DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2018.08.016

Summary
The object-oriented finite element (FE) Matlab toolbox CastLab is presented in the article. The toolbox is designed to solve problems in computational mechanics and in particular to solid mechanics. The authors provide the theoretical background and the overview of the toolbox architecture with the detailed description of some classes. The systematic object-oriented programming approach leads to easy understanding of the code and generalized representation of the problem. The application of the toolbox is demonstrated by three examples, such as, modal analysis of complex linear 3D structure, multi-fiber modeling of reinforced concrete beam up to failure, single-edge notched plain concrete beam up to failure. The authors state that the toolbox can be easily used in the educational process due to its user-friendly interface.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The authors present finite element toolbox which can be incorporated in educational process. Many complex engineering problems include numerical simulation of physical processes (electrodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, temperature distribution, behavior of concrete-like materials, metals, etc.). The step-by-step description on the usage of the toolbox is provided in the article together with three examples on linear and nonlinear solid structures. The toolbox helps to develop students’ critical thinking as user friendly environment enables to easily assess the feasibility of the results and use this toolbox to solve complex engineering problems in interdisciplinary courses. It also helps teachers to demonstrate simulations and explain complex physical phenomena of solid structures.

Point of Strength
The strength of this publication is discussion on employing conventional environments to solve complex engineering problems related to solid mechanics.