Building finite element analysis programs in distributed services environment

Traditional finite element analysis (FEA) programs are typically built as stand-alone desktop software. This paper describes an Internet-enabled framework that facilitates building a FEA program as distributed web services. The framework allows users easy access to the FEA core service and the analysis results by using a web browser or other application programs. In addition, the framework enables new as well as legacy codes to be incorporated from disparate sites in a dynamic and distributed manner. To provide flexible project management and data access, a database system is employed to store project-related information and selected analysis results. The prototype framework demonstrates that the Internet can potentially enhance the flexibility and extendibility of traditional FEA programs.