Trends in pre– and post–processing

A review of the development of finite element modelling (pre–processing) and results presentation (post–processing) is given. The relation between design and analysis is discussed. Different approaches to mesh generation are summarised, and some on–going research in this important area is briefly outlined. How material, loads, and other physical or environmental data are added to the model is described. Major progress in model and result visualisation made through development in both algorithms and hardware are accounted for. The importance of the data–structure for good interactive response is stressed. As pre– and post–processors are used in conjunction with finite element programs, data transfer is an essential topic. Also the place of pre–post in a wider CAE environment is discussed.