SimFlow
Simulation & CAE software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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€8,000 per year
Free TrialFree version
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What is SimFlow
SimFlow is a desktop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) application used to set up, run, and post-process flow simulations. It targets engineers, researchers, and students who need CFD analysis for internal/external aerodynamics, HVAC, turbomachinery, and general fluid/thermal problems. The product commonly pairs a graphical workflow with OpenFOAM-based solvers, focusing on making meshing, case setup, and results visualization accessible without extensive command-line work.
OpenFOAM-based solver access
SimFlow is commonly used as a front end to OpenFOAM solvers, which gives users access to a broad set of established CFD capabilities and community-tested models. This can reduce dependence on proprietary solver ecosystems for organizations that standardize on OpenFOAM. It also supports workflows where advanced users can still leverage OpenFOAM concepts while less experienced users work through the GUI.
GUI-driven CFD workflow
The product provides a guided interface for geometry import, meshing, boundary condition setup, solver execution, and post-processing. This lowers the barrier for users who are not comfortable managing CFD cases via text files and command-line tools. For teams that need repeatable simulation setup steps, a consistent GUI workflow can improve handoffs and reduce setup errors.
Integrated pre/post processing
SimFlow typically bundles pre-processing and post-processing steps into a single environment, reducing the need to stitch together multiple tools for everyday CFD tasks. This is useful for iterative engineering work where users frequently adjust mesh settings, rerun cases, and compare results. It can also simplify onboarding compared with more general-purpose numerical computing environments that require building custom CFD pipelines.
Primarily focused on CFD
SimFlow’s core value centers on fluid (and related thermal) simulation rather than broad multiphysics CAE coverage. Organizations needing tightly integrated structural, electromagnetic, or advanced multiphysics coupling may require additional tools and workflows. This can increase process complexity compared with platforms designed for wide CAE breadth.
Dependent on OpenFOAM ecosystem
Because many workflows rely on OpenFOAM solvers, users may encounter limitations tied to OpenFOAM versioning, model availability, and case-level troubleshooting. When simulations fail to converge or require custom models, teams often still need OpenFOAM expertise beyond what a GUI can abstract. This can affect supportability for complex or novel physics.
Less CAD-native than CAD suites
Compared with CAD-centric products that embed simulation directly into parametric modeling, SimFlow typically relies on imported geometry and external CAD preparation. Geometry cleanup, defeaturing, and parametric design iteration may require separate CAD tools. This can slow design-to-simulation loops for teams that want fully integrated CAD/CAE iteration.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | All physics & solvers included; 200,000 mesh nodes limit; 1 CPU for meshing & computing; Windows, Linux, macOS; No signup required; Documentation & tutorials; Downloadable free version (simFlow Engine/OpenFOAM distribution). |
| Professional | €8,000 / year | Everything in Free, plus: Unlimited mesh size; Unlimited parallel CPUs; Single-seat license; Engineering/professional support included; Automatic updates & fixes; 30-day free trial available for commercial plans; Annual subscription (perpetual license option available — contact sales). |
| Enterprise | €10,000 / year | Everything in Professional, plus: Floating / network license (share across your network); Extended engineering support; Priority assistance; 30-day free trial available for commercial plans; Contact sales for region-specific pricing, perpetual licenses, and academic discounts. |
