Simulation of the interactions between a train and a long-span cable-stayed bridge using parallel computing with domain decomposition

Abstract

This paper deals with the use of parallel explicit finite element modeling with domain decomposition for the simulation of long-span cable-stayed bridge–train interactions. A full three-dimensional finite element model of the long-span cable-stayed bridge was created. Parallel computing based on contact balance was utilized to deal with this large-scale numerical simulation problem. Bridge–train interaction simulation was performed on a Dawning 4000A supercomputer using the finite element code LS-DYNA 971 optimized to run on parallel computers. The dynamic response of the cable-stayed bridge and the effect of different domain decomposition strategies on bridge–train simulation computing efficiency were investigated. The results show the numerical scalability of this algorithm which could also be used to guide the design of long-span cable-stayed bridges.