SIMD implementation of a non-linear transient shell program with partially structured meshes

The implementation of an explicit transient program for the three-dimensional non-linear finite element analysis of shells on a massively parallel SIMD computer, the CONNECTION Machine, is described. Particular emphasis is placed on interprocessor communication using router and NEWS schemes. A hybrid communication scheme, where NEWS is used within structured subdomains and the router is used to exchange nodal forces between subdomains, is examined. It is shown that the ‘mesh-structure index’ of most large meshes is sufficient to make hybrid schemes effective and this is verified by computer runs. Some benchmark non-linear calculations with 8K to 32K elements are also presented.

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