25 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for computational fluid dynamics (cfd) software as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 25 computational fluid dynamics (cfd) software manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked computational fluid dynamics (cfd) software companies as of November, 2024: 1.M-Star Simulations, LLC, 2.Kelco Industries, 3.CONVERGENT SCIENCE.
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software
Graduated with a master's degree in mechacanical engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tokyo.
As a student, he was engaged in research on thermophysical properties and materials, such as thermal interface materials and heat insulating materials.
After that, he mainly engaged in the development of coating equipment and CAE work at a chemical manufacturing company. Currently, he is engaged in research and development related to CFD, molecular dynamics, chemical equilibrium, and gas-liquid equilibrium at a food manufacturing company.
What Is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software?
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is used to analyze the flow of air, water, and other fluids through simulation.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is used in the design stage because it is less costly and time-consuming than experiments. In addition, it is generally difficult and costly to read the flow motion of fluids such as liquids and gases through experiments.
Therefore, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is useful for fluid motion in high-temperature, high-pressure environments where measuring instruments cannot be used, and in environments where large-scale experiments cannot be conducted, such as tsunamis and rivers.
Uses of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is used in research and development of various products, on production lines, and for weather forecasting. (There is a wide range of applications, such as analyzing the state of flow and pressure inside an automobile's engine, reducing the resistance to which the automobile is subjected, and developing cooling mechanisms for CPUs and other devices.
- Analysis of the force exerted by air on a car while it is running
- Analysis of airflow in a room when air conditioning is used
- Analysis of airflow to improve the efficiency of cooling mechanisms for machines that generate heat
- Analysis of wind direction and air pressure for weather forecasting
- Analysis of rotation of screw blades, etc.
Principle of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software
Figure 1. Principle of fluid analysis (mechanics)
Computational Fluid Dynamics Software analyzes fluid flow by numerically computing the following two basic equations
1. Continuity Equation (Conservation of Mass)
This is the rule that a fluid does not spring out of nothing or suddenly disappear in an empty space. It means that water does not suddenly spring out of nothing.
2. Conservation Law of Momentum (Navier-Stokes Equations)
This is the law that the intensity of an object's motion does not change unless some external force is applied. It is actually derived from Newton's equation of motion.
In addition, when analyzing temperature and other parameters, the equation is solved to include the conservation of energy.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software
Figure 2. Structure of fluid analysis
Commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software often includes the model creation part, the simulation execution part, and the post-processing part as a set. In addition, there are also software that
1. Preprocessing and Model Creation
Model creation is the process of creating the geometry for fluid analysis. In most cases, file formats such as STEP, IGES, and Parasolid created in 3D CAD can be used. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software also provides the ability to set boundary conditions such as where the fluid flows into the structure and where the temperature is constant.
To perform the calculations, the geometry of the model is represented by a grid called a mesh. Creating a clean mesh is an important factor in increasing the speed and accuracy of the analysis. Modeling software is equipped with a function that allows the user to easily select the size of the mesh and automatically generate a high-quality mesh.
2. Simulation Execution Part
This section refers to the part commonly referred to as the solver. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software in the narrow sense refers only to this part. The solver is equipped with functions for solving continuity equations, momentum conservation equations, energy conservation equations, and so on.
Nowadays, solvers are equipped with functions to solve more complex models and are able to perform calculations at higher speeds in response to improvements in computer performance.
3. Post-processing Part
Visualization of the analysis results in 3D models and other forms allows for a more intuitive understanding of the analysis results. The analysis function has different features depending on the product.
From the calculation results, contour plots showing pressure and temperature distributions in different colors, vector plots showing flow with arrows, and stream plots with lines can be created.
Types of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software
Figure 3. Types of fluid analysis
The first way to represent fluids is to discretize space. The finite element method and the finite volume method are well-known discretization methods. On the other hand, there is also the particle method, which represents the fluid as a collection of particles.
As there are various CAE-specific methods, techniques, and functions, it is necessary to set up the most appropriate method and conditions for each simulation, depending on the phenomenon to be simulated. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is designed to be simple and easy to use, but there are also multi-functional software that is used by professionals in thermal fluid analysis.
Although they vary from company to company, the following points often make a difference as a rough guide.
- Number of turbulence models
- Multiphase flow analysis capability
- Non-Newtonian fluid analysis capability
- Coupled analysis capability (e.g., structural analysis)
- Ability to handle compressible fluids
In addition, there are differences in licensing schemes. Select the most appropriate software by clarifying the purpose of use and required functions.
List of 25 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
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- United States of America
- Canada
- Germany
- India
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Singapore
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Kelco Industries
Thermo-fluid analysis software
Manufacturer Overview
Kelco Industries, founded in 1905 and based in Woodstock, Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of custom components for industrial equipment and unique assembly challenges. Its offerings include electromechanical components, seals and sealing elements, and flexible metal solutions. Some of its products are flight control grips, solenoids, and injection molded plastic components. The company maintains strict standards and is certified as being in conformance with NSF-ISR ISO1 14001:2015, and NSF-ISR AS9100D with ISO9001:2015 certifications.
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COMSOL, Inc.
CFD Module
Manufacturer Overview
COMSOL Inc., is a developer and manufacturer of simulation and modeling software that was established in 1998 as the US subsidiary of the Swedish COMSOL Group. Based in Burlington, MA, the company primarily offers its Multiphysics branded software platform, which can create, edit, and simulate multiphysics models via programming environments or a graphical interface (GUI). It also provides more than thirty different addons for Multiphysics, including fluid dynamics, acoustics, and structural dynamics modules. COMSOL, Inc. products are used in the industrial and technology sectors, including in facility design, research, and optimization processes.
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Autodesk Inc.
Autodesk CFD
Manufacturer Overview
Autodesk Inc is a manufacturer of 3D softwares, founded in 1982, and headquartered in Mill Valley, California. Offerings of the company encompass 3D design and modeling tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Fusion 360 for architecture, engineering, and product design. In the construction realm, it provides BIM 360, aiding in streamlined project management and collaboration. For the media and entertainment sector, software like Maya and 3ds Max facilitates 3D animation and rendering. Additionally, the company's portfolio includes engineering simulation software, CAM tools, educational resources, cloud-based collaboration platforms, as well as VR/AR applications, and solutions for GIS, mapping, robotics, and PLM.
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Flow Science
FLOW-3D
Manufacturer Overview
Flow Science, a manufacturer and developer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico USA, and founded in 1980 is a company that utilized the Volume-of-Fluid method to offer complete multiphysics simulation. The company utilizes diverse modeling capabilities, fluid-structure interaction, 6–DoF moving objects, and multiphase flows in the multiphysics simulation. Flow Science has been awarded the New Mexico Family-Friendly Workplace Award from 2017 to 2022 and Intel Cluster Ready Voyager Award in 2011. The company mainly offers Flow-3D, a CFD software for free-surface flow problems.
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ANSYS, Inc
CFD simulation
Manufacturer Overview
ANSYS, Inc., established in 1970, is an American multinational manufacturer headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, specializing in simulation software. The company develops ANSYS Simulation Software, a suite of tools used for computer-aided engineering analysis. These software tools empower engineers and designers to simulate and assess product and system behavior across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and energy. The software offers a wide array of simulation capabilities, encompassing electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, multiphysics simulations, and structural analysis. By utilizing ANSYS software, engineers can streamline product development, enhance overall product performance, address complex engineering challenges, and foster innovation throughout the design process.
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Cadence Design Systems
Digital Design and Signoff
Manufacturer Overview
Cadence Design Systems, established in 1988, is a US-based manufacturer specializing in electronic design automation (EDA) software, providing cutting-edge solutions for chip and system design to enable groundbreaking products for electronic systems and semiconductor companies. Their digital design tools create complex integrated circuits (ICs) for applications like smartphones, IoT devices, and automotive electronics. Advanced analog and mixed-signal design tools develop high-performance ICs for data converters and power management. Cadence's system design and verification tools facilitate complex electronic systems like ASICs and FPGAs. By adopting their software solutions, customers streamline design processes, reduce time-to-market, and gain a competitive edge.
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DesignTech Systems
Altair AcuSolve
Manufacturer Overview
DesignTech Systems, based in India, is a manufacturer of technologically advanced products specializing in industrial automation systems since 1998. The company's products are designed to optimize manufacturing processes, enhance efficiency, and provide overall operational excellence for its clients. Some of the company's products are Smart Factory Automation Systems, Robotic Assembly Systems, Automated Packaging Machines, Industrial 3D Printers, Product Design and Development Services, and more. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, machine vision, and intelligent control systems, the company's automation solutions empower industries to achieve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality.
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Maya HTT LTD.
Simcenter 3D for Fluid Dynamics
Manufacturer Overview
Maya HTT Ltd., founded in 1982 with headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a manufacturer of industrial software applications and simulation suites. The company's software products offer solutions that include computational fluid dynamics, data analytics, product life cycle management, additive manufacturing, and electromagnetic simulation. It also offers digital services that include the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D design, and process simulation. The company serves various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, transportation, and construction.
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Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
Manufacturer Overview
Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions, established in 1963, is a manufacturer of tapes, including adhesive, bonding, gaskets, and spacer tapes targeting the automotive, energy, building & construction, industrial, and electrical markets. Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions offer custom solutions, with 139 projects opened in the last twelve months and three new projects each week. The company in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, has gasketing foams that eliminate the sticky problems that come with sealants, elastomeric foam tapes are also available with or without adhesive.
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Manufacturer Overview
SLB was founded in 1926 and is a manufacturer of oil products and equipments based in Houston, Texas, United States. The company manufactures various products such as geopolymer cement-free system, nested multistage compact wellhead, 3D-printed armor, dual-string barrier evaluation, and autonomous directional drilling. The products are used and applied in oil drilling industry. The company has obtained the ISO 14001 certificate in 2020 and complied to HAZWOPER standards for hazardous waste management.
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3DEXPERIENCE Company
SIMULIA Fluid & CFD Simulation Software
Manufacturer Overview
Dassault Systemes, a technology company established in 1981 in France, is a supplier of the 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) business and innovation platform and virtual software solutions. The company’s SaaS provides individuals, commercial, industrial, and research organizations with a real-time visualization of their business activity and ecosystem. Dassault Systems' core business is the provision of 3D design software, 3D digital mockups, and product lifecycle management. The 3DX cloud-based platform is available with options that include computer-aided design, project management solutions, and three-dimensional rendering. Dassault Systemes' software is used in the architecture, consumer products, lifestyle, and industrial equipment markets, among many others.
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Orbital Stack
Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD Software
Company Overview
Orbital Stack is a manufacturer and supplier of wind engineering, air quality, structural design and weather forecasting analyses based in Ontario, Canada. The company's AI-powered simulation software, Orbital Stack AI, provides engineers,designers and architects with early qualitative guidance on wind comfort, thermal comfort and cladding pressures. The software is the first microclimate-analysis tool developed by RWDI that is being used by companies to manage risks and make climate-informed decisions.Orbital Stack has a clientless user interface between the designer and the software's cloud where a single model can run multiple simulations.
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Software Cradle Co., Ltd.
Thermo-fluid analysis software
Company Overview
Software Cradle Co., Ltd., founded in Beavercreek, Ohio, in 1984 is a provider of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation software. The company's product portfolio includes Thermo-fluid analysis simulation tool used for analyzing complex thermal/fluid phenomena, thermal dynamics software, and integrated simulation tools. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also offers services such as data mining, process integration and design optimization.
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CPFD Software
Software Licensing
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Bramble CFD Limited
CFD Platform
Company Overview
bramble is a platform for CFD simulations that can be accessed from any web-enabled device. It provides support for the pre and post simulation process, increasing productivity and creating consistency between simulations. Included within the platform are customised data management and analysis tools, as well as CFD support and because the software uses OpenFOAM there are no license or subscription charges. bramble’s story began 25 years ago, when a group of CFD engineers started out in a company called Advantage CFD running simulations for Reynard Motorsport, then BAR Honda F1, before starting up TotalSim Ltd. From here bramble was launched!
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The OpenFOAM Foundation Ltd
OpenFOAM
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Icon Technology & Process Consulting Ltd
CFD Simulation Software
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M-Star Simulations, LLC
CFD software
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SimScale GmbH
SimScale CFD
Distributor Overview
SimScale has been a supplier of cloud-based simulation since it was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. This software-as-a-service (SaaS) company provides access to simulation tools and computational resources through its cloud-based platform, to simulate various physical phenomena and test the performance of designs virtually. The platform provides access to a wide range of simulation tools and pre-built templates, allowing users to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and other simulations. SimScale's products have diverse applications across multiple industries such as Aerospace and Aviation, Automotive, Energy, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and more.
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Altair Engineering Inc.
Altair CFD
Distributor Overview
Altair Engineering Inc., founded in, Troy, MI, in 1985 is a supplier of computational science and AI, converging software and cloud solutions in simulation, HPC, and data analytics.t The company's product portfolio includes Data Analytics & AI, Electronic System Design, Fluids & Thermal, HPC & Cloud and Industrial Design Applications. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company also offers customer services that include support, custom research projects and customized services.
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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M-Star Simulations, LLC |
9.9%
|
| 2 | Kelco Industries |
9.1%
|
| 3 | CONVERGENT SCIENCE |
6.6%
|
| 4 | Flow Science |
6.3%
|
| 5 | COMSOL, Inc. |
4.8%
|
| 6 | Icon Technology & Process Consulting Ltd |
4.7%
|
| 7 | dicehub GmbH |
4.3%
|
| 8 | Autodesk Inc. |
4.3%
|
| 9 | SU2 Foundation |
4.1%
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| 10 | Orbital Stack |
3.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the computational fluid dynamics (cfd) software page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- 3DEXPERIENCE Company: 20,000
- Autodesk Inc.: 13,700
- Software Cradle Co., Ltd.: 96
Newly Established Company
- SimScale GmbH: 2012 (12 years ago)
- The OpenFOAM Foundation Ltd: 2011 (13 years ago)
- CONVERGENT SCIENCE: 1997 (27 years ago)
Company with a History
- Kelco Industries: 1965 (59 years ago)
- Proteus Industries Inc.: 1978 (46 years ago)
- Autodesk Inc.: 1982 (42 years ago)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Kelco Industries
- COMSOL, Inc.
- Autodesk Inc.
- Flow Science
- ANSYS, Inc
- Cadence Design Systems
- Proteus Industries Inc.
- CONVERGENT SCIENCE
Global Distribution of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
8 | 53.3% |
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Germany
|
2 | 13.3% |
India
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1 | 6.7% |
Netherlands
|
1 | 6.7% |
Singapore
|
1 | 6.7% |
Japan
|
1 | 6.7% |
Canada
|
1 | 6.7% |
List of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software Products
2 products are listed.
Advanced Donarage Research Institute
A new heat flow analysis software flowner that changed the trial and error of the design
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Easy operation with intuitive interface. A thermal flow analysis software boasts outstanding stability and overwhelming speed FlowDesigner is a pu...
