About Us
The Research Computing Group at CAEN provides assistance to the Michigan Engineering community with high-performance computing resources to help accomplish research and teaching goals. CAEN, in collaboration with U-M Advanced Research Computing (ARC), is responsible for supporting these advanced computing resources.
High-Performance Computing
Several computing resources are available, and outlined below. To learn more, click on a link below or contact us at [email protected].
Campus Cluster Resources
- Great Lakes – U-M’s campus Linux-based high-performance computing cluster, Great Lakes, supports multi-core and long-running computations.
- This cluster is typically used for general research and teaching.
- Armis2 – Secure, Linux-based HPC cluster that aligns with HIPAA privacy standards.
- Lighthouse – U-M’s Lighthouse cluster offers space available when a grant requires a hardware purchase.
- ARC will maintain the hardware for a maintenance fee, which includes access to some software.
Off-Campus Cluster Resources
- ACCESS – ACCESS is part of the NSF-funded program that several universities and National Labs participate in.
- An ACCESS account allows users time on their clusters, storage and training.
- https://allocations.access-ci.org/resources
Funding
- UMRCP – The University of Michigan Research Computing Package provides the following at no charge on the clusters at U-M:
- 80,000 CPU hours for use on Great Lakes, Armis2, or a combination of both
- 10TB of high-performance storage for use on the cluster or within your lab
- 100TB of archival storage
Note: PIs must apply for this account for their researchers by visiting portal.arc.umich.edu.
- Cost-Share – If you need more computational time on the cluster, the College of Engineering can help pay for it, if you have an externally funded research gift/grant.
- For more information, see our cost-share information page.
Data Center Space
Do you have a server you need housed for you? There are some options available on campus to host server hardware.
- SI North (CoE Managed Data Center)
- MACC (Michigan Academic Computing Center)
- Lighthouse
Storage
We recommend the storage options listed below. (Refer to our Storage Option Comparison Table for additional details about each option.)
- Turbo – High-capacity, reliable, secure, and fast storage solution. 10TB is included with the UMRCP.
- Locker – Cost-optimized, high-capacity, large-file storage service for research data.
- Data Den – Low-cost, highly durable storage system. 100TB is included with the UMRCP.
Tip: If you need other storage solutions or aren’t sure which is best for your needs, use the Data Storage Finder Tool to find out what options are available.
Regulated Data
Doing research with CUI or otherwise sensitive data? U-M has options for securely working with that data.
- Great Lakes – U-M’s campus Linux-based high-performance computing cluster.
- Armis2 – Secure, Linux-based HPC cluster that aligns with HIPAA privacy standards.
- Secure Enclave Services (SES) – Virtual server environments that can be setup, so researchers can have a location to securely work with data up to ‘high’ classification.
Getting Started
ARC offers training and workshops as well as lecture captures of previous workshops so you can learn to use the clusters.
We have documentation on an Intro to Linux, and an intro to the Cluster. In addition, we are available to teach these to a course or research lab.
Email [email protected] if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment.
Contact Us
Contact [email protected] with questions or concerns about high-performance research computing at Michigan Engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to use high-performance computing?
Michigan Engineering provides access to a Great Lakes resource account that can be used by any Engineering student, faculty, or staff member. Restrictions are in place, depending on use case. Read more…
How do I request an account to access Michigan high-performance computing clusters (Great Lakes, Armis2, or Lighthouse)?
To request user access to one of the HPC clusters, submit the ITS-ARC Login form.
Can I access the cluster through a GUI web-interface?
Yes, Open OnDemand enables users to access their HPC resources for Great Lakes and Lighthouse clusters.
Where can I find training on how to use the cluster?
Visit our Intro to HPC page to find a variety of helpful documentation and other resources for new users. In addition, ARC provides several training videos and periodically offers events/workshops.
What is the difference between a user account, a SLURM account, and a paid/UMRCP account?
The user account enables the use of your UMICH uniqname and password to be used to log you into the computing clusters. Without requesting a user login, you will be unable to login to the cluster.
The SLURM account and paid/UMRCP accounts are resource accounts that let you use the resources on the cluster. They keep track of what resources you have used and bill your research group appropriately.
How do I move data in/out of the cluster/storage volume or share externally with Globus?
Globus is a data transfer tool that allows you to schedule transfers asynchronously and can resume transfers if it is interrupted. It can also be used to share data with external collaborators and can be used to schedule transfers at certain intervals so it can act as a primitive data backup tool.
I’m part of a student team or organization. Can I get time on the cluster?
Sponsored Student Organizations can get time on the cluster at no cost. Ask your sponsoring administrator to submit a request for time on the cluster on your behalf.
How can I check if my shortcode qualifies for a cost-shared account?
Enter your shortcode into the chartfield converter. If the “Fund” entry has a 20000, 25000, or 30000, you qualify for a cost-share. For more information, see our cost-share information page.
How can I request a change to my Turbo volume or start a new one?
Turbo is a high-capacity, network storage solution available to U-M users. You can change or order additional Turbo storage via the SRS website.
I’m writing a grant. How do I include info on the cluster in my proposal?
ARC has provided information about the cluster that you might need with submitting a research proposal. If you would like to give an acknowledgment for the cluster, ARC has prepared some language for that.
I’m writing a grant. How do I purchase hardware as part of my grant?
For researchers with a requirement to purchase hardware, Lighthouse supports the addition of hardware in an environment similar to Great Lakes. You are encouraged to contact us to discuss your purchase. For more information, contact [email protected].