Support system for finite element analysis

This paper describes work aimed at developing an intelligent support system for finite element modeling and a methodology for managing input data model. Analyzing various statement structures of input data, three structural interface models - the hierarchical browser, the spread sheet and the model generator - are proposed for advanced representation and editing. Two knowledge models composed of macro visual data representation (user oriented model) and micro regularized data representation (processor oriented model) are revealed in conformity with the approach of object-orientation. Moreover, an extended relational schema composed of a composite object (assembly of functional elements) and several abstracted scalar indexes has been implemented for case retrieval. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited.