01/ OpenFOAM
Best for: Computational fluid dynamics.
Runs on: Linux, Windows, macOS
Visit OpenFOAMEngineering & CAD · Engineering simulation (FEA/CFD)
Free alternatives to Ansys
Ansys by Synopsys: Finite element and fluid dynamics simulation. Pricing: enterprise licence (free student version). Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.
| Alternative | Type | Platforms | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OpenFOAM | Open source | Linux, Windows, macOS | Computational fluid dynamics | Get it |
 Code_Aster | Open source | Linux, Windows | Structural and thermal finite element analysis | Get it |
 Elmer FEM | Open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Multiphysics simulation | Get it |
AnsysThe paid original | Enterprise licence (free student version) | – | Engineering simulation (FEA/CFD) | Visit |
The alternatives in detail
02/ Code_Aster
Best for: Structural and thermal finite element analysis.
Runs on: Linux, Windows
Visit Code_Aster03/ Elmer FEM
Best for: Multiphysics simulation.
Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux
Visit Elmer FEMFrequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Ansys?
Yes. OpenFOAM is a strong free option for computational fluid dynamics. Other choices include Code_Aster, Elmer FEM.
Which Ansys alternative is open source?
OpenFOAM, Code_Aster, Elmer FEM are open source.