Using design patterns in object-oriented finite element programming

This paper proposes the use of design patterns to capture best practices in object-oriented finite element programming. Five basic design patterns are presented. In Model-Analysis separation, analysis-related classes are separated from those related to finite element modelling. Model-UI separation separates responsibilities related to the user interface from model classes. Modular Element uses object composition to reduce duplication in element type classes while avoiding the problems associated with class inheritance. Composite Element lets clients handle substructures and elements uniformly. Decomposing the analysis subsystem as in Modular Analyzer increases reuse and flexibility. Alternative solutions to each pattern are also reviewed.