SimScale Expert Review, Pricing, and Alternatives - 2023
Updated: Jul 11
What’s special about SimScale? SimScale stands out for its cloud-based platform, making it easily accessible for users to perform complex simulations without investing in expensive hardware. It offers a wide range of simulation capabilities, including CFD, FEA, and thermal simulations.
Product: SimScale | Founding Date: 2012 |
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Company: SimScale GmbH | IPO Status: Private |
Founders: David Heiny, Vincenz Dölle, Alexander Fischer, Johannes Probst, and Anatol Dammer | Deployment Type: Cloud-based |
Free Trial: Yes, SimScale offers a limited Community plan | Company HQ: Munich, Bavaria, Germany |
Rating: 4.1 ⭐ | 125
What is SimScale?
SimScale is a cloud-based simulation software that enables engineers and designers to analyze and optimize their designs using CFD, FEA, and thermal simulations. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, robust solvers, and a vast library of public projects to help users get started quickly.
I've been interviewing experts via email, asking them questions and I asked them about the Pros and Cons of SimScale, the main points given are as follows:
Pros of SimScale:
Ease of use and user-friendly interface - Users appreciated the intuitive and straightforward nature of SimScale, making it accessible even to beginners.
Cloud-based and no hardware requirements - Users praised the ability to access SimScale from any device with an internet connection and the elimination of the need for expensive hardware upgrades.
Variety of simulation features - Users appreciated the wide range of simulation capabilities offered by SimScale, including fluid, thermal, structural, and acoustic simulations.
Support and customer service - Users highlighted the helpfulness and competence of SimScale's customer support team, along with the availability of tutorials, documentation, and online examples.
Cons of SimScale:
Limitations and missing features - Users expressed that SimScale has some limitations and lacks features, particularly in post-processing, meshing, CAD import, and specific simulation models compare to competitors.
Difficulty in CAD import and assembly management - Some users encountered challenges in importing CAD models and managing assemblies from other software.
Initial learning curve and lack of beginner friendly terms - Some users found SimScale difficult to use initially, especially for beginners and expressed the need for more straightforward explanations and terms in the CFD space.
Uncommon Cons:
While most users had common pros and cons when it comes to SimScale, it's important to acknowledge that a few users mentioned unique cons. It's worth noting that these cons are not widely mentioned and may represent individual experiences. Therefore, it's essential to consider these comments with caution and evaluate their relevance based on your specific needs and requirements. Let's explore these uncommon cons:
Lack of shell elements and difficulty in modeling composite materials - This user expressed a desire for SimScale to have better support for shell elements and the ability to model composite materials. However, it's important to note that SimScale is continuously evolving and new features may be introduced in future updates.
Lack of features for modelling vibration transmission in large structures - One user mentioned that SimScale didn't meet their expectations when it came to modeling vibration transmission in large structures. It's important to assess if this specific requirement aligns with your intended use of the software.
Difficulty in adjusting geometry -A single user mentioned difficulty in adjusting geometry within SimScale. It's important to note that this might be a subjective experience and could vary based on individual familiarity with the software.
Remember, the experiences and opinions of individual users can vary, and it's advisable to explore SimScale's features, capabilities, and support options to assess its suitability for your specific simulation needs.
SimScale Pricing:
SimScale offers three pricing plans: Free, Professional, and Enterprise. The Free plan provides limited access to the platform, whereas the Professional and Enterprise plans offer more advanced features and priority support. Pricing for the Professional plan starts at $3,000/year.
SimScale's Target Market:
SimScale is designed for engineers, designers, and product developers across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods.
SimScale Features:
Cloud-based platform for easy access and collaboration.
Comprehensive simulation capabilities, including CFD, FEA, and thermal analysis.
Extensive public project library for learning and inspiration.
Collaborative features for efficient teamwork on simulation projects.
Meshing, post-processing, and visualization tools for comprehensive analysis.
Testimonials:
One mid senior user (Simulation Engineer, 5 years of experience) praised SimScale for its diverse range of simulation features and its ease of use. They commended the software's ability to create fluid, thermal, structural, and acoustic simulations with flexibility and accuracy. According to him, SimScale's simulation results were of high quality and provided valuable insights for decision making.
One Junior user (Aeronautical Engineer, 2 years of experience) appreciated SimScale's user-friendly interface and web-based platform. He highlighted the convenience of using SimScale on any device without the need for powerful hardware. Despite having an older laptop and a slower internet connection. He found SimScale to be fast and accessible. as well he mentioned the helpful tutorials and rapid learning experience facilitated by SimScale's intuitive design.
SimScale Deployment Type and Implementation:
SimScale is a cloud-based platform, eliminating the need for software installation or dedicated hardware. Users can access the platform via a web browser on any device with an internet connection.
SimScale Customer Support:
SimScale offers customer support through email, live chat, and phone for Professional and Enterprise plan users. They also provide a rich knowledge base, documentation, and community forum for all users.
SimScale Integrations:
SimScale integrates with popular CAD software like Autodesk Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and Onshape, allowing users to import and export models seamlessly.
SimScale Customization and Automation (Scripting):
SimScale offers several avenues for customization and automation, enhancing the overall user experience and enabling more efficient workflows. The platform's capabilities in these areas are built around its API, user-defined functions, and custom solver implementations.
API: SimScale provides a comprehensive API (Application Programming Interface), allowing users to interact with the platform programmatically. This enables seamless integration with third-party software and tools, helping users to automate their workflows, reduce repetitive tasks, and optimize the design process. The API is designed to be accessible and easy to use, even for those with limited programming experience.
User-defined functions (UDFs): For users looking to customize their simulations further, SimScale supports user-defined functions (UDFs). UDFs allow users to write custom code, typically using C++ or Python, to extend the platform's built-in functionalities. This can include defining custom boundary conditions, material properties, or even implementing entirely new solver algorithms. This level of customization gives users more control over their simulations and enables them to tailor the software to their specific needs.
Custom solver implementations: SimScale's platform is built on open-source technology, allowing users to customize solvers or implement their own. Custom solver implementations enable users to leverage advanced features or specialized algorithms that may not be available in the platform's default solvers. This can be particularly useful for users working on cutting-edge research or niche applications.
Scripting: Though SimScale does not offer built-in scripting capabilities like some desktop-based simulation software, users can still leverage scripting through the API and user-defined functions. By using scripting languages like Python or C++ in combination with SimScale's API, users can create custom workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance the overall efficiency of their simulation projects.
SimScale offers a range of customization and automation capabilities through its API, user-defined functions, and custom solver implementations. This flexibility enables users to tailor the platform to their specific needs, optimize workflows, and ultimately, achieve better results in their simulation projects.
SimScale FAQs:
Is SimScale free? SimScale offers a free Community plan with limited access to its features and resources. The free plan allows users to perform simulations and access public projects, but for more advanced features and private projects, users need to opt for one of their paid plans.
What is SimScale used for? SimScale is a cloud-based simulation platform used for performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and thermal simulations. It is used across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, architecture, and product design, to optimize designs, validate performance, and reduce the need for physical testing.
Is SimScale good for CFD? Yes, SimScale is an excellent tool for CFD simulations. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of solvers and boundary conditions, and the ability to perform complex simulations without the need for powerful local hardware, making it a popular choice for CFD analysis.
Is SimScale easy?
SimScale is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to users with varying levels of experience in simulation. Its cloud-based platform, intuitive interface, and extensive documentation make it easy for beginners to get started, while its advanced features and customization options cater to more experienced users. Is SimScale an OpenFOAM?
SimScale is not OpenFOAM itself, but it utilizes OpenFOAM solvers as part of its suite of simulation tools. By integrating OpenFOAM into its platform, SimScale can leverage the power and flexibility of this open-source CFD software while offering additional features and an accessible user interface. Is learning CFD hard? Learning CFD can be challenging due to the complex mathematical concepts and the need to understand fluid dynamics principles. However, with the right resources, dedication, and practice, it is possible to learn CFD and apply it to real-world problems. Tools like SimScale, which offer user-friendly interfaces and extensive documentation, can help make the learning process more manageable.
SimScale Alternatives:
MSC Patran: Old but Gold
Abaqus: Best for dynamic analysis
Femap: Well-documented FEA software
Altair Hyperworks: Ultimate meshing control
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