FEATool Multiphysics vs OpenSim
FEATool Multiphysics
featool.comOpenSim
opensim.stanford.eduSide by side
| Figure | FEATool Multiphysics | OpenSim |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.6 (#10) | 8.7 (#6) |
| Authoring tools | Yes | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | desktop | desktop |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Lesson library | Yes | Yes |
| Modeling | It supports 1D, 2D, and 3D simulation, plus axisymmetric models. | Models can include rigid bodies, joints, constraints, contact, muscles, and other actuators. |
| Purpose | FEATool Multiphysics is an engineering simulation toolbox for modeling and solving physics problems. | OpenSim models humans, animals, robots, and the environment, and simulates their interaction and movement. |
| Scripting | GUI actions map to MATLAB functions, and models can be saved as MATLAB scripts; FEniCS models can be exported as Python scripts. | The API can be used through Matlab, Python, Java, and C++, while GUI scripting uses an embedded Jython shell. |
| Support | Limited free help is available through the public community forum, with dedicated developer support available as an add-on. | OpenSim provides documentation, tutorials, and a discussion forum where users can seek help from experts. |
| Supported systems | The standalone desktop app is available for Windows and Linux; the MATLAB toolbox also supports Intel macOS, while standalone macOS is unavailable. | The GUI is distributed for 64-bit Windows and Mac; the documentation says there is no public Linux GUI distribution. |
| 3D visuals | Yes | Yes |
Plans
FEATool Multiphysics
- Default free trial licenseFree
- 1-Year licensePrice not published
- Perpetual licensePrice not published
In their own words
FEATool Multiphysics
FEATool Multiphysics is desktop software for engineering simulation, with tools to model and solve problems across heat transfer, mass transport, structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetics. Models can be built in 1D, 2D, or 3D, including axisymmetric configurations. Geometry tools support modeling and exchange in STEP, IGES, STL, and OBJ formats; meshes can be generated with built-in tools or Gmsh, Netgen, tetWild, and Triangle. FEATool connects its solvers with OpenFOAM, SU2, FEniCS, and redbKIT workflows. Interface actions map to MATLAB functions, and projects can be saved as MATLAB scripts or exported as Python scripts for FEniCS. Results can be exported to MATLAB, CSV, GMV, and VTK, or as interactive ParaView Glance and Plotly web models. It runs as a standalone app on Windows and Linux, or as a MATLAB toolbox on Windows, Linux, and Intel Mac; no standalone macOS app is available. A limited-functionality trial is offered, with full-feature trials requestable for 30 days.
OpenSim
OpenSim models and simulates how humans, animals, robots, and their environment move and interact. Its graphical interface displays models and supports creating and analyzing simulations. Models can contain rigid bodies, joints, constraints, contact, muscles, and other actuators. Movement analysis tools include inverse kinematics, inverse dynamics, static optimization, and forward dynamics; Computed Muscle Control can generate muscle-driven forward simulations. The API is usable through Matlab, Python, Java, and C++, and GUI scripting uses an embedded Jython shell. Plugins can add analyses and model components, but must be built for the same OpenSim version and platform. The graphical interface is distributed for 64-bit Windows and Mac, while there is no public Linux GUI distribution; the API source can be built for Linux. OpenSim is free and open source under Apache 2.0, though models, examples, and plugins may have separate licenses. It is intended for research and teaching and welcomes academic and commercial applications. Documentation, tutorials, and a discussion forum are available. Downloading requires a SimTK account.