The Standard Model of the universe is founded on quantum field theories in which the forces between the constituents of matter are mediated by the exchange of particles. Of particular interest is quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the theory proposed to describe the strong nuclear force, one of four fundamental forces of nature. The only way to reveal the properties of this fundamental theory is to numerically simulate the theory on a space-time lattice with millions of sites, which requires the use of high performance parallel supercomputers.

It was once thought that the vacuum of space was empty, however we now understand it to be permeated with quark and gluon field fluctuations described by QCD. In fact, scientists believe it requires an enormous amount of energy to clear these fields from the vacuum. Flux tubes of QCD fields form between quarks and confine them within particles such as protons and neutrons, making it impossible to isolate a single quark.

Recent breakthroughs in simulation techniques combined with eResearch SA's world-class supercomputing resources will enable South Australian physicists to determine the predictions of QCD and reveal the manner in which the fundamental forces  of nature give rise to the world around us.