US reclaims supercomputer crown from Japan

A supercomputer designed by IBM has become the most powerful computer in the world, overtaking one currently installed in Japan.

Sequoia, which is being used by the US Department of Energy to carry out nuclear weapon simulations, is able to calculate information in one hour what would take 6.7bn people with calculators 320 years, according to IBM.

The hope is that the computer will allow simulations to be carried of nuclear weapons, providing a safer system than the current underground tests. It will also cause aging nuclear weapons to have their lives extended.

US National Security Advisor Thomas D’Agostino said: “While Sequoia may be the fastest, the underlying computing capabilities it provides give us increased confidence in the nation’s nuclear deterrent. Sequoia also represents continued American leadership in high performance computing.”

A spokesman for the programme added: “Sequoia will provide a more complete understanding of weapons performance, notably hydrodynamics and properties of materials at extreme pressures and temperatures.

“In particular, the system will enable suites of highly resolved uncertainty quantification calculations to support the effort to extend the life of aging weapons systems; what we call a life extension program (LEP).”

It is seen as a boon for US tech innovators, who saw the crown of most powerful computer go to China in 2010, before Japanese maker Fujitsu designed the K Computer last year.

Of the top ten list of supercomputers, Sequoia is one of the most energy efficient, using 4.7 megawatts less power than the K Computer.

With increased innovation in supercomputers occurring with Asian manufacturers, the US will be eager to retain the top spot, after only two other US firms reached the top ten list.