The market for CAE software is extensive, so selecting the right tool is a challenge by itself. To begin with, there are different types of simulations available, from structural analysis to fluid dynamics.

For this article, we were guided by a few factors during the software selection to ensure a concise and consistent list:

• Finite elements analysis (FEA): We’ve focused on software that uses the finite element method (FEM). This numerical technique is usually used for mechanical simulations like static and dynamic responses to loads and thermal and modal analysis (vibration).
• (Some) integration with 3D CAD: Most users are looking for software that can work with external 3D models. Programming and numeric computing platforms such as MatLab and GNU Octave can get the job done, but they lack 3D model support from diverse CAD formats.
• Official support and documentation: CAE tools are tough to master, so proper documentation and support are vital.

On a side note, compared to CAD or CAM, CAE software is commercialized somewhat differently. Standalone CAE tools are usually custom-tailored with different modules to fulfill particular needs, so pricing varies a lot. For this reason, we won’t be discussing prices in this article.

Inventor is one of the core products from Autodesk. It was first released in 1999 as a parametric 3D CAD tool, which still remains the software’s main purpose.

Like many other CAD programs, Inventor has incorporated CAE tools into its capabilities, mainly static and dynamic analysis, including stress behavior for assemblies and weld spots. Autodesk in general offers superior support, not to mention extensive documentation and online tutorials.

There are also third-party CAE solutions for Inventor. For example, the EMS plug-in by ElectroMagneticWorks Inc. is an electromagnetic field simulator based on finite elements. It focuses on electromechanical design and is integrated into Inventor’s own environment.

• Publisher: Autodesk
• Type: CAD-integrated
• Operating system: Windows

Autodesk Inventor

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and 

Fusion 360 is the latest CAD solution from Autodesk. It integrates multiple capabilities, like photorealistic renderings, built-in CAM modules, and, most recently, a slicer for FDM 3D printing.

Following in its big brother Inventor’s footsteps, Fusion 360 also offers a range of simulation capabilities, including design aid tools such as topology optimization and generative design. It features a powerful simulation environment, where you can expose your design to static and thermal stresses, structural buckling, and even falling.

While not as comprehensive as other CAE tools in this list, Fusion 360 is by far the most accessible option, at around $70 per month. And it can be further beefed up with paid extensions, including a more advanced generative design option ($1,600 per year).

• Publisher: Autodesk
• Type: CAD-integrated
• Operating systems: Windows, MacOS

Autodesk Fusion 360

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and 

Altair Engineering is one of the leading software companies in CAE. The American company is responsible for the CAE suite HyperWorks, an all-in-one solution for modeling, solving, and analyzing simulation results.

OptiStruct is one of many HyperWorks solvers, mostly handling structural analysis for statics, dynamics, vibrations, acoustics, heat transfer, and more. With over 25 years on the market, OptiStruct has pioneered optimization technologies such as topology optimization.

• Publisher: Altair Engineering
• Type: Standalone
• Operating systems: Windows, Linux

Comsol was founded in 1986 and has been developing engineering CAE products since day one. Its flagship product, Comsol Multiphysics is a general-purpose simulation platform for testing designs in fully coupled multi- and single-physics setups.

Besides structural mechanics, fluid flow, and heat transfer, it can also solve simulations in the field of acoustics, electromagnetics, and even chemical reaction phenomena – all in the same environment. Its built-in Application Builder is an excellent tool for conveying technical information to non-expert customers and colleagues.

• Publisher: Comsol
• Type: Standalone
• Operating systems: Windows, MacOS, Linux

Ansys is possibly one of the first companies to develop and commercialize CAE software as we know it today. Before its foundation, engineers had to solve FEA by hand, an intimidating task to say the least.

Ansys Mechanical is one of its flagship products, aimed at structural analysis, including multiple parts interactions. This tool is highly customizable, from menus to layouts, plus it allows the user to arrange a workflow for an easier and faster simulation procedure.

• Publisher: Ansys
• Type: Standalone
• Operating system: Windows

Simufact is a software company that offers manufacturing CAE solutions for the metalworking industry. It predicts how each individual manufacturing process will perform so it can be adjusted and optimized beforehand, reducing development time and cutting costs.

Its product line includes solutions for metal forming, welding, and more recently, additive manufacturing processes such as powder bed fusion (PBF), direct energy deposition (DED) and metal binder jetting.

• Publisher: Simufact Engineering (part of Hexagon)
• Type: Standalone
• Operating systems: Windows

SimScale is a multi-purpose CAE tool that’s unique for being entirely cloud-based. It runs directly on the browser, so no special hardware is required, allowing even multiple simulations to run in parallel.

The platform brings diverse types of simulation analysis, including FEA and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). SimScale offers live online customer support and even has a free community account for educational and personal projects.

• Publisher: SimScale
• Type: Standalone
• Operating system: N/A (browser-based)

AGX Dynamics offers a different approach to traditional CAE platforms. It is essentially an SDK (software development kit) for physics simulation to support design, manufacturing, and the creation of interactive training material for virtual reality (VR).

It simulates whole systems and environments rather than a single mechanical assembly, providing valuable insights on a macro level. The AGX Cables module, for instance, simulates how hoses, ropes, and cables will behave under specific circumstances defined by the user.

Being an SDK, it can be integrated with various software, but Algoryx offers ready-to-use solutions for Unity and Unreal engine free platforms.

• Publisher: Algoryx
• Type: SDK package
• Operating systems: N/A

NX is a state-of-the-art CAD package with CAM and CAE capabilities built in. Formerly known as Unigraphics, the software has been maintained and improved by Siemens PLM Software since 2007.

In terms of simulation, NX offers high-end tools for FEM in its “Advanced Simulation” environment. It’s also a powerful pre-processor, with intuitive modeling features for cleaning up and preparing geometry for simulations. NX also provides native support to other CAD formats, like CATIA and Creo.

• Publisher: Siemens PLM Software
• Type: CAD-integrated
• Operating system: Windows

Abaqus/CAE is a platform for modeling, editing, and visualizing simulation analyses. In this case, CAE means Complete Abaqus Environment, in contrast to other Abaqus core products like the Abaqus/Standard and CFD.

It was first developed by HKS in 1978 and is now commercialized by the French company Dassault Systèmes. Needless to say, it offers native support to Dassault’s CAD software such as SolidWorks and CATIA. Abaqus/CAE supports multiphysics analysis, as well as complex materials and crash events.

• Publisher: Dassault Systèmes
• Type: Standalone
• Operating systems: Windows, Linux

CATIA is a multi-platform CAD, CAM, and CAE software suite also coming from Dassault Systèmes. Unlike Abaqus, CATIA is CAD software above anything else, constituting a standard for automotive and aerospace industries.

Its simulation platform, CATIA Analysis, aims to support designers in sizing and evaluating parts accurately. By sharing CATIA’s interface, it’s fairly intuitive to CAD users, especially those not initiated into complex CAE software. Entirely based on FEA, it runs linear, non-linear, and thermal analysis.

• Publisher: Dassault Systèmes
• Type: CAD-Integrated
• Operating system: Windows