A framework for immersive FEM visualisation using transparent object communication in a distributed network environment

We present the implementation of a software framework for conducting interactive FE simulations within Virtual Environments (VEs), and show how this can be used for the visualisation of loading on large-scale structures. Approximation methods that allow results to be displayed within the VE before the FEA is complete are also discussed. The framework is built using modular object orientated technology, and exists as a distributed application running over a WAN. Use of modem distributed object libraries allows this parallelism to be largely transparent within the framework. The use of strictly enforced software interfaces provides a clean separation between our framework and the modules that provide services and functionality. (C) 2002 Civil-Comp Ltd and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.