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OpenPISCO
openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
What it is
OpenPisco is an open source research and development platform for topology optimization using the level-set method. It combines optimization algorithms, direct and adjoint analyses, remeshing tools and level-set algorithms, with methods for fixed-mesh shape capturing and body-fitted mesh shape tracking. The design process supports grids, unstructured meshes and body-fitted meshes, and includes an interface to MMG3D for remeshing. Users can work through a Python library and API, the OpenPiscoCL command-line application, or a graphical application. The Python interface targets developers and advanced users; the command line supports automation, batch processing and HPC execution, while the GUI is suited to visualization. Plugins allow custom mesh readers, optimization algorithms and physics solvers to be added without changing existing source code. Documented external solver options include Code_Aster, FreeFem, ZSet and OpenFOAM; an internal finite element solver is also available. Built on the Muscat library, OpenPisco is intended for industrial and academic research, including rapid prototyping of topology optimization methods. Documentation reports installation on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows 10 and WSL 20.04.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- OpenPisco is an open source research and development platform for topology optimization based on the level set method.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Intended users
- The platform is designed to support industrial and academic research, including rapid prototyping of topology optimization methods.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Privacy
- IRT SystemX says it does not collect personal data through website use; emailed support requests are used solely to answer the queries received.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- Support
- The getting-started page directs users to GitLab Issues to ask for help.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- Headquarters
- Palaiseau, FranceRead 28 Sep 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- Core capabilities
- The platform combines optimization algorithms, direct and adjoint analyses, remeshing tools, and level-set algorithms.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Core dependency
- OpenPisco is built on the Muscat library, which provides mesh handling, finite elements, and linear algebra operations.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Developers
- The official site says OpenPisco is currently developed by IRT SystemX and Safran Tech.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- Development
- The maker says OpenPisco is currently developed by IRT SystemX and Safran Tech.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- Extensibility
- Users can integrate custom mesh readers, optimization algorithms, and physics solvers through plugins without modifying existing source code.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Features
- Its capabilities include level-set algorithms, constrained optimization algorithms, physical and geometrical criteria, and remeshing tools.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Interface uses
- The Python API targets developers and advanced users, OpenPiscoCL supports automation, batch processing, and HPC execution, and the GUI is suited to visualization.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Interfaces
- It provides a Python API, the OpenPiscoCL command-line interface, and a graphical application.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Mesh support
- The maker says the design process supports grids, unstructured meshes, and body-fitted meshes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- Operating systems
- The installation guide says it has been successfully installed and tested on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, and Windows 10 and WSL 20.04.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Optimization methods
- It supports level-set topology optimization with fixed-mesh shape capturing and body-fitted mesh shape tracking.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Publisher and location
- The site lists INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE TECHNOLOGIQUE SYSTEMX as publisher and gives its registered office as 2 boulevard Thomas Gobert, 921120 Palaiseau.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- Remeshing
- OpenPisco includes an advanced interface to MMG3D for remeshing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Solver integrations
- Documented external solver options include Code_Aster, FreeFem, ZSet, and OpenFOAM; OpenPisco also offers an internal finite element solver.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Supported systems
- The latest stable release documentation reports successful installation and testing on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows 10, and WSL 20.04.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Tools
- It provides a Python library, a command-line application called OpenPiscoCL, and a GUI application.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.irt-systemx.fr
- User audiences
- The maker describes the platform as designed to support both industrial and academic research.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
- Windows limitation
- The documentation says optional iscd-mshdist and iscd-advection dependencies are not currently packaged for Windows and suggests WSL as an alternative.Read 5 Oct 2026 · openpisco.readthedocs.io
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Python API, command line and graphical application
- Plugins add custom readers, algorithms and physics solvers
- Supports grids and multiple mesh types
- External solver options include Code_Aster and OpenFOAM
Limits
- Two optional dependencies are not packaged for Windows
- GitLab Issues is the listed route for help
Who it suits
OpenPisco is aimed at industrial and academic researchers developing topology optimization methods. Its Python API targets developers and advanced users, while its command-line and graphical interfaces support batch work and visualization.
Verdict
OpenPisco offers several interfaces and extensibility for research workflows, with documented solver options and mesh support. Windows users should note that two optional dependencies are unavailable as packaged components, with WSL suggested as an alternative.
Where Specifiction places it
- Generative Design Software#13 of 207.4
