GNU FisicaLab vs SimEvents

GNU FisicaLab is a free desktop application for solving physics problems while handling the mathematical details. Its modules cover two-dimensional particle and circular kinematics, statics and dynamics, calorimetry, ideal gases, expansion, and thermodynamics. Statics and dynamics problems are described by constructing free-body diagrams. The interface supports SI and English unit systems. A grid chalkboard starts at 26 by 18 cells and can be enlarged in Preferences to 100 by 100. Data fields accept scientific notation, conversion factors, arithmetic, trigonometric functions, and square roots; parentheses cannot group operations. Online and downloadable documentation includes step-by-step examples. Source code is available from GNU FTP and mirrors, with previous Linux binaries and a Windows installer listed. GNU/Linux and BSD executable packages may come from distributions. FisicaLab is distributed under GNU GPL version 3 or any later version and provides no 3D visuals.

SimEvents is desktop software for modeling message-based communication and other event-driven processes. It uses a discrete-event simulation engine and component library, and can combine event-based models with Simulink time-based models for large hybrid systems. Blocks represent entity creation and destruction, queues, service times, routing, attributes, and event responses. Resource Pool, Resource Acquirer, and Resource Releaser blocks model resource allocation, while repeated simulations can support optimization. Analysis includes latency, throughput, packet loss, queue lengths, delays, and average service times. Users can simulate and debug models, inspect queue contents, visualize entity activity, and build custom visualization tools. Output statistics aggregate measures, and Sequence Viewer displays messages, events, and entities. MATLAB Discrete Event System and Discrete Event Chart blocks allow custom behavior. Listed applications include communication networks, software and hardware architectures, forecasting, capacity planning, and supply chain management. SimEvents requires MATLAB and Simulink, runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and has a 30-day trial with paid licensing.