OpenFOAM vs Physics Classroom Physics Interactives
OpenFOAM
openfoam.comPhysics Classroom Physics Interactives
physicsclassroom.comSide by side
| Figure | OpenFOAM | Physics Classroom Physics Interactives |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.7 (#5) | 7.8 (#37) |
| Delivery mode | desktop | web |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | The v2606 release provides Linux packages and source code; Windows users can use WSL, native cross-compiled executables, or Docker, and macOS users can compile from source or use Docker. | The HTML5 simulations are designed with tablets such as iPads and Chromebooks in mind. |
| Support | 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. | The About page directs users with questions, website issues, or feedback to its contact form. |
Plans
Physics Classroom Physics Interactives
No plans published.
In their own words
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.
Physics Classroom Physics Interactives
Physics Classroom Physics Interactives has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.