to develop significant advances in aerospace engineering," said Jamil Appa, BAE Systems. "Our integration with the University’s expert researchers and Microsoft technology will result in greatly improved engineering design for BAE Systems."

Led by Professor Simon Cox and Dr. Kenji Takeda in the School of Engineering Sciences, the MIHPC harnesses world-class expertise in computational science and engineering to help create new opportunities for business and academia. The MIHPC at the University of Southampton is one of ten such institutes worldwide and was launched in November 2005. Its focus is to demonstrate how current and future Microsoft technologies can make the engineering design process easierand more efficient. By partnering with Microsoft the MHPCI will provide ongoing feedback for current and future product development, ensuring that advanced computing technology can make a real difference in real-world applications.

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Notes for editors

  1. The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University has around 20,000 students and nearly 5,000 staff.
    The university of Southampton’s School of Engineering Sciences offers expertise in engineering disciplines that underpin every aspect of 21st century life. Evolving from its traditional engineering roots, the School continues to expand into new, exciting research areas. From orthopaedic implant modelling and modern fuel cell technologies, to enhancing satellite broadcast technology and improving the aerodynamics of Formula One racing cars and hydrodynamics of America’s Cup yachts, the School is always at the leading edge of engineering research. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering
  2. BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded GB £15.4 billion (US$28 billion) in 2005.
  3. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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