MTU Aero Engines Utilizes Linux Cluster for Engine Development
MTU Aero Engines Utilizes Linux Cluster for Engine Development
SuSE Linux and Dell Computers set up a high-performance cluster
with 64 Dell rack servers
Munich, Germany, August 5, 2002 - MTU Aero Engines has decided to
use a Linux cluster for its engine development. The Linux cluster
consists of 64 Dell PowerEdge 1550 standard rack servers with two
1.13 GHz Intel Pentium III processors each, and a total main
memory of 144 GB SDRAM for the implementation of additional
computing capacities. SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 is used as
the operating system. The computers are networked using Fast
Ethernet and 2 GBit/s Myrinet.
The decision for the Linux cluster results from the MTU Aero
Engines engineers' rising demands for computing power. At the same
time, they expect the price-performance ratio to be as modest as
possible. "We decided to use the Linux cluster with Dell computers
due to the fact that it was the solution with the best price-
performance ratio," said Norbert Diehl, Head of the Information
Systems Engineering (CAE) Team at MTU Aero Engines. "A direct
comparison with Unix-based supercomputer solutions with the same
computing performance reveals that the overall costs for our Linux
cluster are about 2.5 - 3 times lower."
Nowadays, simulation programs requiring a high level of computing
are indispensable for the development of competitive products.
Already at the design stage, complex algorithms, the aerodynamic,
thermodynamic, and mechanical properties of components are
predicted, enabling an early optimization of the geometry of the
components. "In order to be successful in the market, the
development of new generations of engines must be promoted in a
straightforward and efficient manner," explained Norbert Diehl.
*** Seamless Integration and Perfect Stability
"We were able to perform the port of our Unix application software
to Linux within our MTU team without encountering any problems,"
explained project manager Dr. Axel Philipp. "However, the seamless
integration of the Linux cluster in the existing heterogeneous
server infrastructure constituted a special technical challenge.
Thus, we commissioned the experts of SuSE, who mastered this task
to our full satisfaction. The smooth interaction between users,
SuSE, and T-Systems, the operators of the MTU infrastructure, was
also noteworthy."
Dr. Philipp rated the stability of the new Linux cluster as
'excellent': "Our development engineers have nothing but praise.
We have been utilizing the Linux cluster productively around the
clock for the past three months without any failures.
Nevertheless, if serious problems should arise that cannot be
solved by our system administrators, our support agreements with
Dell and SuSE provide us with direct access to the required
specialists."
As is the case with modern mainframe systems, Linux clusters that
strictly comply with standard architectures can be expanded
virtually without limit. Server systems with standard components
(CPU, bus architecture, operating system) guarantee lower system
costs, better compatibility, and comparable availability,
resulting in a lower total cost of ownership. MTU Aero Engines
intends to expand the cluster soon. "The expansion of the Linux
cluster has already been decided upon. In view of our highly
positive experiences, we are going to double the performance of
the cluster within the coming six months," said Norbert Diehl.
*** About MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines, a DaimlerChrysler affiliate, has 7,800 employees
and EUR 2.5 billion in fiscal 2001 revenues. It is the world's
fifth-largest engine manufacturer and largest independent supplier
of commercial engine services.
*** About SuSE
SuSE Linux AG, Nuremberg/Germany, is one of the world's leading
providers of complete solutions based on the Open Source operating
system Linux. In addition to operating systems and application
software for private customers, SuSE Linux AG offers software
solutions and complete systems for the deployment of Linux in
companies. SuSE supports its enterprise customers with a
comprehensive range of qualified consulting, training, and support
services. The company, which hosts the world's largest development
team for Open Source solutions, has made its unique project and
support know-how accessible via the Internet in the largest
existing Linux knowledge database. For more information on SuSE
Linux, please visit http://www.suse.de/en/
Press contact:
SuSE Linux AG
Martina Krahmer
Deutschherrnstr. 15-19
90429 Nuremberg
Germany
martina.krahmer@suse.de
Phone: +49-(0)911-74053507
