A class of data structures and object-oriented implementation for finite element methods on distributed memory systems

In this study we describe a class of data structures and object-oriented im plementation for parallel finite element computations. Of particular intere st are adaptive p (variable degree) finite elements on unstructured grids w ith parallel partitioning by subdomains. The approach is implemented using C++ and Fortran for distributed multi-processor systems such as the Gray T3 D/T3E MPP systems and networks of workstations. A supporting performance st udy for a parallel multiple front solution of a representative analysis pro blem is included to illustrate the approach. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.