CAESES vs FEniTop

CAESES is a parametric engineering platform for simulation-driven design, geometry variation, and shape optimization. Its NURBS modeling tools support geometry creation and variation, while morphing tools can alter imported geometries. Software connectors can automate workflows spanning geometry generation, meshing, simulation, post-processing, and evaluation. Available methods include parameter studies, sensitivity analysis, single- and multi-objective optimization, and surrogate modeling. Listed integrations include ANSYS Workbench and optimization tools such as HEEDS, Dakota, optiSLang, Optimus, and modeFRONTIER. CAESES does not include simulation solvers, so users connect external CFD or other simulation software. The Standard Edition includes geometry modeling, software connections, design studies, variation and optimization strategies, morphing, design variants, and batch mode. The Batch Mode License adds non-GUI operation and HPC cluster optimization; the Power Edition includes advanced optimization and a maritime, turbo, or propeller add-on. Pricing is available on request, with no free plan. Windows and Linux downloads include a free two-week trial; listed systems include Windows 11 and Linux tested on Debian 12 and Ubuntu 24.04.

FEniTop is free, open-source software for topology optimization based on FEniCSx. It handles two- and three-dimensional problems on structured or unstructured meshes, with varied element geometries, types, orders, and quadrature degrees. Users express partial differential equations in weak form, while automatic differentiation supports finite-element and sensitivity analysis. PETSc through petsc4py provides linear and nonlinear solvers and preconditioners. Parallel implementations of Optimality Criteria and Method of Moving Asymptotes update design variables. A Helmholtz-type PDE filter targets large-scale parallel problems, including large filter radii. FEniTop can run from laptops to distributed computing clusters. Optimized designs export as XDMF files for ParaView post-processing. Repository examples cover beams in 2D and 3D, a 2D disk, a 3D shell, and a 2D compliant mechanism. The software is licensed under GPL-3.0. Setup instructions specify FEniCSx 0.7.3, PyVista, and Xvfb; Windows 11 instructions use Ubuntu under WSL and Docker Desktop.