February 3, 2007
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PhysOrg.com (01/08/07)
Elisa Sotelino is using the Virginia Tech supercomputer System X to model how structures will hold up under various conditions, such as fires or earthquakes. "What I do is take the initial information that the structural engineer obtains in the lab and create mathematical models to predict loads for similar structures," says Sotelino, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. "My models are very large and I need the advantages of the parallel computing capabilities of System X to run these models." System X, which demands new algorithms, can be used to solve structural problems mathematically, but in the real world issues such as cost and visual appeal must be taken into consideration. Sotelino is credited with developing a family of parallel algorithms called the Group Implicit Algorithms, which have contributed enormously to the area of nonlinear dynamic analysis of structures. The highly regarded specialist in the field was also the force behind the creation of the Structural Engineering Concurrent Software Development Environment (SECSDE). SECSDE is an application for the reusing, quick prototyping, and moving of parallel finite element analysis software for programming and executing complex structural engineering applications.
For the complete article, see http://www.physorg.com/news87449080.html
Posted by rab5 at 03:42 PM
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