STRUCTURAL DYNAMIC ANALYSIS ON A CONNECTION MACHINE

The Interacting Objects Process Model is a naturally parallel way of r epresenting processes based on a 'connectionist' approach. It provides powerful new opportunities for the modelling of complex systems inclu ding flexible local behaviour models, interrogation methods similar to those used in artificial intelligence and self monitoring methods for more effective reliability management. The development of the IOPM fo r structural dynamic analysis using the massively parallel Connection Machine CM-200 is reported here. Examples include idealised systems of springs and masses and continuum structural systems using finite elem ent relations. The performance compared to that of the IOPM on a seque ntial machine is analysed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.