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

The object oriented programming technique can greatly improve the implementation efficiency, extendibility and ease of maintenance of large engineering software. In this paper, an object-oriented framework for implementing the 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 duplication is minimized and software reuse is maximized when new capabilities are added to the software. Furthermore, the framework ensures that minimal or no modifications are required to previously implemented functions and classes when the software is extended.