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Show Me Don't Tell Me

Original Post - 07 Nov 2024 - Michael H. Scott

Visit Structural Analysis Is Simple on Substack.

If there’s one thing this blog excels at, it’s simple, minimal examples. Yeah, sometimes too minimal and other times too simple–or both. But, when I have a problem with OpenSees, I make a minimal example to be sure I understand the issue. Usually, the issue is me, not OpenSees.

You say OpenSeesPy is 2-3 times slower than OpenSees.exe?

You’ve figured out the score. Show me don’t tell me.

You say eigenvalue analysis takes too long in OpenSees–like hours not seconds.

I’ve heard it all before. Show me don’t tell me.

You say force-based elements have convergence problems with your IDAs?

Let’s see Exhibit A. Show me don’t tell me.

I hear these and other tropes from time to time. And while Geddy Lee sings in my head, I ask for a simple example that demonstrates the issue. Sometimes I get that simple example, but usually I don’t. Perhaps in making that simple example, you figured out the issue was not OpenSees all along.

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