If you are interested in engineering, you probably know that you often need computer programs to help you accomplish various tasks. These computer programs can be expensive, though, or difficult to customize. With the help of open source software, though, you can usually find lower prices and have access to code that allows you to customize as needed.
No matter your engineering salary, you can benefit from open source software. Here are 25 great open source software apps that engineers might find helpful:
Computer-Aided Design Software
- FreeCAD: If you are looking for an open-source 3D computer-aided design program, this can be a good option. It includes macro recording and loadable extensions. Platform-independent, and features great support for users. A useful design application for engineers. FreeCAD
- Open CASCADE: One of the best open-source engineering technologies out there. A great opportunity to allow for 3D surface modeling, as well as data exchange and visualization. Powerful open-source software for engineers and others. Open CASCADE
- BRL-CAD: This is a cross-platform open-source CAD application. Engineers can use it to engage in solid modeling. Great with its interactive editing, as well as image processing tools and analysis capability. A great tool for any open-source engineering toolbox. BRL-CAD
- PythonCAD: This open-source CAD project, written in Python, is aimed at providing a program that can be used with great success on Linux and Unix. A great program, PythonCAD offers a number of helpful features and useful tweaks that can help you enhance your abilities. PythonCAD
- Blender: While primarily known for its 3D animation capabilities, Blender also offers a robust CAD modeling environment with a great user interface. It supports a variety of design projects and is a valuable tool for engineers. Blender
- OpenSCAD: Meant for programmers, this is a solid 3D CAD modeler. This is a fairly basic modeler meant to focus on the CAD aspects. It’s not terribly artistic, but it does get the job done — and get it done well. Perfect for engineers looking for something that is eminently practical. OpenSCAD
- KiCad: An open-source software suite for Electronic Design Automation (EDA). It facilitates the design of schematics for electronic circuits and their conversion to Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designs. It supports multiple platforms and offers extensive features for creating professional-grade electronic designs. KiCad
Element Modeling and Fluid Dynamics
- Elmer: This is a cool software program meant for those with multiphysical problems. It includes modeling ability for fluid dynamics, as well as electromagnetics and heat transfer. A great simulator for engineers working in a variety of fields. Elmer
- Impact: Meant to be a simple alternative to some of the more complex finite element programs, Impact offers a solution for engineers. This program uses an explicit time-stepping algorithm meant to simulate dynamic situations. Impact can be helpful for engineers working with dynamic simulations. Impact
- OpenFVM: Released under the GPL license, this open-source software offers a CFD solver that engineers can use for a variety of projects. In addition to evaluating partial differential equations, OpenFVM can also solve non-isothermal multiphase flow. OpenFVM
- SALOME: Open-source platform aimed at numerical simulation. This integration software can help engineers create a CAD-CAE link. Uses one or more external solvers to help perform computation, and displays the results clearly. SALOME
- Gmsh: Engineers can get good use out of this 3D finite element grid generator. It comes with a built-in CAD engine and has its own scripting language. This open-source software is released under a GPL. It includes advanced capabilities for visualization. Gmsh
- Code_Aster: You will have to get a version in English, but once you have it, you can use this open-source software to help you with finite element applications. A great engineering tool. Code_Aster
Visualization
- NASA WorldWind: This cool application is a NASA software program. You can get a great view of Earth with help from this visualization software. Great for engineers looking for a 3D interactive globe. NASA WorldWind
- VisIt: This visualization tool can be helpful to engineers looking for a graphical analysis tool. It’s a great way to view scientific data. Works with Linux and personal computers. A tool developed by the Department of Energy. VisIt
- SageMath: Engineers looking for mathematics and numerical computation, and who want an open-source alternative to some of the other non-open-source programs out there like Matlab and Maple, can get Sage. Helpful and interesting, using an interface based on Python. SageMath
- EngLab: This open-source math platform is designed with engineers in mind. It is easy to use and requires little programming knowledge. A great solution and tool for engineers looking for scalability. EngLab
- SciLab: This cool, free platform for numerical computation can help you turn numbers into something a little more workable. A great tool for engineers looking for a little more help. SciLab
Space Engineering
- libnova: Celestial mechanics and astronomy are within your grasp with the help of this open-source software. It helps engineers calculate different orbit velocities, atmospheric refraction, aberration, and other properties. Libnova
- Java Astrodynamics Toolkit (JAT): This is perfect for the astrodynamic engineer. It makes use of Java and offers an opportunity for you to use a library of components to create your own application. Great for solving unique issues that you run across in aerodynamics. Java Astrodynamics Toolkit (JAT)
- GMAT (General Mission Analysis Tool): Developed by NASA, this open-source application helps engineers simulate trajectories and analyze space missions. GMAT
- Orekit: This is a great tool for engineers involved in satellite orbit and other aspects of space dynamics. It provides accurate and reliable computations for space missions. Orekit