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Recent advances in computer hardware and software have made multiprocessing a viable and attractive technology. This paper reviews high‐performance computing methods in structural mechanics and engineering through the use of a new generation of multiprocessor computers. The paper presents an overview of vector pipelining, performance metrics for parallel and vector computers, programming languages, and general programming considerations. Recent developments in the application of concurrent processing techniques to the solution of structural mechanics and engineering problems are reviewed, with special emphasis on linear structural analysis, nonlinear structural analysis, transient structural analysis, dynamics of multibody flexible systems, and structural optimization.

Abstract: For many years shot peering has been used to provide fatigue resistance and form to airplane wing skins at the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company. In this process, the peening intensities used to form a new wing skin have been obtained through the use of approximate geometric relationships, along with a considerable amount of trial and error testing. This paper describes a numerical model that has been applied to replicate the shot peening process used at Boeing. The model is used to predict peening intensities and the initial size of the skin (flat pattern) given an arbitrary aerodynamic contour requirement. Discussion focuses on the finite element method and special optimization techniques used in the approach.

Shot peening has been used to provide fatigue resistance and form to airplane wing skins for many years. In the past, the peening intensities used to form these wing skins were obtained through the use of geometric relationships along with trial and error testing. A computer model was developed to model shot peening, which could eliminate the trial and error phases of the existing process. The computer model is used to determine the peening intensities across the wing skin and the initial size of the skin (flat pattern). To support such a computer model, we have developed in this paper relationships among the thickness of the material, the stress induced into the aluminum, and the intensity of the shot peening (shot wheel revolutions per minute, rpm). Asimple induced stress theory is proposed. Results for a cylindrical wing skin utilizing the new relationships are included.

A set of algorithms built on well‐established interaction equations are presented for the design of concrete columns. The algorithms employ modified linear‐interpolation‐based interval methods for solving associated nonlinear equations. The nonlinear nature of column capacity equations is presented in the light of the numerical methods employed. The algorithms discussed are stable and efficient, thereby allowing multiple loading situations to be considered with minimal computational effort. Personal‐computer design systems using these methods can retain an interactive nature in practical design scenarios. These scenarios may include biaxial bending of circular‐ and rectangular‐shaped columns. Also presented is the overall flow chart for an interactive concrete design system, as well as a brief discussion of the various items in the chart. The design system represented by this flow chart is being used by a major consulting firm with several offices in the United States. Many reinforced concrete column designs have been successfully completed using this design system.