OpenMDAO vs OpenPISCO

OpenMDAO is a free, open-source Python framework for systems analysis and multidisciplinary optimization, available for Linux and self-hosted use. It focuses on gradient-based optimization with analytic derivatives, including design spaces with hundreds or thousands of variables. Models combine components and groups, while drivers run optimization algorithms or design of experiments. Nonlinear and linear solvers can be positioned at different levels of the model hierarchy. Derivative tools include analytic partial derivatives, finite-difference and complex-step approximations, derivative checking, and forward or reverse total derivative calculations. MPI features support parallel subsystems and distributed variables across processes. Parallel computing can also support gradient-free optimization, mixed-integer nonlinear programming and design space exploration. Users can visualize models and optimization progress, and record or read model and solver cases. Dymos for transient modeling and optimal control, and pyCycle for turbine engine cycle analysis, are identified as related libraries. Installation is documented through PyPI or a cloned GitHub repository. The supported OpenMDAO 3.x line requires Python 3.10 or later; its API may change periodically during active development.

OpenPisco is an open source research and development platform for topology optimization using the level-set method. It combines optimization algorithms, direct and adjoint analyses, remeshing tools and level-set algorithms, with methods for fixed-mesh shape capturing and body-fitted mesh shape tracking. The design process supports grids, unstructured meshes and body-fitted meshes, and includes an interface to MMG3D for remeshing. Users can work through a Python library and API, the OpenPiscoCL command-line application, or a graphical application. The Python interface targets developers and advanced users; the command line supports automation, batch processing and HPC execution, while the GUI is suited to visualization. Plugins allow custom mesh readers, optimization algorithms and physics solvers to be added without changing existing source code. Documented external solver options include Code_Aster, FreeFem, ZSet and OpenFOAM; an internal finite element solver is also available. Built on the Muscat library, OpenPisco is intended for industrial and academic research, including rapid prototyping of topology optimization methods. Documentation reports installation on Ubuntu Linux, macOS, Windows 10 and WSL 20.04.