Data base design methodology for structural analysis and design optimization

A methodology to design data bases for finite element analysis and structural design optimization is described. The methodology considers three views of data organization-conceptual, internal, and external. Tabular and matrix forms of data are included. The relational data model is used in the data base design. Entity, relation, and attributes are considered to form a conceptual view of data. First, second, and third normal forms of data are suggested to design an internal model. Several aspects such as processing, iterative needs, multiple views of data, efficiency of storage and access time, and transitive data are considered in the methodology.