An object-oriented framework for interactive numerical analysis in a graphical user interface environment

A simple object-oriented framework is presented for computer programs which require interactive numerical analysis in a Graphical User Interface environment. The work attempts to bridge the current gap between purely analytical programs and interactive programs developed solely for graphics. Our proposed scheme is based on user interaction through a three-dimensional view, a menu system, a control bar, a tool box and a status bar. Displayed objects are derived from a common parent object class Element, while objects encapsulating user interactions are derived from a common parent class Tool. A class Framework holds Element and Tool objects, as well as a view object, a control bar object, a tool box object and a status bar object. Examples involving interactive finite element beam analysis and interactive finite difference bearing pressure analysis are given. The paper argues that programming interactive analyses need not be difficult if an object-oriented approach is adopted.