White Paper: Design
Workstations vs. Clusters for Ansys Applications
SPONSORED BY: ![]()
This paper provides actionable insights into overcoming the challenges of workstation-based limitations. Unlock the full potential of engineering workflows with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters tailored for Ansys applications. By handling larger, more complex models and dramatically accelerating runtimes, clusters offer a significant advantage over traditional workstations. Download the white paper today and learn how to transform your engineering capabilities.
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Overview
The document discusses the advantages of high-performance computing (HPC) clusters over traditional workstation environments for running Ansys applications, emphasizing their role in enhancing engineering productivity and simulation capabilities. It highlights the limitations of legacy workstations, which restrict model scale, application performance, and overall engineering efficiency.
HPC clusters enable faster simulations, allowing engineers to complete more simulations in less time, thereby accelerating product development and improving time to market. For instance, one user reported a 20% speedup in simulation completion times, enabling them to run multiple simulations within a day. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for complex simulations, such as finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which require significant computational resources.
The document outlines the specific infrastructure requirements for different Ansys applications. For example, Ansys Fluent benefits from processors with large caches and high memory bandwidth, while Mechanical workloads perform best with high-frequency processors and high-performance storage solutions. HPE provides reference architectures tailored to these needs, guiding users in selecting optimal configurations for their HPC clusters.
Remote visualization solutions are also discussed, which allow users to run post-processing applications directly on the cluster, eliminating the need to transfer large datasets to local workstations. This capability enhances productivity, especially for remote engineers, by enabling faster workflows and collaborative analysis.
HPE's partnership with Ansys is emphasized, showcasing their commitment to delivering validated HPC cluster configurations specifically designed for Ansys applications. HPE offers a range of operational support services, including HPE Tech Care and Lifecycle Services, to assist users in deploying and managing their HPC environments effectively.
The document concludes by highlighting the cost efficiency of HPC clusters, which centralize resources and reduce the need for high-spec individual workstations. This consolidation allows for better utilization of IT resources and specialized hardware, ultimately leading to improved product quality and reduced prototyping costs.
In summary, the document advocates for the transition from workstation-based environments to HPC clusters, illustrating how this shift can significantly enhance simulation capabilities, reduce time to market, and optimize engineering productivity in manufacturing industries.