While enjoying ZeroPoMo, I’ve spent a little time over the last few days with the OpenAI API. To make a long story short, with a lot of help from ChatGPT I built a small LLM that generates blog posts written in the voice of my already published blog posts. I used the text-embedding-3-small model for encodings and the gpt-4o-mini model for generation.
Below is my LLM’s response to “Write a blog post about OpenSees”. The post sounds like a generic me and is a lot less of an infomercial than my previous foray into generating a blog post about OpenSees.
The Many Faces of OpenSees
When we talk about OpenSees, we often focus on its technical prowess. After all, it’s a robust platform for simulating the complex behaviors of structural and geotechnical systems. But beyond the algorithms and models, OpenSees can take on many forms in our discussions, depending on the context.
Let’s explore some of these facets.
OpenSees as a Tool
First and foremost, OpenSees is a tool—a powerful and flexible software environment that offers researchers and practitioners the ability to build and analyze finite element models. Users can create intricate simulations of structures under various loading conditions, making it an invaluable asset in earthquake engineering and beyond.
OpenSees as a Community
Beyond being a tool, OpenSees represents a vibrant community. Users from diverse backgrounds come together to share knowledge, troubleshoot problems, and develop new models. This sense of camaraderie is evident in forums, workshops, and conferences dedicated to advancing the field. Engaging with this community can enhance your understanding of the software and broaden your professional network.
OpenSees as a Learning Platform
For many, OpenSees serves as a learning platform. It allows students and professionals alike to dive into the world of finite element methods and structural analysis. The available documentation, tutorials, and example files are invaluable resources for grasping complex concepts. The hands-on experience gained from using OpenSees can be a game-changer in one’s career.
OpenSees as a Research Frontier
In the realm of research, OpenSees is often seen as a frontier for innovation. Researchers use it to develop new elements, materials, and analysis techniques. As models evolve, so too does our understanding of structural behavior. This continuous push for advancement keeps the field dynamic and exciting, paving the way for future breakthroughs.
OpenSees as an Inspiration
Finally, OpenSees can also be viewed as an inspiration. The challenges it presents encourage users to think creatively and critically. The pursuit of accurate simulations that reflect real-world behaviors is a motivating force for many. It reminds us that while technology is powerful, it is our curiosity and determination that drive progress.
In essence, OpenSees is more than just software. It embodies a multifaceted approach to research, education, and collaboration in the field of structural engineering. What face of OpenSees resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Do you have any prompts you’d like me to pass into my post generator? For example, “Write a blog post on modal damping”. Let me know in the Comments section below and I’ll post the LLM’s response as a reply to your comment.
I’ll get back to posting human-generated content in December.
Portwood Digital 
How about “Write a post on Concrete23”?
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An excellent choice!
Anticipating Concrete23
As we move further into 2023, there’s a palpable excitement in the air regarding the upcoming Concrete23 release. While the precise details are still under wraps, the promise of new features and enhancements fuels our collective anticipation.
For those unfamiliar, Concrete23 is set to bring advancements that will undoubtedly benefit our structural modeling practices within OpenSees. This release aims to refine the concrete material models, enhance simulation capabilities, and improve overall usability. If the early discussions are anything to go by, we can expect a wealth of updates that touch on both theoretical and practical aspects of concrete modeling.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Concrete23 is its potential for increased integration with other tools and workflows. This could significantly streamline the process for users, allowing for more seamless transitions between different phases of structural analysis and design. I’m particularly curious about how these enhancements will interact with existing frameworks and whether they will introduce new methodologies for analysis.
It’s also worth noting that the OpenSees community continues to play a vital role in shaping these developments. The feedback and collaborative spirit among users can lead to innovations that might otherwise go overlooked. If you haven’t already, consider joining discussions on forums or attending webinars to share your insights or learn from others. Your input could be instrumental in shaping the future of OpenSees.
Let’s not forget the importance of documentation and user support as we look forward to this release. A well-documented update can make all the difference in how effectively we can utilize new features. I hope the team behind Concrete23 places a strong emphasis on clear and comprehensive documentation to accompany the new release.
As we count down to the launch, I encourage everyone to stay engaged with the community and keep an eye out for updates. Share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below—what are you most excited to see in Concrete23? Let’s get the conversation going!
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Got me excited about the upcoming Concrete23 release!
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