The objective of this investigation is to address software architectural issues which will facilitate the implementation of advanced finite element technology for parallel and distributed computational processing systems and to produce a prototype software system for use in demonstrating and benchmarking the techniques investigated. The software architecture to be developed will permit an evaluation of the applicability and feasibility of a variety of concepts related to finite element methods for solid mechanics analysis which have shown promise as a result of recent research in engineering, mathematics, and computer science including: hp-version finite element methods, adaptive meshing using non- conforming elements, solution of systems of simultaneous partial differential equations for medium-grained distributed memory parallel processing systems. A prototype implementation will utilize object-oriented software design and programming methods and network and parallel computing methods to demonstrate adaptive hp-version finite element technology for the solution of 3 dimensional linear static elastic problems. Techniques investigated will lead to the development of new tools capable of solving more challenging non-linear problems. These tools are important to the nation's ability to design and produce safe, reliable, and cost-competitive products.
