Exploiting inherent parallelism in non-linear finite element analysis

Advanced Analysis of Steel Frames Using Parallel Processing and Vectorization

“…There are several advantageous locations to implement parallel processing in nonlinear finite-element analysis. 28,36 In addition to formation of the substructure stiffness matrices, the method of substructuring allows parallel processing to be incorporated into the following areas, termed in this study state determination for the elements and connections. In the inelastic analysis of PR frameworks, state determination consists of (1) computation of the displacements at the end(s) of all beam members in the finite-element model, (2) computation of the displacements along the length of each member using the computed displacements at the structure nodes, (3) determination of the states of stress and strain in the fibers for each finite element contained in the substructures, (4) updating the crosssectional properties for each of the finite elements in a substructure based on the current state of stress and strain, and (5) computation of the partially restrained connection stiffness at the ends of the beam members in the substructures.…”

“…However, excellent reviews of past research efforts in applications of substructuring, parallel processing, and vectorization in computational mechanics are available. 2,6,15,26,28,60 Much of the past research in applications of substructuring and parallel processing have emphasized large-structure design optimization, 3,7,49,51 the elastic analysis of large structures, 4,5,8,9,31,32 nonlinear transient analysis, 35,53 nonlinear finite-element analysis, 36 and implementation of parallel equation solvers. The neural dynamics model has been implemented recently in the optimal design of large structures.…”