Computer System for Analysis of Large Frameworks

The writing of efficient methods of solving simultaneous equations which result from a linear structural analysis of large frameworks is discussed. Gaussian elimination is considered, and numerous computational variations based on this method are developed. Each method is written to take advantage of some or all of the properties of the stiffness matrix. The solution routines, classed into two distinct groups, use either magnetic tape or need only the working store. The magnetic tape program involves matrix partitioning which is performed internally by the computer. Two methods of solution are based on single coefficient eliminations and two are based on the simultaneous elimination of groups of coefficients in the form of submatrix stiffness blocks. Comparisons are made between various methods, and rules are formulated which will permit automatic selection of the appropriate solution routine for a given problem.