Dakota vs OpenLSTO

Dakota provides software for optimization and uncertainty quantification using computational models. Its methods cover optimization, uncertainty quantification, parameter estimation, and sensitivity or variance analysis. These capabilities can be combined into strategies such as hybrid optimization, surrogate-based optimization and optimization under uncertainty. The C++ toolkit connects simulation codes with iterative systems-analysis methods, and Dakota lists MPI for parallel distributed-memory communication. The project describes engineering analysts using it to explore designs and assess confidence in computational predictions. Prebuilt binaries are available for macOS, Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 and 8; other platforms require building from source. Installation instructions also describe an optional PYTHONPATH setup for the dakota.interfacing Python module. Dakota versions 5.0 and newer are available under the GNU Lesser General Public License. Some optional numerical libraries, including DOT, NLPQLP and NPSOL/NLSSOL, require separate commercial licenses. Documentation for releases 6.17 and later is available through the documentation site, with older manuals available for download. User support is directed to GitHub Discussions, and the project offers introductory and methods-focused screencasts.

OpenLSTO is open-source C++ software for structural topology optimization using a level set method. It seeks to minimize compliance, or maximize stiffness, within a volume constraint in a two-dimensional design domain. Developed and maintained by researchers at UC San Diego and Cardiff University, the described first light version is limited to that 2D problem. It runs through command-line arguments in a terminal; simple serial cases without external libraries can be compiled and executed with a C++ compiler. OpenLSTO produces.vtk solution files that ParaView can read, so users need a data visualization tool for post-processing. The project favors in-house components where possible and is available under the Apache 2.0 license. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with repository-clone and ZIP download options. The software is free: the OpenLSTO plan is free. The project says expanded capabilities using externally provided software are planned for a more advanced version.