In OpenSees, a UniformExcitation pattern is functionally equivalent to a regular load pattern, fitting into the framework of a time-varying scalar load factor and constant reference load vector. The scalar load factor is the input ground acceleration, $latex \ddot{u}_g(t)$, while the reference load vector is $latex {\bf P}_{ref}=-{\bf m}{\boldsymbol \iota}$ where $latex {\bf m}$ is … Continue reading Get the Accel Out →

A moderately frequent OpenSees question is what happens to a structural model when you apply a rotational ground motion as a uniform excitation. Sure, rotational masses will receive effective earthquake forces, but what about dynamic DOFs that are orthogonal to the rotational ground excitation, i.e., with a "moment arm"? And if there is a moment … Continue reading OpenSeesaw →

There was a question on GitHub a few months about whether or not OpenSees uses linear interpolation when the analysis time step is smaller than the time step (digitization) of an input ground acceleration. This is a good question as I've used other software that does not interpolate and instead uses the acceleration of the … Continue reading Interpolation of Ground Acceleration →

One of the most frequently asked OpenSees questions is whether node recorders record absolute or relative displacement (relative to the ground) when a model is subjected to a uniform excitation. There's several approaches to find the answer to this question. One solution is to apply a simple uniform excitation--like a constant ground acceleration--to an SDF … Continue reading Absolutely, It’s Relative →