Open Source Physics vs OpenSim
Open Source Physics
compadre.orgOpenSim
opensim.stanford.eduSide by side
| Figure | Open Source Physics | OpenSim |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.1 (#27) | 8.7 (#6) |
| Audience | OSP describes its project as a group of physicists and educators providing computer-based curricular resources for students. | The project describes OpenSim as suitable for research and teaching and welcomes academic and commercial applications. |
| Authoring tools | Yes | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | hybrid | desktop |
| Lesson library | Yes | Yes |
| 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. | The GUI and API are open source under Apache 2.0, while models, examples, and plugins may have their own licenses. |
| Purpose | The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. | OpenSim models humans, animals, robots, and the environment, and simulates their interaction and movement. |
| Support | OSP directs users to its feedback form or [email protected] for staff contact, and lists a technical questions discussion link. | OpenSim provides documentation, tutorials, and a discussion forum where users can seek help from experts. |
| 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.
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.