OpenSeesPy is a Python 3 interpreter for the Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees), a powerful software framework for finite element analysis. It provides robust capabilities for structural analysis, including linear, nonlinear, static, and dynamic analysis of structures. Currently at version 3.8.0.0, the library is actively developed with frequent updates and releases.
pip install openseespyVerified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.
This quickstart demonstrates a basic 2D truss analysis: defining nodes, boundary conditions, material, elements, applying a static load, running a static analysis, and retrieving nodal displacement. It includes best practices like `ops.wipe()` for model isolation.
Ensure your Python environment is 3.10 or higher. Use `python --version` to check and create a new environment with `conda create -n openseespy_env python=3.10` or similar if needed.
Contact Dr. Minjie Zhu (zhum@oregonstate.edu) for commercial licensing details if your use case falls under commercial redistribution.
Always check the expected input types in the documentation for specific commands. Explicitly cast variables, especially numeric ones, if type-related errors occur.
Wrap critical OpenSees analysis or model-building commands in `try-except OpenSeesError` blocks to gracefully handle failures. The error message will often direct you to the standard error (stderr) for more detailed diagnostics.
Always start your OpenSeesPy script with `ops.wipe()` to ensure a clean model state.
Ensure `openseespy` is installed in your current environment: `pip install openseespy`. If using virtual environments (conda, venv), activate the correct environment before installation and running.
Call `ops.wipe()` at the beginning of your script or before defining a new model to clear any previous definitions. Ensure unique tags for all model components.
Consult the OpenSeesPy documentation for the specific command to verify the required arguments and their order. Pay close attention to optional arguments and flags.
Review your model for instabilities (e.g., zero stiffness, incorrect boundary conditions, very large loads). Try adjusting analysis parameters such as the `test` command's tolerance or number of iterations, or the `integrator`'s load increment. Consider using different `algorithm` or `system` commands.