HPC workloads like computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are proving unsuitable for public cloud computing. The pay-per-usage model used in the cloud leads to high operational costs that only get worse the more dedicated to the cloud you become. For CFD and similar workloads, it can be far more effective to build a balanced, efficient on-premises cluster to run your jobs.
That is why SourceCode has created the Cygnus CFD Cluster. The Cygnus CFD Cluster is a balanced, purpose-designed for cost-effective simulations and engineering workloads. It leverages open-source software and commodity components to ensure cost-effectiveness and avoid vendor lock-in. The Cygnus CFD cluster is designed to scale up and down as needed, starting with as little as one head node paired with one compute node, all the way to 80-plus node clusters.
Stratolaunch‘s mission to advance hypersonic testing relies on a co-designed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) cluster tailored to their specific needs. Featuring an ~1800-core compute system optimized for STAR-CCM+ simulations, this on-premises cluster enables high-fidelity aero heating and in-flight separation testing of the Talon-A vehicle (TA-0). Transitioning from the cloud to an on-premise solution provided Stratolaunch with enhanced security, greater operational flexibility, and cost efficiency—delivering the performance needed to push the boundaries of aerospace innovation.
For seamless management of your Cygnus CFD cluster, we integrate Warewulf, a powerful, open-source cluster management software from Control IQ. Warewulf simplifies the deployment, configuration, and monitoring of HPC environments, providing a scalable solution for managing clusters of all sizes—from small, researcher-run systems to supercomputers with tens of thousands of nodes. Its flexibility makes it easy to deploy, administer, debug, and secure in any clustering environment, ensuring efficient management throughout the cluster’s lifecycle.
We build each of our systems to “zero defect” standards in our U.S.-based manufacturing facilities. Then we hand-inspect every order, testing them to ensure they are 100% operational and optimized to support rapid deployment. Our testing process includes a suite of automated tools that simulate real world operations (including convenience and update utilities) and stress tests to validate system functionality. As an ISO 9001 certified company, we meticulously document all hardware settings, firmware updates, and software versioning to ensure easy replication and future reference.
We offer a comprehensive 3-year warranty standard, with every system purchased. If your needs require additional coverage, we also offer extended or custom warranty options. We understand that your work—from advancing medical research and exploring space to supporting real-time data in critical applications—is mission-critical. Our goal is to keep you focused on your work without interruption, so you can continue pushing boundaries in your field.
We offer customer support at different levels, each based on a detailed service level agreement (SLA) that fits your needs. And, with each one, you get the added benefit of knowing that the people who take your call are in-house Silicon Mechanics’ staff whose sole focus is customer support. When we say “Expert Included,” we mean it.
