Explicit finite element programs for non-linear dynamics are of rather simple logical structure. If the inherent characteristics of this logic are exploited in the design and implementation of a parallel computer program, the result can be a lucid, extendible and maintainable code. The design of an explicit, finite element, structural dynamics program is discussed to some detail, and it is demonstrated that the program lends itself easily to parallelization for heterogeneous workstation clusters or massively parallel computers, running the PVM software. The design is documented by C-language fragments.