ABSTRACT
The finite element method can be used for computation of the dynamic response of large complicated structures. However, computation of time-history seismic response is a very time-consuming process, animation of response in real time requires high-performance computing resources. As such, an effective strategy needs to be devised for the animation of response of large structures. This chapter presents an effective strategy for realtime graphic animation of earthquake response of large structures that can be incorporated into a general-purpose finite element dynamic analysis system in a distributed or parallel/vector computing environment. It also presents a two-pronged strategy to develop an object-oriented graphic interface on a workstation combined with computations of seismic response on a supercomputer or a mainframe computer. The chapter also presents effective communication strategies between the two heterogeneous machines: a Unix Workstation IBM RS/6000 and a vector supercomputer CRAY YMP 8/864.
