Alternatives to Simcenter Nastran
Compare Simcenter Nastran alternatives for your business or organization using the curated list below. SourceForge ranks the best alternatives to Simcenter Nastran in 2026. Compare features, ratings, user reviews, pricing, and more from Simcenter Nastran competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.
-
1
Altair SimSolid
Altair
By performing structural analyses on fully featured CAD assemblies within minutes, SimSolid is the game-changing simulation technology for designers, engineers, and analysts. It eliminates geometry preparation and meshing: the two most time-consuming, expertise-extensive and error-prone tasks performed in a conventional structural simulation. Multiple design scenarios can be simulated quickly under real-life conditions. Early CAD models, in any common format, can be used. SimSolid tolerance of imprecise geometry means that, unlike CAD-embedded simulation tools, there is no need to simplify complex geometries before analyzing designs. SimSolid supports all typical connections (bolt/nut, bonded, welds, rivets, sliding) and analysis of linear static, modal, thermal properties, along with more complex coupled, nonlinear, transient dynamic effects. -
2
MSC Nastran
MSC Software
MSC Nastran is a multidisciplinary structural analysis application used by engineers to perform static, dynamic, and thermal analysis across the linear and nonlinear domains, complemented with automated structural optimization and award winning embedded fatigue analysis technologies, all enabled by high performance computing. Engineers use MSC Nastran to ensure structural systems have the necessary strength, stiffness, and life to preclude failure (excess stresses, resonance, buckling, or detrimental deformations) that may compromise structural function and safety. MSC Nastran is also used to improve the economy and passenger comfort of structural designs. Optimize the performance of existing designs or develop unique product differentiators, leading to industry advantages over competitors. Remedy structural issues that may occur during a product’s service, reducing downtime and costs. -
3
Simcenter Femap
Siemens Digital Industries
Simcenter Femap is an advanced simulation application for creating, editing, and inspecting finite element models of complex products or systems. You can use advanced workflows in Simcenter Femap to model components, assemblies, or systems, to then determine a model’s behavioral response when subjected to real-world conditions. In addition, Simcenter Femap provides powerful data-driven and graphical results visualization and evaluation, which in combination with the industry-leading Simcenter Nastran, delivers a comprehensive CAE solution that improves product performance. In the quest to make products lighter yet stronger, manufacturers are increasing their use of composite materials. Simcenter is at the leading edge of composites analysis through continuous development of material models and element types. Simcenter speeds the entire process for simulating laminate composite materials through a seamless connection to composites design. -
4
Simcenter MAGNET
Siemens
Simcenter MAGNET is a powerful electromagnetic field simulation solution for performance prediction of motors, generators, sensors, transformers, actuators, solenoids, or any component with permanent magnets or coils. Simcenter MAGNET helps you predict the performance of any component with permanent magnets or coils. Perform low-frequency electromagnetic field simulations. Simcenter MAGNET includes capabilities to accurately model the physics of electromagnetic devices. This includes the ability to model manufacturing processes, temperature-dependent material properties, magnetization and de-magnetization modeling, and vector hysteresis models among others. Simcenter MAGNET also has a built-in motion solver with a six-degree-of-freedom capability. It allows for complex problems like magnetic levitation or complex motion to be accurately modeled and analyzed. This is made possible with a unique smart re-meshing technology. -
5
Calculix
Calculix
With CalculiX finite element models can be built, calculated, and post-processed. The pre-and post-processor is an interactive 3D tool using the OpenGL API. The solver is able to do linear and non-linear calculations. Static, dynamic, and thermal solutions are available. Because the solver makes use of the abaqus input format it is possible to use commercial pre-processors as well. In turn the pre-processor can write mesh-related data for nastran, abaqus, ansys, code-aster, and for the free-cfd codes dolfyn, duns, ISAAC and OpenFOAM. A simple step reader is included. In addition, external CAD interfaces are available. The program is designed to run on Unix platforms like Linux and Irix computers but also on MS Windows. -
6
Ansys Mechanical
Ansys
Ansys Mechanical is a best-in-class finite element solver with structural, thermal, acoustics, transient and nonlinear capabilities to improve your modeling. Ansys Mechanical enables you to solve complex structural engineering problems and make better, faster design decisions. With the finite element analysis (FEA) solvers available in the suite, you can customize and automate solutions for your structural mechanics problems and parameterize them to analyze multiple design scenarios. Ansys Mechanical is a dynamic tool that has a complete range of analysis tools. Ansys Mechanical offers a dynamic environment with a complete range of analysis tools, from preparing geometry for analysis to connecting additional physics for even greater fidelity. The intuitive and customizable user interface enables engineers of all levels to get answers fast and with confidence. Ansys Mechanical creates an integrated platform that uses finite element analysis (FEA) for structural analysis. -
7
SDC Verifier
SDC Engineering B.V.
SDC Verifier is an all-in-one software solution for structural design, FEA analysis, and verification according to design codes and standards. SDC Verifier can be used independently or as an extension to Ansys Mechanical, Femap, and Simcenter 3D. -
8
Inventor Nastran
Autodesk
CAD-embedded finite element analysis software. Use a wider variety of study types and materials in your analysis. Inventor® Nastran® delivers finite element analysis (FEA) tools for engineers and analysts. Simulation covers multiple analysis types, such as linear and nonlinear stress, dynamics, and heat transfer. Inventor Nastran is available only in the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection. The Product Design & Manufacturing Collection delivers tools that work right inside Inventor—including advanced simulation, 5-axis CAM, and nesting, plus AutoCAD and Fusion 360. -
9
Simcenter Flotherm
Siemens
With more than 34 years of development and user feedback, Simcenter Flotherm is the leading electronic cooling simulation software solution for electronic thermal analysis. It shortens development at IC package, PCB, and enclosure level through to large systems such as data centers. Improve electronics thermal management for reliability with fast, accurate electronics cooling CFD simulation from initial pre-CAD exploration to final verification. Simcenter Flotherm integrates with the electronics development workflow as a tool for thermal engineers to perform simulations and provide timely accurate results and feedback to other engineering functions. It supports thermal management, and simulation-based decision-making from early-stage architecture to final thermal design verification. This aids shortened development and also helps to eliminate risks of costly reliability-related warranty costs or any late-stage re-spins. -
10
GT STRUDL
Hexagon PPM
GT STRUDL® is structural engineering software offering a complete design solution, including 3D CAD modeling and 64-bit high-performance computation solvers into all versions. GT STRUDL includes all the tools necessary to analyze a broad range of structural engineering and finite element analysis problems, including linear and nonlinear static and dynamic analysis, and can do so accurately in a fraction of the time of most other structural design software. Structural design software helps structural engineers create safe and effective designs, while managing the complexity of many different scenarios across a range of industries, including power, civil engineering, marine and infrastructure. Quality software includes many features, such as interoperability, structural analysis, database-driven design and quality assurance - all of which are included in GT STRUDL. -
11
SOFiSTiK
SOFiSTiK
SOFiSTiK is a comprehensive suite of structural engineering software that delivers advanced tools for finite element analysis, design, detailing, CAD, and BIM workflows used to plan, analyze, and document buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects. It supports end-to-end engineering workflows, from model creation and structural analysis to detailed design, reinforcement planning, and documentation, with modules tailored for 3D modeling, BIM integration with tools like Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD, and open interfaces such as IFC and SAF that enable seamless data exchange and collaboration. SOFiSTiK’s FEM packages provide powerful solvers for linear and nonlinear analysis, dynamic and static load cases, and industry-standard code checks. SOFiSTiK helps teams deliver reliable, coordinated designs and documentation throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. -
12
MIDAS FEA NX
MIDAS FEA NX
MIDAS FEA NX is a specialized finite element analysis (FEA) software built to support detailed structural and civil engineering simulations by providing a user-friendly, CAD-like modeling environment paired with advanced analysis capabilities. It allows engineers to import various 3D CAD formats directly and create high-quality finite element meshes using automatic and hybrid mesh generation techniques, reducing manual preparation time and improving model accuracy. It supports both linear and nonlinear analyses, including complex simulations with high-performance solvers and parallel computing to handle large, real-world projects efficiently. FEA NX excels at refined method analysis required by design codes for structures with complex geometry, enabling in-depth evaluation of stress, deformation, and behavior under diverse loading conditions. It integrates seamlessly with the broader MIDAS COLLECTION tools and other structural analysis programs. -
13
FloCAD
C&R Technologies
FloCAD® is a fluid dynamics software add-on module for Thermal Desktop®, together they provide a complete thermohydraulic software tool for fully integrated fluid flow and heat transfer analysis. With FloCAD, the mechanics of building fluid flow models is very similar to that of building thermal models, with many of the commands applicable to both types of models. FloCAD models can be free-form (non-geometric), sketchpad style flow network modeling for abstraction and simplification, or they can be geometry-based by including objects such as pipe centerlines and cross-sections, complexly shaped vessels, or convection to finite difference of finite element representations of thermal structures. As a generalized pipe flow software tool, FloCAD captures the pressure drops in a piping network due to bends, valves, tees, changes in flow area, etc. -
14
SPACE GASS
SPACE GASS
SPACE GASS is a multi-purpose 3D analysis and design program for structural engineers. Its extensive range of features make it suitable for anything from beams, trusses and frames to buildings, towers, tanks, cable structures and bridges. Capabilities include a 64-bit multi-core solver, silky smooth 3D rendered graphics, plate finite elements, frame elements, cable elements, tension/compression-only elements, moving loads and links to many CAD and building management programs. Why SPACE GASS Save time, money, and get a safe and efficient design. Silky smooth graphical interface that lets you see your changes visually as you go. A fast sparse matrix solver that fully utilizes the parallel processing power of multi-core computers. A wide range of structural modeling tools, analysis options and design modules. Comprehensive video tutorials to walk you through some of the tricky stuff. Configurable for stand-alone or floating network systems.Starting Price: $600 per month -
15
Simcenter STAR-CCM+
Siemens Digital Industries
Simcenter STAR-CCM+ is a multiphysics computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for the simulation of products operating under real-world conditions. Simcenter STAR-CCM+ uniquely brings automated design exploration and optimization to the CFD simulation toolkit of every engineer. The single integrated environment includes everything from CAD, automated meshing, multiphysics CFD, sophisticated postprocessing, and design exploration. This allows engineers to efficiently explore the entire design space to make better design decisions faster. The additional insight gained by using Simcenter STAR-CCM+ to guide your design process ultimately leads to more innovative products that exceed customer expectations. Significantly improving a battery design across its whole operating range is a challenging task, and involves the simultaneous optimization of numerous parameters. Simcenter provides a complete simulation environment for the analysis and design of the electrochemical system. -
16
AxisVM
InterCAD
The primary applications of AxisVM are in the design of buildings, and industrial and geotechnical structures. Due to its powerful finite element solver and practical modeling tools, it has also been used in bridge design, and in the design of composite structures, machines, and vehicles. Besides the basic configurations, optional design modules are available for structures made of reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry members and connections. In addition, thanks to the special elements and analysis capabilities, users have successfully applied AxisVM to the design of innovative and custom structures. Reports can be created based on tables, drawings, and detailed design calculations with additional headings and text lines. Reports are auto-updating, i.e. generated based on the most current model data and results.Starting Price: $500 one-time payment -
17
Abaqus
Dassault Systèmes
Today, product simulation is often being performed by engineering groups using niche simulation tools from different vendors to simulate various design attributes. The use of multiple vendor software products creates inefficiencies and increases costs. SIMULIA delivers a scalable suite of unified analysis products that allow all users, regardless of their simulation expertise or domain focus, to collaborate and seamlessly share simulation data and approved methods without loss of information fidelity. The Abaqus Unified FEA product suite offers powerful and complete solutions for both routine and sophisticated engineering problems covering a vast spectrum of industrial applications. In the automotive industry engineering work groups are able to consider full vehicle loads, dynamic vibration, multibody systems, impact/crash, nonlinear static, thermal coupling, and acoustic-structural coupling using a common model data structure and integrated solver technology. -
18
SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SolidWorks
Subject your designs to real world conditions to raise product quality while reducing prototyping and physical testing costs. SOLIDWORKS® Simulation is an easy-to-use portfolio of structural analysis tools that use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to predict a product’s real-world physical behavior by virtually testing CAD models. The portfolio provides linear, non-linear static and dynamic analysis capabilities. SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional enables you to optimize your design, determine product mechanical resistance, product durability, topology, natural frequencies, and test heat transfer and buckling instabilities. It can also perform sequential multi-physics simulations. SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium lets you efficiently evaluate your designs for nonlinear and dynamic response, dynamic loading, and composite materials. SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium includes three advanced studies: Non-Linear Static, Non-Linear Dynamic, and Linear Dynamics. -
19
FEATool Multiphysics
Precise Simulation
FEATool Multiphysics - "Physics Simulation Made Easy" - a fully integrated physics, FEA, and CFD simulation toolbox. FEATool Multiphysics is a fully integrated simulation platform with a unified interface for several Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) multi-physics solvers, such as OpenFOAM, SU2 Code, and FEniCS. This uniquely allows for modeling coupled physics phenomena such as found in fluid flow, heat transfer, structural, electromagnetics, acoustics, and chemical engineering applications, within a single user-friendly interface. With these capabilities, FEATool Multiphysics has become trusted tool by engineers and researchers worldwide to accelerate innovation and quickly achieve results in the energy, automotive, semi-conductor, and process industries. -
20
Simcenter 3D
Siemens
Address complex engineering challenges by enhancing simulation efficiency. Simcenter 3D is one of the most comprehensive, fully-integrated CAE solutions. Simcenter 3D helps you model and evaluate complex product performance through revolutionary improvements in simulation efficiency. By integrating multiple physics domains together from a single simulation modeling environment, you gain better insight into your product’s performance faster. Simcenter 3D is an integrated environment in which you perform all of your CAE pre- and post-processing. Unrivaled geometry manipulation tools help you intuitively defeature and abstract computer-aided design (CAD) geometry from any source. Comprehensive meshing and modeling tools support multiple simulation applications and give you the unique capability to associate your analysis model with design data. This helps you speed up the tedious modeling process and keep analysis models in sync with the latest design. -
21
Patran
Hexagon AB
Patran provides a rich set of tools that streamline the creation of analysis ready models for linear, nonlinear, explicit dynamics, thermal, and other finite element solutions. From geometry cleanup tools that make it easy for engineers to deal with gaps and slivers in CAD, to solid modeling tools that enable creation of models from scratch, Patran makes it easy for anyone to create FE models. Meshes are easily created on surfaces and solids alike using fully automated meshing routines, manual methods that provide more control, or combinations of both. Finally, loads, boundary conditions, and analysis setup for most popular FE solvers is built in, minimizing the need to edit input decks. Patran's comprehensive and industry tested capabilities ensure that your virtual prototyping efforts provide results fast so that you can evaluate product performance against requirements and optimize your designs. -
22
SimScale
SimScale
SimScale is a cloud-based web application that plays a key part in simulation software for many kinds of industries. The platform allows the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Thermal Simulation. It also offers 3D simulation, continuous modeling, and motion & dynamic modeling. -
23
Ansys Sherlock
Ansys
Ansys Sherlock is the only reliability physics-based electronics design tool that provides fast and accurate life predictions for electronic hardware at the component, board and system levels in early stage design. Ansys Sherlock automated design analysis provides fast and accurate life predictions for electronic hardware at the component, board and system levels in early design stages. Sherlock bypasses the ‘test-fail-fix-repeat’ cycle by empowering designers to accurately model silicon–metal layers, semiconductor packaging, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assemblies to predict failure risks due to thermal, mechanical and manufacturing stressors--all before prototype. With embedded libraries containing over 500,000 parts, Sherlock rapidly converts electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) files into computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) models. Each model contains accurate geometries, material properties and translates stress information. -
24
Simcenter Amesim
Siemens
Simcenter Amesim is a leading integrated, scalable mechatronic system simulation platform that allows design engineers to virtually assess and optimize the systems’ performance. This will boost overall systems engineering productivity from the early development stages until the final performance validation and controls calibration. It allows its users to focus on engineering, deliver accurate and actionable results, develop scalable models supporting the entire development cycle, improve collaboration and integrate system performance with other engineering disciplines. Simcenter Amesim is part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the comprehensive and integrated portfolio of software and services from Siemens Digital Industries Software. -
25
Tidy3D
Flexcompute
Tidy3D is Flexcompute's ultrafast electromagnetic (EM) solver. The solver is based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Thanks to the highly optimized co-design of software and hardware, Tidy3D runs simulations orders of magnitude faster than other EM solvers on the market. With the lightning fast speed, you can also solve problems hundreds of wavelength in size, which is often not feasible with conventional approaches. -
26
nCode DesignLife
HBK World
nCode DesignLife is an up-front design tool that identifies critical locations and calculates realistic fatigue lives from leading finite element (FE) results for both metals and composites. Design engineers can go beyond performing simplified stress analysis and avoid under- or over-designing products by simulating actual loading conditions to avoid costly design changes. Product options containing functions for virtual shaker testing, fatigue of welds, vibration fatigue, crack growth detection, fatigue of composites, thermo-mechanical fatigue analysis. Advanced technology for multiaxial, welds, short-fibre composite, vibration, crack growth, thermo-mechanical fatigue. Intuitive, graphical interface for performing fatigue analysis from leading FEA results data, including ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, Altair OptiStruct, LS-Dyna and others. Multi-threaded and distributed processing capabilities for processing large finite element models and complete usage schedules. -
27
Thermal Desktop
C&R Technologies
Thermal Desktop includes all aspects of model creation. Built-in finite difference, finite element, and lumped capacitance objects can be combined in any configuration. Thermal-specific objects such as contact conductance, insulation, heat loads, and heaters can be added to model anything from automotive components to manned spacecraft. Thermal Desktop provides full parameterization using variables and arbitrarily complex expressions as input rather than hardwired numbers. These variables, called symbols, allow models to be rapidly manipulated with a few keystrokes, meaning updating or maintaining the model is easy, as is performing sensitivity studies and investigating what-if scenarios. This also provides access to SINDA/FLUINT’s optimization and reliability modules and automatic model correlation. -
28
STAAD
Bentley
You can design, analyze, and document structural projects, anywhere in the world, with any material using STAAD. It offers you a flexible solution to cover all your structural engineering needs from the foundation up. STAAD is a comprehensive structural finite element analysis and design application that allows users to perform analysis on any structure exposed to static, dynamic, wind, earthquake, thermal, and moving loads. STAAD comes in different variations so you can choose what’s best for you. STAAD is a popular structural analysis application known for analysis, diverse applications of use, interoperability, and time-saving capabilities. STAAD helps structural engineers perform 3D structural analysis and design for both steel and concrete structures. A physical model created in the structural design software can be transformed into an analytical model for structural analysis. Many design code standards are incorporated into STAAD.Starting Price: $3,000 per year -
29
RadCAD
C&R Technologies
An ultra-fast, oct-tree accelerated Monte-Carlo ray tracing algorithm is used by RadCAD to compute radiation exchange factors and view factors. Innovations by C&R Technologies to the ray tracing process have resulted in an extremely efficient thermal radiation software tool. Using finite difference "conics" (simple geometric objects) or curved finite elements from TD Direct®, RadCAD can accurately model diffuse or specular reflections and transmissive surfaces regardless of node density. The needs of the thermal solution dictate the number of nodes, not the accuracy requirements of the radiation. RadCAD makes use of user-defined databases of optical properties. Each surface coating defines absorptivity, transmissivity, and reflectivity along with specularity in both the solar and infrared wavelength regimes. These properties can be defined versus incident angle or even with wavelength dependence. -
30
VisualAnalysis
Integrated Engineering Software
Thousands of professionals leverage VisualAnalysis (VA) to meet deadlines. Customers say it is "a great value" and "so easy to learn". You need practical tools; easy on your budget. 3D models of complete buildings, tanks, towers, etc. Static and dynamic response analysis. Design code checks for steel, wood, concrete, cold-formed steel, and aluminum. Complete analysis and design features including automatic plate meshing, command window, nonlinear elements, and dynamic time history analysis. 3D static and dynamic FEA for civil, mechanical, aerospace or any other structural analysis. Optional support of building code load combinations. Easily apply loads. Distribute area loads to members. Gravity and lateral loading in the same project. Create frame, truss, or FEA models of just about any structure. Sketch, generate, and import CAD, or BIM (Revit). Fast static, P-delta, AISC Direct, dynamic, and nonlinear. Proven and validated results. -
31
SolidFEA
BIMWERX
SolidFEA is our innovative solid finite element analysis tool, designed to make advanced structural engineering design both accessible and affordable. Powered by the Calculix engine, it offers detailed sub-model analysis with lower cost and hardware requirements than competitors like Abaqus. Ideal for complex engineering challenges, including steel connections and bridge engineering, SolidFEA democratizes specialty software with ease of use and IFC file format compatibility, complementing our GenFEA software for comprehensive structural analysis. SolidFEA marks a transformative step in structural engineering design, bridging the gap that has long existed due to the prohibitive costs, complex learning curves, and high-end computing requirements associated with solid finite element analysis (FEA). Designed for ease of use, it supports IFC file format imports, making it a seamless addition to engineering workflows. -
32
Analytic Solver
Frontline Systems
Analytic Solver Optimization - 100% upward compatible from the Excel Solver - handles every type and size of the conventional optimization problem (without uncertainty). Unlike other optimization software, it algebraically analyzes your model structure and maximally exploits multiple cores in your PC. You can solve nonlinear models 10 times larger, and linear models 40 times larger than the Excel Solver, get solutions much faster – and plug-in Solver Engines to handle up to millions of variables! Analytic Solver Simulation gives you easy-to-use, powerful Monte Carlo simulation and risk analysis, decision trees, and simulation optimization using Frontline’s advanced Evolutionary Solver. With 60 probability distributions plus compound distributions, automatic distribution fitting, rank-order and copula-based correlation, 80 statistics, risk measures and Six Sigma functions, multiple parameterized simulations and more. -
33
RIBTEC
RIB
Integrated solutions are essential in times of tight schedules and scarce resources. Therefore, RIBTEC offers various synergies in calculation, design and construction. You benefit from a time-saving data flow in the sense of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the overall process of structural design. RIB's software solutions for structural engineers range from structural, building and ground engineering as well as finite element calculations to tunnel and bridge construction and the drawing of formwork and reinforcement plans. RIB has been developing pioneering solutions for structural design and FEM since 1961. The RIBTEC programs are successfully used by over 5,000 engineering offices, inspection engineers, construction companies and planning departments in the public and industrial sectors. With more than 100 structural analysis programs, RIBTEC comprehensively covers the practice of structural design. -
34
Altair S-FRAME
Altair
With S-FRAME, users can model, analyze, and design any structure regardless of its geometric complexity, material type, loading conditions, nonlinear effects, or design code requirements. S-FRAME’s automated framework generators build models quickly and import models with BIM and DXF import links, and users can maximize productivity with integrated concrete and steel design tools for design, optimization, code compliance, and report generation. With S-FRAME, users can quickly define structures using modeling automation to generate regular framework structures, and standard or custom trusses, and use clone tools to replicate all or part of the model. Additionally, users can save modeling time by importing existing BIM and DXF models. S-FRAME’s advanced meshing tools create the finite element mesh, giving users the power to generate detailed analysis results in their specific areas of interest. Users can explore those areas of interest by easily converting members to multi-shell models. -
35
Fatigue Essentials
AppliedCAx
Fatigue Essentials is a desktop application used to efficiently conduct structural fatigue analysis. Fatigue Essentials provides a user-friendly tool for conducting stress-life analysis either using classical stress calculations or linked with FEMAP™ and using the finite element generated stresses. The program is structured to guide the user through the analysis by following a tree structure. General analysis options are selected following loads, materials, and spectrum branches. Within each branch are options for analysis variations or input methods. Analysis results are available on-screen to paste into a report and/or as a damage contour plot in FEMAP. Covers most engineering requirements. Classic mode with user input stresses. Professional mode (FEMAP-linked) with the ability to read nodal stresses and push back results in a damage contour plot. Option for either interactive input or file input for stresses and cycles.Starting Price: $695 one-time payment -
36
Energy2D
The Concord Consortium
Based on computational physics, Energy2D is an interactive multiphysics simulation program that models all three modes of heat transfer, conduction, convection, and radiation, and their coupling with particle dynamics. Energy2D runs quickly on most computers and eliminates the switches among preprocessors, solvers, and postprocessors typically needed to perform computational fluid dynamics simulations. It allows you to design "computational experiments" to test a scientific hypothesis or solve an engineering problem without resorting to complex mathematics. Work is also underway to incorporate other types of energy transformations and support multiple types of fluids. The conduction part of Energy2D is highly accurate, but the convection and radiation parts are not 100% accurate. Hence, in cases that involve convection and radiation, Energy2D results should be considered qualitative. More than 40 scientific papers have used Energy2D as a research tool.Starting Price: Free -
37
Altair Inspire
Altair
Applied early in the product development lifecycle, Inspire accelerates the creation, optimization, and study of innovative, structurally efficient parts and assemblies through collaboration. Inspire's award winning user experience for geometry creation and modification can be learned in just a few hours, and delivers dependable Altair solver power. Structural analysis with the speed and accuracy of Altair® SimSolid®, as independently validated by NAFEMS, provides the ability to analyze large assemblies and complex parts. Dynamic motion simulation, including loads extraction, using the reliable multi-body systems analysis of Altair® MotionSolve®. The industry standard for structural efficiency, topology optimization by Altair® OptiStruct®, for the generative design of practical, viable, and manufacturable geometry. Inspire enables both simulation analysts and designers to perform what-if studies faster, easier, and above all earlier, encouraging collaboration. -
38
RFEM
Dlubal Software
The FEA program RFEM allows for quick and easy modeling, structural and dynamic calculation, as well as the design of models with member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, and solid elements. Due to the modular software concept, you can connect the main program RFEM with the corresponding add‑ons in order to meet your individual requirements. The structural analysis program RFEM provides structural engineers with a 3D FEA program that meets all requirements in modern civil engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate the modeling of simple and complex structures. The structural analysis program RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. The basic program RFEM is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.Starting Price: €697.50 rent 1 month -
39
CalcSteel
CalcSteel
CalcSteel is a web-based structural steel design and analysis platform built to make professional engineering tools affordable and accessible. It features a full 3D browser editor that allows engineers to model structures directly online without downloads or installations. The platform includes a 6 DOF FEM solver and design verification according to major international standards such as AISC 360, Eurocode 3, NBR 8800, AS 4100, and IS 800. With over 640 steel profiles available, users can quickly assign sections and loads to their structural models. CalcSteel enables engineers to analyze, verify, and generate professional documentation and PDF drawings within minutes. Unlike traditional structural software that costs thousands per year, CalcSteel offers a free tier and paid plans starting at accessible monthly pricing. Designed for structural engineers, fabricators, firms, and students, it provides professional-grade tools without enterprise-level costs.Starting Price: $9/month -
40
SwiftComp
AnalySwift
SwiftComp is a revolutionary multiscale, multiphysics composite simulation code that quickly and easily delivers the accuracy of 3D FEA at the efficiency of simple engineering models. In doing so, SwiftComp reduces barriers for engineers by enabling them to model composites as easily as metals using conventional structural elements in their FEA codes (without losing accuracy while capturing all the microstructural details). SwiftComp provides unified modeling for 1D (beams), 2D (plates/shells), or 3D structures, calculating all the effective properties. Use SwiftComp either independently for virtual testing of composites or as a plug-in to power your conventional structural tools with high-fidelity composites modeling. SwiftComp can compute the best structural model for use in macroscopic structural analysis, as well as perform dehomogenization to compute the pointwise stresses in the microstructure. SwiftComp directly interfaces with ABAQUS, ANSYS. -
41
Ansys Icepak
Ansys
Ansys Icepak is a CFD solver for electronics thermal management. It predicts airflow, temperature, and heat transfer in IC packages, PCBs, electronic assemblies/enclosures, and power electronics. Ansys Icepak provides powerful electronic cooling solutions that utilize the industry-leading Ansys Fluent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver for thermal and fluid flow analyses of integrated circuits (ICs), packages, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and electronic assemblies. The Ansys Icepak CFD solver uses the Ansys Electronics Desktop (AEDT) graphical user interface (GUI). Perform conduction, convection, and radiation conjugate heat transfer analyses, with many advanced capabilities to model laminar and turbulent flows, and species analysis including radiation and convection. Ansys’ complete PCB design solution enables you to simulate PCBs, ICs, and packages and accurately evaluate an entire system. -
42
MSC Apex
MSC Software
Unified CAE environment for virtual product development. The team at GMTO is using MSC Apex to help the giant telescope withstand earthquakes in Chile while helping humanity understand the universe. Immerse yourself in a fun, easy to use environment; a game-like experience that is referred to by engineers as ‘addictive’. MSC Apex structures packages a user interface for scenario definition and results post-processing, as well as integrated solver methods. This solution is unique in that it combines computational parts and assemblies technology with a generative framework, which enables interactive and incremental analysis. The integration of the user interface with solver methods gives the user a unique ability to interactively and incrementally validate that FEM models are solver ready. At the user’s demand, a series of solver checks can be run against individual parts and assemblies and the model diagnostics are reported in the Analysis Readiness panel. -
43
GenFEA
BIMWERX
GenFEA stands as a testament to our dedication and enthusiasm, born from years of meticulous development and research. This 'passion project' is now set to revolutionize the industry, thanks to its AI-enhanced features that bring state-of-the-art technological advancements to the global market. With GenFEA, we are poised to make a significant impact, offering groundbreaking solutions that are ready to meet the challenges and demands of the international AEC landscape. Structural engineering software has long been characterized by its steep price tags, steep learning curves, and a noticeable lag in integrating modern technological advancements. By leveraging the latest in artificial intelligence, offering an intuitive user experience, and ensuring affordability, GenFEA is dedicated to making advanced structural analysis and design tools accessible, user-friendly, and in step with the cutting-edge technologies that define our era. -
44
PLAXIS 2D
Bentley Systems
Every project is challenging, but the geotechnical analysis doesn’t have to be. PLAXIS 2D provides the power of fast computations. Perform advanced finite element or limit equilibrium analysis of soil and rock deformation and stability, as well as soil structure interaction, groundwater, and heat flow. PLAXIS 2D is a powerful and user-friendly finite-element (FE) software for 2D analysis of deformation and stability in geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics. PLAXIS is used worldwide by top engineering companies and institutions in the civil and geotechnical engineering industry. PLAXIS 2D is ideal for a range of applications from excavations, embankments, and foundations to tunneling, mining, oil and gas, and reservoir geomechanics. PLAXIS 2D includes all the essentials to perform deformation and safety analysis for soil and rock that do not require the consideration of creep, steady state groundwater or thermal flow, consolidation analysis, or any time-dependent effects. -
45
Digimat
e-Xstream engineering
e-Xstream engineering develops and commercializes the Digimat suite of software, a state-of-the-art multi-scale material modeling technology that speeds up the development process for composite materials and structures. Digimat is a core technology of 10xICME Solution and is used to perform detailed analyses of materials on the microscopic level and to derive micromechanical material models suited for multi-scale coupling of the micro- and macroscopic level. Digimat material models provide the means to combine processing simulation with structural FEA. This means to move towards more predictive simulation by taking into account the influence of processing conditions on the performance of the finally produced part. As an efficient and predictive tool Digimat helps its users to design and manufacture innovative composite materials and parts with great efficiency in time and costs. -
46
Solver SDK
Frontline Systems
Use optimization and simulation models in your desktop, Web or mobile application. Use the same high-level objects (like Problem, Solver, Variable and Function), collections, properties and methods across different programming languages. The same object-oriented API is exposed "over the wire" through Web Services WS-* standards to remote clients in PHP, JavaScript, C# and other languages. Procedural languages can use conventional calls that correspond naturally to the properties and methods of the Object-Oriented API. Linear and quadratic programming, mixed-integer programming, smooth nonlinear optimization, global optimization, and non-smooth evolutionary and tabu search are all included. The world's best optimizers, from Gurobi™, XPRESS™ and MOSEK™ for linear, quadratic and conic models to KNITRO™, SQP and GRG methods for nonlinear models "plug into" Solver SDK. Easily create a sparse DoubleMatrix object with 1 million rows and columns.Starting Price: $2495 one-time payment -
47
VABS
AnalySwift
VABS is a popular general-purpose cross-sectional analysis tool for quickly and easily computing beam properties and recovering 3D fields of composite beams, including helicopter and wind turbine blades. It is the only tool capable of rigorously decoupling an original 3D slender solid with complex microstructure into a simple engineering beam model. AnalySwift’s roots are in the aerospace industry, where its tools have been used for composite beams (helicopter rotor blades, propellers, high aspect ratio wings, wing section design), plates/shells, and 3D structures. Used for several years in the wind turbine industry, VABS delivers rapid, rigorous results when modeling wind turbine blades. SwiftComp provides additional solutions for plates/shells, and 3D structures manufactured from composites. As the automobile industry adopts a higher use of composites, opportunities increase to leverage SwiftComp and VABS to model a wide variety of structures, including beams, plates, shells, etc. -
48
AMPL
AMPL
AMPL is a powerful and intuitive modeling language designed to represent and solve complex optimization problems. It enables users to formulate mathematical models in a syntax that closely mirrors algebraic notation, facilitating a clear and concise representation of variables, objectives, and constraints. AMPL supports a wide range of problem types, including linear programming, nonlinear programming, mixed-integer programming, and more. One of its key strengths is the ability to separate models and data, allowing for flexibility and scalability in handling large-scale problems. The platform offers seamless integration with numerous solvers, both commercial and open-source, providing users with the flexibility to choose the most appropriate solver for their specific needs. AMPL is available across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offers various licensing options.Starting Price: $3,000 per year -
49
Creo Simulation
PTC
Enhance your product design with simulation and analysis to reduce costly physical prototyping while increasing your products' durability, reliability, and safety. Using digital prototypes to understand how your designs perform in real-world conditions is vital to your product development process. Creo Simulation is designed uniquely for the engineer. It comes complete with structural, thermal, and vibration analysis solutions and a comprehensive set of finite elements analysis (FEA) capabilities. With Creo Simulation, you can analyze and validate the performance of your 3D virtual prototypes before you make the first part. We offer flexible and unique simulation solutions for our customers. Utilize this section to gain insights into what we offer to fit your needs. If you have any questions about our tool stack, feel free to contact a Creo representative. -
50
Solver
Solver
Solver is a cloud-based extended financial planning and analysis solution (xFP&A) that increases access to actionable insights beyond the finance department to accelerate better decisions. Patented QuickStart integration technology enables immediate access to a collection of ready-to-use reports and budget models for finance and management users. Users can get up and running quickly, leveraging familiar Excel-based functionality to create any report and planning model. Solver transforms organizational data into a strategic advantage for data-driven success. The all-inclusive Solver Suite consolidates information from any data source to provide a single source of truth. Connected with Solver’s budgeting and forecasting, Solver’s comprehensive planning tool enables organizations to manage budgets, create detailed reports and automate forecasts all in one place. These insights are then presented in easily shareable graphs and dashboards.
