GetFEM — The Complete Guide: Free, Flexible Finite Elements for Contact and Nonlinear Problems
GetFEM is a mature, flexible open-source finite-element library. You write the problem in a dedicated weak-form language, and the library automatically derives what is needed for nonlinear solution — a big saving in time and errors.
GetFEM
GetFEM project (Yves Renard and contributors)
A flexible finite-element library with a weak-form language, especially strong in contact and nonlinear problems; works from Python and Octave.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Contact and friction — one of the library’s strongest areas, including contact between flexible bodies.
- Cracks — the XFEM method for cracks that do not follow the mesh.
- Weak-form language — with automatic derivation of the tangents.
- Coupled problems — mechanics, heat and other fields together.
- Many interfaces — Python, GNU Octave, Matlab and Scilab on top of a C++ core.
Who it suits
Researchers and engineers building a dedicated model — for example contact between parts, seals or cracks — who want to work in a familiar environment such as Python or Octave. There is no graphical interface, and the easiest installation is through conda.
Related tools
For working in a Matlab-like environment — GNU Octave. For automated formulation in Python — FEniCS. For solving in a dedicated language — FreeFEM.
GNU Octave
GNU Project
Numerical computing in MATLAB-compatible syntax — matrices, equations, signals and plots.
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FEniCS
FEniCS Project
Solve partial differential equations by writing the variational form directly.
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FreeFEM
Sorbonne Université / Inria
Solves partial differential equations in a language close to the mathematical formulation.
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Gmsh
Gmsh Project
FEA mesh generator with built-in geometry and scripting — standard infrastructure for open numerical work.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
GetFEM is a mature, accurate library for contact and nonlinear problems, with the freedom to work from a language you already know.