An object-oriented framework for the implementation of adjoint techniques in the design and control of complex continuum systems

Specific object‐oriented software design concepts are elaborated for a novel implementation of a class of adjoint optimization problems typical of the infinite‐dimensional design and control of continuum systems. For clarity, the design steps and ideas are elucidated using an inverse natural convection design problem. Effective application of software design concepts such as inheritance, data encapsulation, information hiding, etc., is demonstrated through instances from the example considered. Two test numerical examples are considered and the CPU statistics for one of these problems are compared with those corresponding to a procedural implementation of the same problem. The numerical examples include a three‐dimensional inverse design problem that demonstrates the effectiveness of the present object‐oriented approach in developing dimension‐independent robust design codes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.