Abstract
The aim of this Thesis is to introduce a new version of the programming language Formian and to describe the concept of epilanguages. This concept turns Formian into an expandable and modifiable language. Formian is based on formex algebra. Formex algebra is a mathematical system that provides a convenient basis for the solution of problems in data generation and computer grapliics. An overview of the rudiments of formex algebra is included in Chapter 1 together with some elements of the Formian language. This material provides a simple introduction to the scope and usage of formex techniques. A formal definition of Formian is contained in Chapter 2. The author of this Thesis is one of the principal contributors in the creation of this new definition. The main contribution in the Thesis is contained in Chapter 3 where the concept of epilanguages has been introduced. This concept provides a means of supplementing and expanding Formian according to the users requirements. Chapter four provides a number of useful engineering applications utilising an epilanguage. In particular, the problem of data generation for geodesic forms is covered in this chapter. Conclusions and suggestions for future work are given in Chapter 5.