Generalized FEA Framework for Education and Research

Abstract

A software framework is presented that can serve as a general foundation for finite-element analysis (FEA) application development. The framework is totally independent of a specific application and of specific model definitions. The framework was created to provide a minimal design that is general, transparent, and extensible but that contains all the functionality that is required in FEA (comprehensive). Augmenting the framework for a specific application should require as little additional effort as possible. A key idea in the design of the framework is a strict, hierarchical organization of all information in FEA in four layers. The top layer is defined to capture all information and functionality that is valid for any component in FEA, the next to capture all that is valid for any specific type of component in FEA, e.g., element, the next for capturing all that is valid for components with specific geometrical requirements, e.g., linear, triangular element in two dimensions, and, finally, the last for capturing all that is required in a specific application, e.g., linear heat conduction with 1 degree of freedom per node. Layering of information and functionality in the four layers as described will greatly alleviate difficulties in the development of new components in FEA for use in new applications. New components may be extended from any appropriate level in the hierarchy, and all higher-level information and functionality can be utilized directly. Another key idea is the organization of information in separate models that may dynamically be edited and reevaluated. Even multiple models may be processed and evaluated in parallel. The framework is designed to provide a transparent basis for enhancing understanding and teaching the general concepts in FEA. It should enable researchers to develop new solution strategies and incorporate new solution algorithms within a minimal environment that is not burdened with the functionality required in modern, complex, commercial FEA products. The design and basic concepts of the framework are presented, an implementation is provided in Java source code, and examples for new applications on the basis of this framework are presented for linear static and dynamic analysis in heat conduction, elasticity analysis, and structural analysis in one-, two-, and three-dimensional (1D, 2D, and 3D) space.