List of the Top 15 CFD Software with a Free Trial in 2025

Azore is a software tool designed for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that focuses on the analysis of fluid movement and thermal transfers. By utilizing CFD, engineers and scientists can numerically tackle a diverse array of problems related to fluid mechanics, thermal dynamics, and chemical interactions through computer simulations. Azore excels in modeling a variety of fluid dynamics scenarios, encompassing air, liquids, gases, and flows containing particles. Its applications are vast, including the modeling of liquid flow through piping systems and assessing water velocity profiles around submerged objects. Furthermore, Azore is adept at simulating the behavior of gases and air, allowing for the exploration of ambient air velocity patterns as they navigate around structures, as well as examining flow dynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical systems within enclosed spaces. This robust CFD software can effectively model nearly any incompressible fluid flow scenario, addressing challenges associated with conjugate heat transfer, species transport, and both steady-state and transient flow conditions. With such capabilities, Azore serves as an invaluable asset for professionals in various engineering and scientific fields requiring precise fluid dynamics simulations.

Orbital Stack is a web-based platform that leverages AI and computational fluid dynamics to deliver preliminary qualitative insights, assessing various land-use scenarios and identifying potential issues. It facilitates the creation of environmentally responsible and high-performance developments that conventional studies cannot achieve. Developed by leading authorities in microclimate engineering and aerodynamics, this innovative tool revolutionizes the architecture and construction sectors by providing clients with immediate access to analyses related to wind comfort, safety, thermal comfort, shadowing impacts, and cladding pressure simulations. Consequently, architects can rapidly grasp the climatic implications of their design concepts, leading to more informed choices and ultimately fostering the development of more resilient and efficient projects. As a result, Orbital Stack not only enhances design accuracy but also promotes sustainable practices in the built environment.

SimScale is a cloud-based application that significantly contributes to simulation software across various sectors. This platform offers capabilities in Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Thermal Simulation. Additionally, it features 3D simulations, ongoing modeling, as well as motion and dynamic modeling capabilities. With its extensive range of tools, SimScale enhances the efficiency and accuracy of engineering simulations.

Calculate fluid flow swiftly and with precision. The Pipe Flow Calculator is an essential resource tailored for engineers, students, and professionals engaged in fluid dynamics, efficiently addressing both straightforward and intricate fluid flow challenges in less than a second. Reasons to Opt for the Pipe Flow Calculator: User-Friendly Interface: Simply input your values for immediate results. Globally Endorsed - relied upon by thousands of professionals each day. Consistent and Updated - bugs are resolved within 1-2 days. Clear Calculations: All underlying formulas are made available. Notable Features: Switch seamlessly between imperial and metric units. Select from predefined lists of pipes, materials, and fluids. Export results to Excel and Word, allowing for saving, printing, and resuming work later. Easily copy and paste comprehensive calculation reports. Types of Calculators Offered: Pressure Drop, Pump Performance, Pipe Diameter, and Reynolds Number; Orifice Plates, Venturi Tubes, Nozzles, and Prandtl Probes; Control Valves, LPG, and Thermal Energy assessments; With a variety of calculators and an intuitive interface, users will find the Pipe Flow Calculator to be an indispensable aid in their fluid dynamics projects.

Ingrid Cloud is a web-based platform that streamlines the complete workflow for wind simulations. Our computational model necessitates minimal human involvement, allowing users to achieve results effortlessly. The interface is user-friendly and delivers precise outcomes. With us, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) becomes both accessible and cost-effective. This innovative technology stems from 15 years of research conducted at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, ensuring a solid foundation in scientific advancements. Users can rely on our tool not only for its efficiency but also for its proven reliability in various applications.

Elevate your decision-making capabilities with Tecplot 360, the premier tool for CFD post-processing. As the number of CFD simulations rises and grid dimensions grow, managing large datasets and automating workflows becomes vital for efficiency. Tecplot 360 enables you to minimize downtime, allowing you to concentrate on uncovering valuable insights. The software provides effortless integration of XY, 2D, and 3D visualizations, empowering you to create graphics that meet your exact preferences. Present your results through eye-catching images and engaging animations that will impress your audience. By utilizing PyTecplot Python scripting, you can streamline repetitive tasks and boost your productivity. The powerful Chorus tool ensures that you capture all significant findings when analyzing parametric data. You can also securely access extensive remote data via the SZL-Server client-server connection, enhancing your analytical capabilities. Tecplot 360 is compatible with numerous data formats, including Tecplot, FLUENT, Plot3D, CGNS, OpenFOAM, FVCOM, VTU, and over 22 others pertinent to CFD, FEA, and structural analysis. Furthermore, you can efficiently document and compare multiple solutions using a multi-frame setup that incorporates various pages for thorough analysis and presentation. With its adaptability and comprehensive features, Tecplot 360 stands out as an essential resource for professionals focused on data-driven results, ensuring you remain at the forefront of innovation in your field.

Immerse yourself in the simulation of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and fluidic forces that are vital for achieving the outcomes you envision for your projects. With SOLIDWORKS® Flow Simulation, a user-friendly Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool embedded within the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD environment, you can quickly and easily model how liquids and gases interact with your designs to evaluate their performance and functionality. The SOLIDWORKS® suite is crafted for simplicity, fostering smooth collaboration that boosts your capacity to develop products more efficiently and economically. Utilizing SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, you and your team can accurately mimic fluid behavior, temperature distribution, and the forces at play, which are essential for your product's success. Companies of all sizes need integrated solutions to inspire innovation and enhance their operations. By harnessing the power of CFD, you can thoroughly assess how fluid dynamics, thermal transfer, and related forces influence your projects, while simultaneously exploring various "what if" scenarios to streamline design improvements. This methodology not only elevates the quality of your products but also significantly speeds up the entire development lifecycle, ultimately positioning your team for success in a competitive market. Moreover, by adopting these advanced simulation techniques, you can unlock new possibilities for creativity and innovation, ensuring your designs stand out.

Creative Fields has launched CF-MESH+, the newest iteration of their CFD meshing software. This version integrates sophisticated meshing workflows with a user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless experience for its users. With a comprehensive array of tools and features, it excels at producing high-quality CFD meshes tailored for intricate geometries. Its robust capabilities are designed to enhance productivity significantly, helping users gain a competitive advantage in their simulation projects. Additionally, CF-MESH+ promises to streamline the meshing process, making it an invaluable asset for engineers and researchers alike.

HyperWorks provides user-friendly and efficient workflows that harness specialized knowledge, thereby boosting team efficiency. This capability facilitates the streamlined creation of modern, intricate, and interconnected products. With the enhanced HyperWorks experience, engineers can transition effortlessly between different domains, enabling them to produce reports without needing to exit the modeling environment. HyperWorks empowers users to design, investigate, and refine their creations. The platform can precisely simulate a wide range of elements, including structures, mechanisms, fluids, electrical systems, embedded software, and manufacturing techniques. Customized workflows specifically target various engineering tasks, enhancing processes such as fatigue analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, concept design optimization, and design exploration. Each user interface is crafted to be intuitive and tailored to individual needs, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience throughout. Moreover, the versatility of HyperWorks enhances collaboration among team members, fostering innovation and accelerating project timelines.

SimFlow is a desktop software designed for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems. Leveraging the OpenFOAM libraries, it serves as a graphical user interface for OpenFOAM, making it a professional CAE tool that engineers can utilize to develop intricate 3D simulations. This versatile CFD software is equipped for a wide range of applications, integrating the user-friendly graphical interface of OpenFOAM® with the advantages of its open-source nature. Users can freely download SimFlow and explore its functionalities in evaluation mode, tackling some of the most challenging problems they encounter in their engineering or scientific work. Whether you are a daily user of CFD software or a newcomer eager to embark on your journey, SimFlow offers a robust fluid simulation platform that lets you explore the capabilities of CFD without any restrictions on time. With its extensive features and accessibility, SimFlow stands as an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their simulation experience.

Autodesk CFD is an advanced computational fluid dynamics software that enables engineers and analysts to accurately predict the behavior of both liquids and gases. By leveraging Autodesk CFD, teams can greatly lessen their dependence on physical prototypes, obtaining crucial insights into how fluid flow designs will perform. The software includes a variety of powerful tools designed to enhance system design optimization, focusing on fluid dynamics and thermal management, particularly in cooling electronic equipment. Moreover, it supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration, which improves occupant comfort in HVAC systems across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, as well as in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) disciplines. With its Application Programming Interface (API) and scripting features, Autodesk CFD further extends its capabilities, allowing users to tailor and automate repetitive tasks through the Decision Center. This feature also simplifies the comparison of different system designs, expediting the decision-making process in design selections. By adopting this holistic approach, engineers are provided with essential tools that drive greater efficiency and foster innovation in their work, ultimately leading to more effective solutions in a variety of applications. Furthermore, this adaptability ensures that users can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering challenges.

Ansys Sherlock distinguishes itself as the only electronics design platform that utilizes reliability physics, providing rapid and accurate predictions of the lifespan of electronic components, boards, and systems in the early design stages. This automated analysis tool streamlines the design workflow and effectively bypasses the conventional "test-fail-fix-repeat" cycle by enabling designers to thoroughly simulate the interactions among silicon, metal layers, semiconductor packages, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and assemblies, thereby pinpointing potential failure vulnerabilities caused by thermal, mechanical, and manufacturing stresses before prototype development. With a comprehensive library exceeding 500,000 components, Sherlock adeptly converts electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) files into intricate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) models. Each model generated is designed with accurate geometries and material properties, providing a detailed and thorough representation of stress data. This groundbreaking methodology not only improves the design process but also significantly shortens the time it takes for electronic products to reach the market, ultimately giving companies a competitive edge. Furthermore, the ability to preemptively identify and address issues during the design phase enhances the overall reliability and performance of the final products.

Lauded for its remarkable strength, CFX is recognized as the premier CFD software tailored for turbomachinery tasks. It integrates a solver and models within an intuitive, customizable graphical user interface, providing extensive options for automation that include session files, scripting, and a powerful expression language. The software's ability to effectively scale for high-performance computing allows for rapid simulations across a range of equipment, including pumps, fans, compressors, and turbines. Recent advancements in manufacturing processes have enabled the creation of more effective turbine cooling channel designs. Although these innovative designs improve operational efficiency, they also add layers of complexity. To achieve highly accurate results, a specialized team of engineers at Purdue University opted to leverage Ansys CFX, executing essential computations with remarkable speed. This efficiency granted them extra time to conduct more in-depth analyses and additional simulations, ultimately resulting in a complete optimization of their product. The dedication of the team to achieving superior outcomes highlights the significant benefits of employing high-caliber software in complex engineering endeavors. Furthermore, their success underscores the importance of embracing advanced tools for tackling today's engineering challenges.

Ansys Icepak is a specialized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool tailored for the thermal management of electronic systems. It accurately predicts airflow, temperature gradients, and heat transfer in integrated circuit (IC) packages, printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic assemblies, and power electronics. By leveraging the powerful Ansys Fluent CFD solver, Icepak delivers comprehensive solutions for electronic cooling, enabling detailed assessments of thermal and fluid dynamics within diverse electronic components. The software is seamlessly integrated with the Ansys Electronics Desktop (AEDT), which provides an intuitive graphical interface that enhances user experience and accessibility. Users can perform extensive analyses of conduction, convection, and radiation, taking advantage of advanced modeling capabilities for both laminar and turbulent flows, alongside species transport involving radiation and convection phenomena. Additionally, Ansys offers a complete PCB design solution that facilitates the simulation of PCBs, ICs, and packages, leading to accurate evaluations of entire electronic systems. This integration empowers engineers to refine their thermal management approaches, ensuring that electronic devices operate reliably and efficiently while meeting performance requirements in various applications. Ultimately, the robust features of Ansys Icepak make it an essential tool for engineers focused on optimizing the thermal performance of electronic technologies.

Adaptive Research is thrilled to announce the launch of the CAESIM 2024 simulation platform, which is ready for immediate deployment and boasts advanced computational fluid dynamics modeling alongside multi-physics capabilities. This newest iteration of the software presents cutting-edge tools and features that simplify the modeling workflow, allowing CFD engineers to obtain swift simulation results with increased effectiveness. Furthermore, the platform is designed to improve user experience by offering enhanced interfaces and functionalities, ensuring that users can navigate the software with ease. By incorporating these innovations, Adaptive Research aims to set a new standard in simulation technology.