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Tech riderRev. 4 Oct 2026

OpenMDAO

Ch 205.2of 20 Generative Design Software
  1. 1Runs onLinux, self-hosted
  2. 2CostsFree plan
  3. 3Simulation integrationYes
3 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: openmdao.org
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The OpenMDAO homepage

Overview

OpenMDAO is ranked #20 of 20 in generative design software on Specifiction. It runs on Linux, Self-hosted. There is a free plan.

OpenMDAO plans and pricing

All plans
OpenMDAO Free open-source framework · Apache 2.0 license openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on generative design software

Simulation integration
Yesopenmdao.org

Facts

Purpose
OpenMDAO is an open-source Python framework for systems analysis and multidisciplinary optimization.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Primary method
The project focuses on gradient-based optimization with analytic derivatives for design spaces with hundreds or thousands of design variables.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Other optimization
Its parallel computing features can also support gradient-free optimization, mixed-integer nonlinear programming, and design space exploration.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Model structure
Models are built from components and groups, with drivers that can run optimization algorithms or design of experiments.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Solver features
OpenMDAO provides nonlinear and linear solvers that can be placed at different levels of a model hierarchy.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Derivative tools
It supports analytic partial derivatives, finite-difference and complex-step approximations, derivative checking, and forward or reverse total derivative calculations.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Parallel computing
MPI features can run parallel subsystems and distributed variables across multiple processes.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Visualization and recording
Documented features include model visualizations, optimization progress plots, and recording and reading model or solver cases.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Related libraries
The project identifies Dymos for transient modeling and optimal control and pyCycle for turbine engine cycle analysis as libraries built on OpenMDAO.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
License
OpenMDAO is released under the Apache 2.0 license, which the project says permits proprietary software to be integrated without making it open source.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Installation
The project documents installation from PyPI or a cloned GitHub repository, with optional dependency sets for testing, documentation, and visualization.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Version requirements
The repository says the current supported OpenMDAO 3.x line requires Python 3.10 or later and that its API may change periodically while in active development.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Parallel dependency limit
The documentation says parallel finite-difference and complex-step derivative approximation requires MPI and may not run on Colab or Binder.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026
Intended users
The project describes applications including cubesat design and mission planning, wind turbine design, and unconventional aircraft concepts.openmdao.org · 4 Oct 2026

Company

Founded
2007openmdao.org · 28 Sept 2026

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Where it ranks on Specifiction

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