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SPECIFICTION
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OpenFOAM

openfoam.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 8.7 #5 of 89 in Physics Simulation Software

What it is

OpenFOAM is a free, open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. It provides pre-processing, mesh generation, solvers for different flow and physics problems, and post-processing tools. Built-in utilities include blockMesh and snappyHexMesh, and it can convert meshes from external formats. ParaView visualization is supported through the paraFoam launcher, reader modules, VTK conversion, and VTK output during simulations. OpenFOAM runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports self-hosted use. Its current release is v2606, released on 26 June 2026; GPU offloading is available as a compile-time option, with that work on a separate development track. It is distributed under the GNU General Public Licence. OpenCFD offers a one-year support package for installation, fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customization, subject to a yearly service-hours maximum. It does not respond to support queries without a prior package. Training courses are also offered, with prices provided through a schedule or enquiry process.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OpenFOAM is an open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Intended users
OpenCFD describes its services for science and engineering companies, consultancies, and universities.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Platforms
The v2606 release provides Linux packages and source code; Windows users can use WSL, native cross-compiled executables, or Docker, and macOS users can compile from source or use Docker.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · openfoam.com
Security
OpenFOAM documentation states that user-supplied system calls are disabled unless allowSystemOperations is enabled, and warns that system calls carry potential security risk.Read 11 Oct 2026 · api.openfoam.com
Privacy
OpenCFD says personal data is kept on its or a supplier’s server with precautions against fraudulent access and is not stored longer than necessary.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Support
OpenCFD offers a one-year support package covering installation, bug fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customisation, with a maximum number of service hours per year.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
License
OpenFOAM is distributed under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL).Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Headquarters
Bracknell, Berkshire, UKRead 28 Sep 2026 · openfoam.com
Founded
2004Read 28 Sep 2026 · openfoam.com
3D visuals
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · openfoam.com
Current release
The current release is OpenFOAM v2606, released on 26 June 2026.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Data export
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · openfoam.com
Delivery mode
desktopRead 21 Sep 2026 · openfoam.com
Features
OpenFOAM includes pre-processing, mesh generation, solvers for multiple flow and physics types, and post-processing tools.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
GPU support
The v2606 release introduces GPU offloading as a compile-time option, while its GPU work remains on a separate development track.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Mesh tools
Built-in mesh tools include blockMesh and snappyHexMesh, and the software can convert meshes from several external formats.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Support limit
OpenCFD says it does not respond to support queries without a prior support package.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Training
OpenCFD offers Foundation and Advanced training courses, application-focused courses, and virtual training; course pricing is provided through its schedule or enquiry process.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com
Visualization integration
OpenFOAM supports ParaView through its paraFoam launcher, reader modules, VTK conversion, and VTK output during simulations.Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com

Plans and prices

OpenFOAM Free Free and open source under GPL; support and code customisation are separate services with hours limited per year Read 11 Oct 2026 · openfoam.com

Every OpenFOAM plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under GPL
  • Includes mesh tools and multiple solver types
  • Supports ParaView visualization workflows
  • Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows

Limits

  • Support queries require a prior support package
  • Support hours are capped per year
  • GPU work remains on a separate development track
  • Training prices require schedule or enquiry

Who it suits

OpenFOAM suits science and engineering companies, consultancies, and universities working on fluid-flow or heat-transfer simulations. It is also relevant to users who can work with a GPL toolbox and self-hosted deployment.

Verdict

OpenFOAM provides a broad simulation workflow at no software charge, with support and code customization offered separately. Users should account for the support-package requirement and service-hour limit if they need assistance from OpenCFD.

Where Specifiction places it

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