Finite element programs based on general programming systems

Abstract

This article describes the advantages and inconveniences with a finite element programming system, i.e. blocks of routines already thoroughly tested, which has to be built together by a programmer to a finite element program. This program may be a tailor-made program to fit a special problem or a general purpose finite element program. The programming system used as an example in this article consists of 1. ∗NORSAM—finite element programming system 2. ∗DASA — pre- and postprocessors 3. ∗ELLIB—element library Together they form a complete set of subroutines from datageneration through the necessary routines for matrix manipulation to presentation of results, including the multilevel superelement technique. Reference to finite element programs applying the programming system concept, is given at the end of the article. Among others, programs for buckling, elasto-plastic analysis of 3-dimensional membranes and solids, nonlinear pipeline problems, acoustic field problems and transient heat conduction in solids are developed. The multilevel superelement technique has been applied in several of these application programs. The concept of the programming system gives undoubtedly a large saving of time and resources and has proved to be more reliable than conventional methods when developing finite element programs.