OPFEM: architectural design and implementation of a CAE software for finite element modeling and simulation

To address challenges in architectural extensibility and cross-module collaboration of CAE software, this study proposes OPFEM (open-source Python-based finite element modeling)—an open-source framework featuring a unified four-layer architecture. The geometric modeling framework achieves plug-in support for geometric kernels through an interface abstraction layer and adapter patterns, decoupling kernel-specific implementations while enabling state machine-driven interaction design and parametric sketching. The pre-processing modules establish multi-level associations among materials, sections, and geometric entities using Composite and Factory patterns, while implementing Observer pattern to ensure geometric-mesh consistency and employing finite-state machines to optimize boundary workflows. The computational modules implement a modular finite element library that decouples topology from element attributes, along with a surface boundary element technique for load conversion and task-scheduling management, validated through a cantilever beam large-deformation case. The post-processing module facilitates standardized data storage and dynamic field visualization through architecture-level standardized interface definitions and hierarchical component design. Collectively, OPFEM achieves full-process integration from parametric modeling to nonlinear solving and visualization, enhancing configuration efficiency and providing an extensible, pattern-driven solution for complex CAE challenges.

为解决计算机辅助工程（Computer Aided Engineering, CAE）软件在架构扩展性与跨模块协作方面存在的挑战，本研究提出OPFEM（开源Python有限元建模，open-source Python-based finite element modeling）——一款采用统一四层架构的开源框架。几何建模框架通过接口抽象层与适配器模式（adapter patterns）实现对几何内核的插件式支持，在解耦内核专属实现逻辑的同时，支持状态机驱动的交互设计与参数化草绘功能。预处理模块采用组合模式（Composite）与工厂模式（Factory），在材料、截面与几何实体之间建立多级关联；同时通过观察者模式（Observer）保障几何-网格一致性，并借助有限状态机（finite-state machines）优化边界工作流。计算模块打造了解耦拓扑结构与单元属性的模块化有限元库，同时集成用于载荷转换与任务调度管理的表面边界元技术，并通过悬臂梁大变形算例完成了有效性验证。后处理模块通过架构级标准化接口定义与层级化组件设计，实现标准化数据存储与动态场可视化功能。综上，OPFEM实现了从参数化建模到非线性求解再到可视化的全流程集成，提升了配置效率，并为复杂CAE难题提供了一种可扩展、模式驱动的解决方案。