SSD Emu - Supercomputer Simulation Software
Project Overview
SSD Emu represents a significant step forward in HPC education and training. As a software developer and research intern at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, I was tasked with creating a platform that would make supercomputing accessible to newcomers while maintaining the technical depth required for meaningful learning.
The Challenge
Supercomputers like Frontier, Summit, and Crusher are incredibly complex systems that require specialized knowledge to operate effectively. Traditional learning methods often involve reading documentation or watching tutorials, but these approaches lack the hands-on experience needed to build confidence and competence.
The Solution
SSD Emu provides an interactive, risk-free environment where users can:
- Submit simulated jobs to virtual supercomputers
- Learn about different queue systems and their characteristics
- Understand resource allocation and optimization strategies
- Practice with various job schedulers and their configurations
- Receive immediate feedback on their decisions and actions
Technical Implementation
The project is built using modern web technologies, with Ruby on Rails serving as the backend framework and PostgreSQL handling data persistence. The frontend provides an intuitive interface that mimics real supercomputer environments, while the backend simulates the complex interactions between different HPC components.
Impact and Results
This project has the potential to significantly reduce the learning curve for new HPC users, making supercomputing more accessible to researchers, students, and professionals. By providing a safe learning environment, SSD Emu helps build the next generation of HPC experts who can effectively utilize these powerful computing resources.
Future Development
The project is currently in active development, with plans to expand the simulation capabilities, add more supercomputer architectures, and integrate with educational platforms to reach a broader audience of learners.