Overview

FEMGEN represents a finite element model as a group of interconnected geometric entities such as points, lines, surfaces, and bodies. A finite element mesh, material and physical properties, boundary conditions, and loads are associated with these geometric entities. This data is defined and stored in an analysis independent way; and it is thus necessary to write an interface program to interpret the data, and translate it into a form compatible with a particular analysis package. These subroutines are intended for use by an interface programmer; they enable the FEMGEN database to be scanned, and data to be extracted in a variety of ways.

It is assumed that the reader has knowledge of FEMGV, and has access to both the program and associated User Manuals. The software is written in FORTRAN 77 but an interface program can be written in C if desired (only programmers familiar with the difficulties which this involves should attempt this).

Programmers wishing to adapt an existing interface program should consult Appendix B for the recent changes in FEMGV and Appendix C for converting an interface written for FEMGEN/FEMVIEW version 2.3.