ALBERT is an Adaptive multi-Level finite element toolbox using Bisectioning refinement and Error control by Residual Techniques. Its design is based on appropriate data structures holding geometrical, finite element, and algebraic information. Using such data structures, abstract adaptive methods for stationary and time dependent problems, assembly tools for discrete systems, and dimension dependent tasks like mesh modifications can be provided in a library. This allows dimension--independent development and programming of a general class of applications. In ALBERT, hierarchical 2d and 3d meshes are stored in binary trees. Several sets of finite elements can be used on the same mesh, either using predefined ones, or by adding new sets for special applications. Depending on the currently used finite element spaces, all degrees of freedom are automatically managed during mesh modifications.
Preprint Freiburg, 17/1998, to appear in Notes on Numerical Fluid Mechanics(Proceedings of 14th GAMM Seminar Kiel).