Implementation issues for three-dimensional vector FEM programs

Theoretical and practical issues that impact on the development of (especia lly) three-dimensional vector finite-element (FEM) programs are discussed. The theory of vector elements is briefly reviewed, and some troublesome asp ects are highlighted: in particular, the interpretation of the degrees of f reedom. The choice of element shape is briefly addressed, as is the evaluat ion of the elemental matrices. Several useful references are provided in th is context. Data structures appropriate for a three-dimensional code are ou tlined, as is the issue of establishing mesh interconnectivity. The topics of mesh generation and linear algebra are very briefly considered. The pape r concludes with some comments on post-processing, in particular, the compu tation of fields within the FE mesh.