About Us

Introduction to BeoShock

High-performance computing (HPC) refers to the use of powerful computer systems and software applications to process large amounts of data or complex simulations at a much faster rate than would be possible with a typical computer. HPC is essential in many fields, from scientific research to engineering and even finance.

We are a collaborative effort between the Office of Research and Information Technology Services, with connections to KanREN and the Great Plains Network. Our primary mission is to provide high-performance computing resources to students, helping them to be successful and develop transferable skills that will help them in industry and fundamental research.

At Wichita State University, we understand that researchers, instructors, and staff often have compute-intensive jobs to process. That's where our research computing cluster comes in. Named "BeoShock" after "Beowulf" cluster and Shockers, our computing cluster boasts four GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) and 720 CPU (Central Processing Unit) "cores." To put this in perspective, most end-user computing devices only have one CPU, which usually has between one and eight total "cores."

The BeoShock cluster is available to all WSU constituents, as well as to those outside of WSU who are KBOR constituents. Our HPC resources are here to help you process your data-intensive jobs more efficiently, so you can focus on the important research that drives innovation and discovery.

We're proud to offer state-of-the-art computing resources to our community, and we're excited to see the incredible work that will be accomplished with the help of the BeoShock HPC cluster. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can assist with your research, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Vision Statement

At Wichita State University, we envision the BeoShock HPC system as a powerful tool that connects student success with cutting-edge technology. We strive to create an environment where students can leverage the capabilities of BeoShock to engage in high-performance computing research and develop the skills necessary to become leaders in their respective fields.

Mission Statement

The mission of Wichita State University's BeoShock HPC system is to provide a comprehensive and accessible platform for student success. Our mission is to empower students with the skills and knowledge to use BeoShock in a way that supports their academic and career goals. We aim to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation where students can explore the limits of high-performance computing and develop creative solutions to complex problems. By doing so, we are committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and providing our students with a transformative educational experience.

HPC Impact

At Wichita State University, diverse research groups have leveraged the High-performance computing (HPC) capabilities of BeoShock to achieve significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. Please also see "Teaching Today". Students comprise approximately 83.58% of Beoshock HPC users, while WSU Faculty represent around 8.94% and WSU Staff account for approximately 3.74% of the total user base.  

This is a collection of just some of the projects ongoing at Wichita State University that utilize BeoShock HPC. 

• Biology: High-performance computing is advancing research in plant diversity and evolution, allowing for the analysis of large genomic datasets, and facilitating computational skills training for biology students.
• Chemistry: Computational chemistry research is utilizing HPC resources for various projects, including collaborations with institutions such as the University of Texas, Virginia Tech, and the University of Minnesota, enabling advanced calculations and data analysis. 
• Data Science: Collaboration with other universities is enabling the launch of Community Data Labs, where students analyze real-world data from partner organizations, highlighting the interdisciplinary applications of HPC in addressing societal challenges through data-driven solutions.
• Industrial Engineering: The project aims to optimize high-speed machining setups by analyzing structural behavior and natural frequency to enhance force measurement accuracy from piezo sensors. Addressing vibration issues inherent in the setup is crucial for maintaining stable resonance behavior in force sensors. Utilizing an HPC system enables comprehensive analysis of the setup's dynamics, facilitating the identification and reduction of unwanted vibrations, improving machining precision and efficiency.  
• Mechanical Engineering: A first-year Mechanical Engineering PhD student at WSU conducted a project focused on heat transfer, specifically analyzing, and modeling boiling heat transfer on structured surfaces using deep learning neural networks and Bayesian optimization techniques. The project involves testing various AI models' scenarios in Python, with each run of the code taking approximately half an hour on the student's machine. To develop an optimized model, the student needs to run the Python code over 200 times. The proposed model will be based on data extracted from over 2000 literature sources. 
• Particle Physics: The experimental particle physics group at Wichita State University is developing deep learning-based particle reconstruction tools for the NOvA Neutrino Experiment at Fermilab, which require high-performance computing resources to handle large datasets and complex simulations. Additionally, the theoretical particle physics group uses the BeoShock HPC to perform Monte Carlo simulations for the LHC and future Muon colliders. 
• Quantum Computing: A quantum neural computing group is leveraging HPC to conduct simulations of quantum systems acting as neural networks, with applications in quantum communication and entanglement estimation, highlighting the potential of HPC in advancing quantum computing research. 
• Space Science: HPC resources are used to simulate potential new science with NASA spacecraft development for neutrino or dark matter detection in space, enabling exploration that would otherwise be limited.