MANDAP-A FEM/BEM data preparation package

The principles underlying an interactive data preparation program package for finite element method (FEM) analysis and for boundary element method (BEM) analysis, in two and three dimensional space respectively, are described. A fine element structure is automatically generated within superelements utilizing spline interpolation and transfinite mapping techniques, i.e. by employing the Coons patch methodology. Superelements may themselves be defined hierarchically, i.e. superelements may be generated from superelements In this way detailed topological adjustments (e.g. for small current conductors within large magnetic regions) may be accomodated at the appropriate level while the spline methodology retains curvature of boundaries as the mesh is refined. Interfacing of the geometrical description data, together with the rest of the problem related input, to the required field analysis program is reviewed. Several FEM and BEM examples are given.