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2.3.1 The NOPO data structure

This structure contains the following information (see chapter 1):

• the nature of the element;
• the list of the vertices of the element;
• the element connectivity and topology;
• the number and list of the nodes;
• the coordinates of the vertices;
• the physical attributes of the element:
  • a sub-domain number number and references.

The MODULEF code stores this information in a NOPO type data structure, constituting the natural interface between the different mesh modules.

Remark:

• The sub-domains : The notion of materials is refined to distinguish between two identical media subject to different conditions: as many sub-domain numbers are assigned as required to make this distinction;
• The references : This attribute has two functions:
  • to characterize the items (edges, faces and points) with respect to a boundary condition type treatment (loads, prescribed values, etc.)
  • to describe a boundary from a geometric point of view: i.e. to associate a curve or surface equation to a portion of the boundary.

  As many reference numbers are assigned as required in order to incorporate the entire set of descriptions.