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VfeTools The VfeTools library from Visual Kinematics, Inc. is an object-based software development toolkit designed for generating finite element component matrices and vectors that add functionality to new or existing general purpose finite element programs, flexible body simulations, or special purpose analysis tools tailored for a particular application. VfeTools enables programmers to compute standard quantities arising from the finite element method such as stiffness and mass matrices, consistent load vectors, stress and strain, etc., that are generated at the element level. Designed to provide robust and efficient element formulations in a modular, object-based architecture, VfeTools imposes few restrictions on the specific data structures used within a host application to maintain the computational grid and/or solution results. Features Support for solid and structural elements in both 2D and 3D. 2D elements support plane strain, plane stress and axisymmetry. All elements include large strain, large deformation nonlinear capability. All shell and beam element formulations are geometrically exact and implemented to be singularity free for any degree of rotation. Generation of stiffness, consistent or diagonal mass and geometric stiffness matrices for structural analysis. Generation of conductance and consistent and diagonal capacitance matrices for thermal analysis. Generation of consistent nodal force vectors for edge and/or face loading. Robust element technologies that avoid locking mechanisms and/or rank deficiencies in both the infinitesimal and large deformation regimes. Methods for easy integration into new or existing finite element applications. Support for computation for either one or multiple elements at a time (so called blocking), with significant performance increases realized using blocked format. Element properties include variable thickness and laminated shells, tapered and general cross section beams. Element independent corotational utilities for implementing large rotation capabilities. Abstract interface between elements and material models allowing users to add their own material models. Linear material models include isotropic, orthotropic and anisotropic materials. Nonlinear material models include large strain plasticity, hyperelasticity and viscoelasticity. All material models are temperature dependent Disciplines include structural and thermal analysis. Object-based architecture, written in ANSI C with C++ and FORTRAN language bindings. Hardware and operating system independence.