Software Framework for Collaborative Development of Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis Program

It is well recognized that a significant gap exists in the state-of-the-art computing methodologies and the state-of-practice in structural engineering analysis programs. In current engineering practice, finite element software packages need to be able to accommodate new advances in element and material formation, solution strategies, and computing environments. However, most prevailing structural analysis programs bundle all the procedures and program kernels into software packages that are developed by individual organizations. Extending these programs to incorporate new developments is a difficult process and more importantly, there is no easy way to link customized components by users and researchers separately outside the organization.