Parallel processing for transient nonlinear structural dynamics of three-dimensional framed structures using domain decomposition

• Published in: Computers & structures Vol. 30; no. 6; pp. 1237 - 1254
• Main Authors: Hajjar, Jerome F., Abel, John F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1988; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building structure; Buildings. Public works; Computation methods. Tables. Charts; Construction (buildings and works); Exact sciences and technology; Metal structure; Structural analysis. Stresses; Dynamic response; Transient response; Parallel programming; Frame construction; Parallel calculus; Unsteady state; Iterative method; Substructure; Structural analysis; Steel structure; Space frame
• ISSN: 0045-7949; 1879-2243
• DOI: 10.1016/0045-7949(88)90189-7

A strategy is presented for the solution of the fully nonlinear transient structural dynamics problem in a coarse-grained parallel processing environment. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of three-dimensional framed structures subjected to arbitrary dynamic loading and, in particular, steel building frames subject to earthquake loading. Concerns include long-duration dynamic loading, geometric and material nonlinearity, and the wide distribution of vibrational frequencies found in frame models. The implicit domain decomposition method described employs substructuring techniques and then a preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm for the iterative solution of the reduced set of unknowns along the substructure interfaces. Substructuring is shown to provide a natural preconditioner for effective parallel iterative solution.