An object-oriented approach to calculation control in finite element programs

A new object-oriented approach to calculation control in finite element analysis is presented. The approach is designed to facilitate the demands placed on finite element analysis by user interaction. The calculation control system was implemented for three calculation methods: (i) standard linear solution, (ii) sub-structure based calculations, and (iii) concurrent processing. The same strategy worked in all three cases, and was implemented without requiring changes to the underlying objects of the system. The strategy is both flexible and efficient.