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Calculix VS SimFlow

Compare Calculix VS SimFlow and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Calculix logo Calculix

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

SimFlow logo SimFlow

SimFlow is a powerful CFD software, focused on engineering and science.
  • Calculix Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-23
  • SimFlow Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-23

SimFlow is a desktop-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation software for Windows and Linux. SimFlow is easy to learn and intuitive interface based on well known OpenFOAM libraries. You can download a free version from our website and try it right now.

Calculix

Website
calculix.de
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-
Edit details

SimFlow

Website
sim-flow.com
Pricing URL
Official SimFlow Pricing
$ Details
freemium $8000.0 / Annually
Platforms
Windows Linux
Release Date
2012 July
Edit details

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.

SimFlow features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SimFlow offers an intuitive GUI that simplifies the process of setting up and running simulations, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Integration with OpenFOAM
    SimFlow is built on top of OpenFOAM, leveraging its robust computational fluid dynamics (CFD) capabilities while providing enhanced usability and visualization tools.
  • Comprehensive Post-Processing
    The software includes advanced post-processing features for detailed analysis and visualization of simulation results, supporting better decision-making.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    SimFlow is available for multiple operating systems including Windows and Linux, providing flexibility for users working in different environments.
  • Affordability
    Compared to other CFD software, SimFlow is relatively cost-effective, offering substantial features without the high price tag.

Analysis of SimFlow

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SimFlow is considered a good CFD tool, particularly for users who want to leverage OpenFOAM capabilities with more ease. Its combination of robust functionality and ease of use makes it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced users in the field of computational fluid dynamics.

Why this product is good

  • SimFlow is often regarded as a good computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software due to its user-friendly interface, providing engineers and researchers with accessible tools for simulating fluid flow and heat transfer processes. It integrates the capabilities of OpenFOAM with an approachable graphical user interface, making it suitable for those who need powerful results without an extensive learning curve. Additionally, it supports a wide range of models and solvers, which can be beneficial for various applications.

Recommended for

    SimFlow is recommended for engineers, researchers, and students who need a cost-effective, yet powerful CFD tool. It is particularly useful for professionals who require detailed simulations of fluid dynamics processes and want the flexibility of OpenFOAM without the steep learning curve typically associated with command-line tools.

Calculix videos

+ Add

Mecway / Calculix - simple check and review results

More videos:

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

SimFlow videos

+ Add

CFD Tutorial - von Karman Vortex Street | simFlow CFD

More videos:

  • Tutorial - CFD Simulation Tutorial - Cylinder Cooling | simFlow CFD

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Calculix and SimFlow)

Calculix

SimFlow

Numerical Computation
11 11%
Numerical Computation
89% 89
Technical Computing
22 22%
Technical Computing
78% 78
CFD
13 13%
CFD
87% 87
Computational Fluid Dynamics
5 5%
Computational Fluid Dynamics
95% 95

User comments

Share your experience with using Calculix and SimFlow. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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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: over 4 years ago

SimFlow mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SimFlow yet. Tracking of SimFlow recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Calculix and SimFlow, 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.

ANSYS Fluent - ANSYS engineering simulation and 3D design software delivers product modeling solutions with unmatched scalability and a comprehensive multiphysics foundation.

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

CFDTool - An Easy to Use MATLAB Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD Simulation GUI Toolbox

Code_Aster for Windows - Code_Aster is a free software for numerical simulation in structural mechanics.

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

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