LARGE-SCALE OBJECT-ORIENTED FINITE-ELEMENT CODE DESIGN

This paper discusses the aspects of object-oriented finite element des ign which become relevant as the project size increases. A simple core library is described which aids program development by isolating repe titive tasks into optimized classes. This library addresses particular ly the mathematical entities which appear in mechanics. Several object -oriented class idioms are given as well, with implementation syntax i n C++. The classes address the reduction of interdependence in the cod e project, and facility expandability in the long term. Application of these abstract programming techniques are given within the context of a complete, working FEM code design which employs the object techniqu es thoroughly on every level of the computation. Furthermore, suggesti ons are given on how to reformulate problems in an object-oriented fas hion in order to plan on expandability. Results for CPU performance ar e given with respect to a Fortran code.