Gmsh
Gmsh is an open source 3D finite element mesh generator with a built-in CAD engine and post-processor. It can generate meshes suitable for finite element analysis in fields like structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism and heat transfer.
mesh-generator
finite-element-analysis
cad-engine
structural-mechanics
fluid-dynamics
electromagnetism
heat-transfer
Gmsh: 3D Finite Element Mesh Generator with CAD Engine
Gmsh is an open source 3D finite element mesh generator with a built-in CAD engine and post-processor. It can generate meshes suitable for finite element analysis in fields like structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism and heat transfer.
What is Gmsh?
Gmsh is an open source, cross-platform software for generating unstructured finite element meshes for numerical simulation. It has a built-in CAD engine, allowing users to build complex 3D geometries made of parametric surfaces and volumes. Gmsh can discretize these geometries with tetrahedral meshes suitable for finite element analysis.
Some key features of Gmsh include:
- Built-in geometry and mesh parametrization tools
- Automatic mesh adaptation and mesh refinement algorithms
- Support for various element types like tetrahedra, hexahedra, prisms, pyramids
- State-of-the-art native meshing algorithms optimized for speed and robustness
- Import/Export for CAD and mesh formats like STEP, IGES, STL, mesh etc.
- Integrated post-processing with data interpolation tools
- Scripting interface to automate tasks using Python
- Graphical user interface as well as command line access
Gmsh can be used across domains like structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, heat transfer etc. Complex simulation models can be built, meshed and solved efficiently using Gmsh. The open source nature also allows customization as per user requirements.
Gmsh Features
Features
- Built-in CAD engine to model geometries
- Automatic mesh generation from geometries
- Support for tetrahedral and hexahedral mesh elements
- Mesh optimization algorithms
- Post-processing and visualization capabilities
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Cross-platform availability
Scriptable using Python
Can handle complex geometries
Large user and developer community
Cons
Steep learning curve
Limited documentation and tutorials
Not very user friendly
Exporting results can be challenging
Official Links
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