Case Studies
The following case studies showcase recent scientific discoveries and research projects that rely on TACC resources, services and expertise. Through these projects, and others like them, it is clear that advanced computing is fundamental to science and society in the 21st century. We encourage you to download the PDFs below.
Astronomy
 Solar Revisions3D simulations at TACC force scientists to reevaluate the Sun's composition Spring 2010 |  TACC Helps "Stars" Take Center Stage in New York CitySummer 2009 |
Biology & Medicine
 The Affordable "Personal" GenomeRanger helps University of Illinois researchers simulate nanopore gene sequencer Spring 2010 |  Sound ScienceSimulations at TACC and NCSA show how subtle mutations cause deafness Spring 2010 |
 Ranger supercomputer enlisted to combat the H1N1 pandemicResearchers discover how mutations in viral protein lead to drug resistance Spring 2009 |  Virtual BreathMultidisciplinary researchers use TACC systems to develop breakthrough models of the human lung Spring 2009 |
 Productive WasteNational Renewable Energy Laboratory researchers use Ranger to extract ethanol from biomass Spring 2009 |  More Than A Magnifying GlassTACC, UTSW pair electron microscopes with Ranger and Spur to open door to biological insights Fall 2008 |
 Supercomputer Performs Surgery On Canine Without SurgeonCollaboration enables Lonestar to give real-time, data-driven treatment Spring 2008 |
Computer Science
 Safe TravelsNew computational system simulates metal fatigue on aircraft Summer 2010 |  Scientists Use Ranger for Image and Facial RecognitionPNNL scientists pull peak performance from Ranger for facial recognition Summer 2008 |
 Data Driven Office DynamicsEmerging field of Information Visualization helps archivists shed light on organizational dynamics Spring2008 |
Environment
 Cleaner Coal through ComputationStanford researcher uses Ranger to design better pollution controls Spring 2010 |
Geosciences & Weather Modeling
 Getting Ahead of the BP Oil SpillUT researchers aid oil spill effort with satellite and supercomputing technologies Summer 2010 |  Solving an Earth-Sized Jigsaw PuzzleBreakthrough geodynamics software maps the Earth's mantle Summer 2010 |
 Urgent Computing Aids Haiti Relief EffortUT's Center for Space Research and TACC enable real-time decision-making for first responders Spring 2010 |  CyberShakeClear with a Chance of Tremors Spring 2010 |
 Anticipating The Big OneTACC's Ranger helps the SCEC simulate its most realistic earthquake to date Spring 2009 |  High-Performance Computing At The Center Of The StormWith Hurricane Ike, researchers use Ranger to develop next-gen forecasts Fall 2008 |
Materials Science
 Morphing MetalsTexas A&M researcher exploits shape memory alloys to design smart materials for industry Summer 2010 |  Save Our SemiconductorsPurdue researcher develops new nano-simulation tools on Ranger to design smaller transistors Spring 2009 |
Physics
 The Fundamentals of High-Speed FlightResearchers use Ranger supercomputer to manage shock waves for next-generation aircraft Spring 2009 |
Social Sciences
 Digital DividendsMcCombs School of Business researchers use TACC's Lonestar system to model market behavior Spring 2009 |  Scientific Computing CurriculumTACC's Scientific Computing Curriculum Enables Young Researcher to Excel in Astronomy Spring 2009 |
 Remodeling The MindCognitive psychologist uses TACC's Lonestar supercomputer to explore vision, congnition, and attention Spring 2007 |