Open Source Physics vs OpenFOAM
Open Source Physics
compadre.org
OpenFOAM
openfoam.comSide by side
| Figure | Open Source Physics | OpenFOAM |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.1 (#27) | 8.7 (#5) |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | hybrid | desktop |
| Founded | 2002 | 2004 |
| License | OSP source and compiled code may be used under GNU GPL version 2 or any later version; associated curricular narratives may have separate copyrights or licenses. | OpenFOAM is distributed under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL). |
| Purpose | The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. | OpenFOAM is an open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. |
| Support | OSP directs users to its feedback form or [email protected] for staff contact, and lists a technical questions discussion link. | OpenCFD offers a one-year support package covering installation, bug fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customisation, with a maximum number of service hours per year. |
| 3D visuals | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
Open Source Physics
Open Source Physics is a free, open-source resource for physics learning and teaching. It offers a lesson library and authoring tools, with 3D visuals, offline access, and data export. The combination supports both browsing learning materials and creating them. Its listed platforms are web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and its delivery mode is hybrid. Offline access is specifically listed, alongside the web and desktop and mobile platforms. The project is listed as founded in 2002, as is its maker, Open Source Physics. The pricing model is free, and the pricing note identifies the resource as open source. Data export is included among its capabilities. Readers can weigh the library and authoring tools against its broad range of platform options when considering it for physics education.
OpenFOAM
OpenFOAM is a free, open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. It provides pre-processing, mesh generation, solvers for different flow and physics problems, and post-processing tools. Built-in utilities include blockMesh and snappyHexMesh, and it can convert meshes from external formats. ParaView visualization is supported through the paraFoam launcher, reader modules, VTK conversion, and VTK output during simulations. OpenFOAM runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports self-hosted use. Its current release is v2606, released on 26 June 2026; GPU offloading is available as a compile-time option, with that work on a separate development track. It is distributed under the GNU General Public Licence. OpenCFD offers a one-year support package for installation, fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customization, subject to a yearly service-hours maximum. It does not respond to support queries without a prior package. Training courses are also offered, with prices provided through a schedule or enquiry process.