This paper contains a description of the design of a finite element program dedicated to multibody systems analysis that implements the concepts of object-oriented programming. The principal feature of the mechanical formalism used in this work is to provide a unified framework for both rigid and flexible bodies. We will show that the objectoriented programming greatly simplifies the implementation of other formalisms concerning polyarticulated systems, thus conferring high flexibility and adaptability to the developed software.RÉSUMÉ. Cet article décrit l'architecture orientée objet d'un code de calcul par éléments finis dédié à l'analyse des systèmes multicorps. Le formalisme mécanique mis en oeuvre est caractérisé par le traitement unifié des segments rigides et flexibles. Il est montré que la programmation orientée objet simplifie grandement l'introduction d'autres formalismes relatifs aux systèmes polyarticulés, conférant ainsi une flexibilité et une adaptabilité accrues au logiciel développé.
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