An object-oriented modular framework for implementing the finite element method

The object oriented programming technique can greatly improve the implement ation efficiency, extendibility and ease of maintenance of large engineerin g software. In this paper, an object-oriented framework for implementing th e finite element method is presented. The framework was designed to exploit the commonalties in the methodology between the numerous types of analysis , applied loads, constraints and equation solving algorithms so that duplic ation is minimized and software reuse is maximized when new capabilities ar e added to the software. Furthermore, the framework ensures that minimal or no modifications are required to previously implemented functions and clas ses when the software is extended. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.