• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

›› 1981, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (3): 1-14.

• Article •     Next Articles

FINITE ELEMENT PRACTICE AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Edward;L.Wilson   

  1. Professor of Civil Engineering University of California, Berkeley
  • Published:1981-06-01

Abstract: In the Uniled states the use of expensive main-frame Computers in structural analysis is being challenged by the availability of inexpensive minicomputers and microprocessors. However, the use of this new equipment has not been fully exploited due to the lack of software. One of the purpose of this paper is to summarize the currently available small computer systems and their potential use in the design and analysis of structures. Another purpose of the paper is to describe the capabilities and internal program organization of a new series of computer programs for structural analysis.. The program segments are designed to operate with a Common data base management system and are executable on micro or large mainframe computers, The program is organized for use with a profile, out-of core, .equation -solver with a substructure option; Dynamic and nonlinear analysis capabilities are restricted to the final level of substructure analysis Also, the use of higher order isoparometric elements and adaptive mesh refinement are designed to eliminate many of the problems which have been associated with mesh generation and verification. It is concluded that Engineers in china have an unigve opportunity to immediately utilize thesenew developments. Since they have not made. A large commitment. Of time learning the use of obsolute programs, it will be possible to start new development efforts which will effectivelyuse new, inexpensive computer equipment.