Object oriented programming : data preparation and visualization of FEM models

摘要

In this paper two object oriented applications are described. The former is intended togenerate data associated with the finite element method (FEM) and the later is athree-dimensional visualization tool named 3DMesh. Both are based on the principles ofobject oriented programming, namely encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism. Tosupport the preparation of FEM data, a language named 3DO was developed. Its syntax issimilar to a subset of the C++ programming language. 3DO is based on object constructionand modification by methods that require a small number of arguments. With this tool, meshgeneration, definition of properties and loads and mesh refinement can be performed withlimited user effort, even when the model is complex. All the generated information can bevisualized with the program 3DMesh. This application is based on the OpenGL library anduses the Microsoft Foundation Classes to simplify its integration in the MS-Windowsenvironment. 3DMesh implements an interactive navigation technique that allows thevisualization of the model interior, preserving its integrity. Model attributes and the results ofthe FEM analysis can also be visualized.