SfePy — The Complete Guide: Free Finite Elements in Python for Research Problems
SfePy is a Python package for finite elements: elasticity, heat transfer, acoustics and your own weak forms in 2D and 3D. Made for research that keeps changing.
Guides and Articles
FEniCS — The Complete Guide: Free PDE Solving Straight From the Weak Form
In FEniCS you write the weak form of a problem in Python, in near-mathematical notation, and it generates efficient finite element code. Strong for research.
FEBio — The Complete Guide: Free Finite Elements for Biomechanics and Soft Materials
FEBio is a free FE package for biomechanics: tissue, cartilage, muscle and implants, with hyperelastic, viscoelastic and poroelastic materials and FEBio Studio.
Impact — The Complete Guide: Free Explicit Finite Elements for Crash and Impact
Impact is an open-source explicit FE solver for short, violent events: drop tests, crash and forming. Written in Java, it runs on any computer. When to use it.
Z88Aurora — The Complete Guide: Free FEA With a Full GUI, From CAD to Results
Z88Aurora from the University of Bayreuth is free FEA with a full GUI: CAD import, meshing, loads, solving and results, no input files. Commercial use allowed.
Truss-101 — The Complete Guide: Free 2D Truss Solving With Influence Lines and a PDF Report
Truss-101 solves determinate and indeterminate 2D trusses by the displacement method: member forces, reactions, displacements, influence lines and a PDF report.
Tom Beam — The Complete Guide: Free Analysis of Simple and Continuous Beams With Diagrams
Tom Beam analyses simple and continuous beams, including indeterminate cases: shear, moment and deflection, with an AISC section library. Small and free.
PlenFrem — The Complete Guide: Free 2D Frame and Truss Analysis With the Matrix Steps Shown
PlenFrem analyses 2D frames and trusses with no node limit and shows the stiffness matrices and solution steps. DXF and Excel import; great for learning.
Frame3DD — The Complete Guide: A Free Input-File 3D Frame Solver Built for Automation
Frame3DD solves 3D frames and trusses from a text file: displacements, forces, reactions and natural modes. No GUI, so it is ideal for scripted variant runs.
Fachwerk — The Complete Guide: Free Strut-and-Tie Models for Reinforced Concrete Design
Fachwerk solves strut-and-tie models for reinforced concrete D-regions: deep beams, corbels, openings, frame corners and anchorage zones. Free and open source.
Logisim-evolution — The Complete Guide: Free Design and Simulation of Digital Logic Circuits
Logisim-evolution is free open software for building logic circuits by drag and drop, from gates to whole CPUs, with live simulation and VHDL export.
LibrePCB — The Complete Guide: Simple, Well-Organised Free PCB Design
LibrePCB is free open PCB design software: schematic, board layout and manufacturing files, with tidy part libraries. A clean interface for beginners.