OpenMDAO vs Z88Arion
OpenMDAO
openmdao.orgZ88Arion
en.z88.deSide by side
| Figure | OpenMDAO | Z88Arion |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Generative Design Software | 7.6 (#10) | 7.0 (#16) |
| Intended users | The project describes applications including cubesat design and mission planning, wind turbine design, and unconventional aircraft concepts. | The maker says the Z88 tools are intended to support small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, and colleges with product development, study, and teaching. |
| License | OpenMDAO is released under the Apache 2.0 license, which the project says permits proprietary software to be integrated without making it open source. | The maker says private, research, educational, training, and test use do not require a separate license; commercial users can request a free individual license. |
| Purpose | OpenMDAO is an open-source Python framework for systems analysis and multidisciplinary optimization. | Z88Arion is a graphical structural optimization program for topology optimization, based on the Z88 finite-element analysis software. |
Plans
In their own words
OpenMDAO
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.
Z88Arion
Z88Arion is a graphical structural optimization program for topology optimization, built on Z88 finite-element analysis software. It provides OC, SKO and TOSS algorithms; imports STEP, ASCII STL, binary STL, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, COSMOS and Z88 project files; and includes tetrahedral, adaptive tetrahedral and mapped hexahedral meshers. The editable material database contains 50 predefined materials, and boundary conditions are set through the graphical interface. Its postprocessor visualizes results, smooths geometry, exports smoothed geometry to STL and connects directly to Z88Aurora. The current release is Z88Arion V3 for 64-bit Windows, with compatibility listed from Windows 7 through Windows 11. The current version is German, while an English version is under development. The Freeware plan costs nothing. Private, research, educational, training and test use need no separate license; commercial users can request a free individual license.