2D Valley Simulation

The top figure depicts a two-dimensional model of a valley, partitioned for solution on a 64-processor supercomputer. The bottom figure illustrates the response of the upper surface of the valley, as a function of frequency of excitation and position within the valley. It is salient that the response of a building is greatest when the frequency of ground motion is close to the natural resonant frequency of the building itself. These results show that damage can vary considerably depending on a building's location in the valley and its frequency characteristics.

To accurately model large basins such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, it is necessary to use three-dimensional models of far greater size. Obtaining information like that illustrated above is impossible without the use of advanced supercomputers.