Simulation as a Service: A Cloud-Based Framework to Support the Educational Use of Scientific Software Tom Bitterman, Da Cai, Dave Hudak, Rajiv Ramnath, Jay Ramanathan, Belinda Zhang

2 Introduction Simulation as a Service Polymer Portal Overview Polymer Portal Requirements and Challenges Polymer Portal Architecture and Implementation Evaluation and Conclusions

Simulation as a Service Simulation software is –expensive to purchase –difficult to install and maintain –complicated to run Potential users need –to train on the software before purchase –to be able to buy just as much as they need Offering simulation software as a service is a good fit

Users and Uses Academic UseIndustrial Use TrainingCoursesSeminars SimulationClass Project Research Product Development Testing 4 We were required to support both academic and industrial users There were both similarities and differences in how each group wanted to use the system

Common Requirements Support for a variety of packages Remote access Ease of use Ability to handle large-scale simulations Secure Reasonable cost 5

Solution Features E-Catalog - provided –User-friendly interface metaphor –Collaboration (forums, wikis) –Educational and training resources –Access to purchased services –E-commerce capability Single sign-on - enabled –simplified user experience –single point of entrance

Solution Features (contd.) Cloud environment – support for –heterogeneous environments (Windows, Linux) –scaling to large problems –uneven load schedules –wide variety of software –interface to HPC environment

Architecture E-Catalog –Own web content Drupal, Moodle –External account OSC cloud services –Data transfer –SSH and VNC to HPC –RDP to Windows –Common storage –Common authentication –Common accounting 8

Polymer Portal Provides polymer companies with software and training for modeling and simulation –Established with Polymer Ohio as part of the NIST MEP grant –Takes advantage of educational materials created under an NSF grant Application Services –Windows GUI applications: Moldex 3D, Ludovic, Avercast –Web applications: PFAST, Polymer Properties Predictor 9

Results We have offered training courses –they have been well attended –user feedback has been positive –support for both industrial and academic users Industrial use is just beginning Currently expanding software offerings 10

Application Service Case Study: PFAST Production Flow Analysis and Simulation Tool –Dr. Irani, Industrial, Welding and Systems Engineering, OSU Industrial Engineering –design of manufacturing cells and facility layout design Original application: Microsoft Visual C++ OSC services provides –Web-based user interface –E-catalog access –Secure access for multiple users