Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Calculix VS Code_Aster for Windows

Compare Calculix VS Code_Aster for Windows and see what are their differences

Calculix logo Calculix

Calculix is a free and open-source finite-element analysis application that uses an input format...

Code_Aster for Windows logo Code_Aster for Windows

Code_Aster is a free software for numerical simulation in structural mechanics.
  • Calculix Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-23
  • Code_Aster for Windows Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-20

Calculix features and specs

  • Open Source
    CalculiX is open-source software, meaning it is free to use and can be customized to meet specific user needs. Users can access and modify the source code, promoting transparency and flexibility.
  • Extensive Documentation
    The software comes with comprehensive manuals and user guides, which can be helpful for beginners to apply the software effectively and understand its various features.
  • High Compatibility
    CalculiX is compatible with several operating systems and integrates well with other open-source tools, offering versatility in different computing environments.
  • Robust Solving Capabilities
    It offers powerful finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities, including thermal, static, and dynamic analyses, which can handle complex structural problems efficiently.
  • Active Community Support
    There is an active online community and forums where users can share experiences, seek help, and collaborate on improvements to the software.

Possible disadvantages of Calculix

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For users without a background in finite element analysis or software programming, the learning curve can be quite steep, as the interface is less intuitive compared to commercial FEA tools.
  • Limited Graphical User Interface (GUI)
    CalculiX lacks a full-featured GUI, which may require users to rely on command-line inputs or additional third-party software for pre- and post-processing tasks.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be resource-intensive, requiring significant computational resources for large-scale simulations, which might limit usage on less powerful hardware.
  • Limited Marketing and Awareness
    Being open-source, the project lacks the marketing and visibility of commercial counterparts, which may result in less documentation for niche applications or newer updates.
  • Complex Installation Process
    The installation procedure can be complicated, especially for users who are not familiar with compiling software from source, posing a barrier to entry for some potential users.

Code_Aster for Windows features and specs

  • Reliability
    Code_Aster is a well-established open-source software for finite element analysis, widely used for civil and mechanical engineering simulations, indicating its robustness and reliability in the industry.
  • Comprehensive Features
    The software offers a broad range of functionalities, including linear and nonlinear analysis, thermal analysis, and dynamic simulation, making it suitable for most engineering applications.
  • Cost-effective
    Being open-source, Code_Aster is free to use, making it a cost-effective alternative to many commercial finite element analysis programs.
  • Customization
    Users can modify and extend the software to suit specific needs due to its open-source nature, allowing for tailored solutions in engineering problems.
  • Supportive Community
    There is a strong community and a wealth of documentation available, providing support and shared knowledge to new and experienced users alike.
  • Educational Resources
    A variety of tutorials and guides are available to help users get started with the software and improve their skills over time.

Possible disadvantages of Code_Aster for Windows

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Code_Aster has a steep learning curve, particularly for users who are not familiar with command-line interfaces or scripting, which can be daunting for new users.
  • Complex Installation
    The installation process, especially on Windows, can be complex and may require additional tools or configurations to set up correctly.
  • Limited GUI
    While some interfaces are available, the graphical user interface (GUI) may not be as intuitive or powerful as those found in some commercial FEA software, leading users to rely more on scripting.
  • Performance Limitations
    Depending on the specific setup and size of the model, performance may not match that of some highly optimized commercial solutions, particularly for very large or complex simulations.
  • Limited Windows Support
    The primary development and optimization of Code_Aster have been focused on Linux environments, which can lead to challenges or reduced features when used on Windows.

Calculix videos

Mecway / Calculix - simple check and review results

More videos:

  • Review - CalculiX - Swivel Tie Down Ring (w plastic)

Code_Aster for Windows videos

No Code_Aster for Windows videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Calculix and Code_Aster for Windows)
Numerical Computation
58 58%
42% 42
Technical Computing
59 59%
41% 41
CFD
56 56%
44% 44
Computational Fluid Dynamics

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Calculix seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Calculix mentions (1)

  • What is the model used for nonlinear material in Freecad?
    Under the hood CalculiX is used for this. It appears the FreeCAD nonlinear material object does use a plastic model from CalculiX. Here are two forum threads I found discussing the matter:. Source: about 4 years ago

Code_Aster for Windows mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Code_Aster for Windows yet. Tracking of Code_Aster for Windows recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Calculix and Code_Aster for Windows, you can also consider the following products

elmer - Elmer is an open-source software package that solves partial differential equations. Combined with its ability to run various equations in parallel, it is an effective tool for running multiphysical simulations. Read more about elmer.

OpenFOAM - OpenFOAM® - Official home of The Open Source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Toolbox.

COMSOL Multiphysics - COMSOL is the developer of COMSOL Multiphysics software, an interactive environment for modeling and simulating scientific and engineering problems.

Code_Saturne - Code_Saturne solves the Navier-Stokes equations for 2D, 2D-axisymmetric and 3D flows, steady or...

SimFlow - SimFlow is a powerful CFD software, focused on engineering and science.

Code_Aster - Structures and thermomechanics analysis for studies and research.