Whenever I teach a numerical analysis course, reviewing the basics of the finite element method, the question of which software to use naturally arises. The following discussion is based on three fundamental considerations:
- In practice, few people write FEM code from scratch.
- Commercial FEM software is often very easy to use with some predefined situations, but can be difficult to customize and integrate with external tools.
- Open source FEM software has reached a high level of maturity, but it is often more difficult to use than commercial software.
I discuss this tradeoff in more detail in this post. Note that while open source provides enormous long-term value to end users, there are challenges in making high-quality open source scientific software projects widely viable outside of academic use.
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1、Elmer
'Elmer] (https://www.csc.fi/web/elmer) is a GPL-licensed finite element method based multiphysics solver. It includes modules for fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, electromagnetics, heat transfer, acoustics, and more.
The project includes a graphical user interface (ElmerGUI) capable of importing meshes in various file formats, setting up the PDE system, and exporting model data and results. Post-processing is done with Paraview.
2、FeniCS
The FeniCS project centers on the numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDE) using the finite element method (FEM). As such, it covers a wide range of applications from thermomechanics to electromagnetism.
While meshing is performed in third-party libraries such as Gmesh, FeniCS provides high-level Python and C++ interfaces that make problem definition and solution easy. Models can be prototyped on a workstation or laptop and then easily run on a cluster.
FeniCSx can be downloaded here. The Python and C++ interface is called DOLFINx, and its documentation can be found here.
3、FreeFEM
FreeFEM is a library for multiphysics simulations via the finite element method. It includes pre-built physics modules such as Navier-Stokes, linear and nonlinear elasticity, thermodynamics, magnetostatics and electrostatics, and fluid-structure interactions.
It also includes its own scripting language to implement new physics modules. It includes its own mesh generation routines and is also compatible with other open source tools like Gmsh and Paraview.
4、Code-Aster
The Code-Aster project and its associated Salome-Meca software suite were developed by EDF Research in collaboration with universities and industry. It focuses on solid mechanics, including thermal and mechanical behavior of linear and nonlinear materials, and supports static and dynamic analyses. Application areas include fatigue, damage, fracture and contact mechanics. It also includes modules for geomaterials, porous media, and multiphysics coupling,
EDF uses the project operationally to demonstrate the useful life of numerous components and materials used in the nuclear field. Therefore, it can be applied to analyze machines, pressure vessels and civil engineering structures.
The code is GPL licensed and includes a GUI.
5、OpenFOAM
OpenFOAM is a GPL-licensed project centered on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). CFD involves several families of numerical methods, including but not limited to finite element methods.
CFD covers a range of scientific and engineering applications. In particular, it is used in many applications involving heat, thermodynamics, chemistry and solids, such as engines, heat exchangers, electronics cooling, combustion, etc.
The software contains its own modules for generating meshes of simple or complex geometries. Post-processing is done through a ParaView-based GUI. On the other hand, defining the problem and geometry is done through scripting.
Original link: TOP 5 open source finite element tools—BimAnt