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

Abstract

Abstract 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.