Large-scale Computational/Experimental Distributed Simulation Framework

Abstract

Partitioned analysis methods have been mostly used in hybrid (experimental-numerical) simulations, multiphysics, and large-scale structure-media problems since they allow decomposition of a complex structural system into smaller subsystems. Although they have been considered to be superior to monolithic methods in terms of software reuse, difficulties still exist in the implementation process. This study addresses these difficulties and proposes a generalized integrated simulation framework to ease the coupling of the substructures analyzed with different Finite Element (FE) codes or tested with experimental specimens. This is enabled by the development of a generalized communication routine and the use of a staggered partitioned approach such that each involved program can act as a black box which is accessible only through standard model input and output, i.e. only boundary displacements and forces. In the simulation framework, the substructures to be integrated can be either quasi-statically or dynamically simulated which corresponds to the component-level and system-level decompositions of a system. The intent of the component-level and system-level decomposition methods are different. Specifically, the component-level decomposition method is aimed to capture the nonlinear hysteretic behaviour of critical structural components and consider their influence on the system’s response. The system-level decomposition method, on the other hand, equally treats the partitions as independent dynamic substructures and it focuses on the dynamic interactions among the substructures. The accuracy and stability of the two integrated simulation methods are evaluated and their implementations to different analysis software have been verified. The simulation framework has been successfully used in various industry and research projects. To illustrate the current development and demonstrate potential of the simulation framework, two application examples are presented. One application is made for the performance assessment of a high-rise building based on the component-level decomposition method. The other example is a nuclear power plant containment structure with soil-structure interaction based on the system-level decomposition method.