Idaho National Laboratory has received delivery of a new supercomputer designed to generate modeling for the development of future nuclear applications. The $19.2 million Sawtooth computer would help INL researchers virtually test new designs for reactors and fuels via simulation, the laboratory said Wednesday.
Researchers will receive access to Sawtooth in early 2020, allowing for development with reduced physical resource costs. Sawtooth is currently INL’s fastest supercomputer. John Wagner, who serves as associate laboratory director of INL’s nuclear science and technology directorate, noted that the supercomputer will vitally contribute to development activities at the National Reactor Innovation Center.
“With advanced modeling and simulation and the computing power now available, we expect to be able to dramatically shorten the time it takes to test, manufacture and commercialize new nuclear technologies,†Wagner said.
The Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy provided funds for Sawtooth.
