# Best Simulation & CAE Software - Page 5 *By [Daniel Rivera](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/daniel-rivera)* Simulation and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software supports engineering analysis tasks, encompassing finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multibody dynamics (MBD), and optimization capabilities, enabling engineers and analysts to simulate, validate, and optimize products and manufacturing tools before physical production. ### Core Capabilities of Simulation & CAE Software To qualify for inclusion in the Simulation & CAE category, a product must: - Enable users to create product and structure simulations through a graphical user interface (GUI) - Allow users to test and verify components of a simulation with customizable environmental variables - Help users optimize process or product development ### Common Use Cases for Simulation & CAE Software Engineers, analysts, and R&D teams across industries use simulation and CAE software to reduce physical prototyping costs and accelerate product development cycles. Common use cases include: - Simulating structural integrity, fluid behavior, and mechanical performance before manufacturing - Testing product designs against customizable environmental variables to validate safety and compliance - Optimizing product and manufacturing tool designs to improve performance and reduce material waste ### How Simulation & CAE Software Differs from Other Tools Simulation and CAE products are frequently implemented alongside other CAx applications such as [computer-aided design (CAD) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad) and [computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam) to support an organization's full product lifecycle management (PLM) workflow. While CAD focuses on design creation and CAM handles manufacturing instructions, CAE and simulation tools provide the engineering analysis layer that validates and optimizes designs before they move to production. ### Insights from G2 on Simulation & CAE Software Based on category trends on G2, simulation accuracy and the range of supported analysis types stand out as standout capabilities. These platforms deliver reductions in physical prototyping costs and faster design validation cycles as primary outcomes of adoption. ## How Many Simulation & CAE Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 263 ## How Does G2 Rank Simulation & CAE Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 7,600+ Authentic Reviews - 263+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Simulation & CAE Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [MeshWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/meshworks/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) ## What Are the Top-Rated Simulation & CAE Software Products in 2026? ### 1. [Ansys SPEOS](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-speos/reviews) SPEOS is a solution to create and analyze innovative lighting systems. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 3 **How Do G2 Users Rate Ansys SPEOS?** - **Task:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Ansys SPEOS?** - **Seller:** [Ansys, Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ansys-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, PA - **Twitter:** @ANSYS (30,694 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6536/ (6,703 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ANSS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 67% Enterprise, 33% Mid-Market ### 2. [MapleSim](https://www.g2.com/products/maplesim/reviews) MapleSim is a multi-domain modeling and simulation tool developed by Waterloo Maple Inc. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 3 **How Do G2 Users Rate MapleSim?** - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind MapleSim?** - **Seller:** [Waterloo Maple](https://www.g2.com/sellers/waterloo-maple) - **Year Founded:** 1988 - **HQ Location:** Waterloo, CA - **Twitter:** @maplesoft (2,898 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/maplesoft/ (133 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 75% Mid-Market, 25% Enterprise ### 3. [Step](https://www.g2.com/products/step/reviews) Step is an open-source two-dimensional physics simulation engine (KDE). **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 3 **How Do G2 Users Rate Step?** - **Task:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Step?** - **Seller:** [KDE](https://www.g2.com/sellers/kde) - **Year Founded:** 1996 - **HQ Location:** World, DE - **Twitter:** @kdecommunity (118,683 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/kde/ (301 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 67% Small-Business, 33% Mid-Market ### 4. [Actran](https://www.g2.com/products/actran/reviews) Actran is a finite element-based simulation software to analyze the acoustic behavior of mechanical systems and parts. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Actran?** - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Actran?** - **Seller:** [Free Field Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/free-field-technologies) - **Year Founded:** 1998 - **HQ Location:** Mont-Saint-Guibert, BE - **Twitter:** @FFT_Actran (63 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/free-field-technologies (27 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 50% Mid-Market ### 5. [Advanced Simulation Library (ASL)](https://www.g2.com/products/advanced-simulation-library-asl/reviews) Advanced Simulation Library (ASL) is an open-source hardware accelerated multiphysics simulation software. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Advanced Simulation Library (ASL)?** - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Advanced Simulation Library (ASL)?** - **Seller:** [Avtech Scientific](https://www.g2.com/sellers/avtech-scientific) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** N/A - **Twitter:** @AvtechSci (27 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/avtech-scientific (1 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 50% Small-Business ### 6. [Altair CFD](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-cfd/reviews) Altair CFD™ is a comprehensive suite of computational fluid dynamics tools designed to address a wide range of fluid mechanics challenges across various industries. Whether performing thermal analysis of buildings, predicting vehicle aerodynamics, optimizing gearbox lubrication, reducing cooling fan noise, or developing innovative medical devices, Altair CFD provides the necessary solutions. The suite includes multiple solvers, such as a general-purpose Navier-Stokes solver for thermal and general applications, a smoothed-particle hydrodynamics solver ideal for free surface flows like oiling, sloshing, and mixing, and a Lattice Boltzmann Method solver for aerodynamics and aero-acoustics. All these tools are accessible under a single license, enabling companies to tackle diverse applications while minimizing software expenses. Key Features and Functionality: - Multiple Solutions Available: Altair CFD offers robust, fast, and accurate solvers, providing engineers with the most appropriate technology for each application and reducing modeling turnaround times. - High-Performance Solvers: All solvers are optimized for use on clusters of GPUs, ensuring faster and more efficient simulations regardless of scale and complexity. - Efficient Workflows: The solvers and pre- and post-processing tools are connected by a common, intuitive interface in Altair® HyperWorks®, ensuring seamless software deployment. - Unique Aero-Acoustics Capability: Altair CFD accurately predicts aero-acoustic noise from rotating equipment such as fans and wind turbines. - Solve Complex Multiphysics Problems: The suite offers coupling solutions with other Altair tools to simulate fluid-structure interaction and thermomechanics. - Coupling with the Discrete Element Method: Users can perform coupled CFD-DEM simulations with Altair® EDEM™, accurately simulating particle-fluid systems such as fluidized beds, spray coating, and spreading. Primary Value and User Solutions: Altair CFD empowers engineers and designers to efficiently and accurately simulate complex fluid dynamics scenarios, leading to optimized designs and reduced development costs. By offering multiple solvers under a single license, it provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness, allowing users to select the most suitable solver for their specific application. The integration with high-performance computing and cloud solutions ensures scalability and rapid simulation turnaround times. Additionally, the unique aero-acoustics capabilities and multiphysics coupling options enable users to tackle complex, real-world engineering problems with confidence. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Altair CFD?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Altair CFD?** - **Seller:** [Altair](https://www.g2.com/sellers/altair-186799f5-3238-493f-b3ad-b8cac484afd7) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Troy, MI - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/8323/ (3,169 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ALTR - **Total Revenue (USD mm):** $458 **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Small-Business, 50% Enterprise #### What Are Altair CFD's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Simulation (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Difficult Learning (1 reviews) - Time Consumption (1 reviews) ### 7. [Altair EDEM](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-edem/reviews) Altair® EDEM™ is a high-performance software application designed for simulating and analyzing the behavior of bulk and granular materials using the Discrete Element Method . It accurately models materials such as coal, ores, soils, grains, fibers, tablets, and powders, providing engineers with critical insights into how these materials interact with equipment under various operational conditions. EDEM is utilized across industries including heavy equipment, mining, steelmaking, and process manufacturing to predict material behaviors, evaluate equipment performance, and optimize processes. Key Features and Functionality: - Material Simulation: EDEM can model a wide range of real-world materials, from large rocks to fine powders, using validated multi-sphere and polyhedral particle solvers. - Realistic Material Behavior: The software includes comprehensive physics models to represent various material behaviors, such as dry, sticky, or compressible states. - High-Performance Solver: EDEM offers fast and scalable computing performance across CPU, GPU, and multi-GPU solvers, enabling the simulation of large and complex particle systems involving millions of particles. - CAE Integration: EDEM integrates seamlessly with other Computer-Aided Engineering tools, including Multi-Body Dynamics , Finite Element Analysis , and Computational Fluid Dynamics , extending its application scope. - Advanced Analysis Tools: The software provides an extensive set of built-in tools for visualization and analysis, with options for data export and a Python library for further post-processing. Primary Value and Problem Solving: EDEM addresses the challenges engineers face in understanding and predicting the behavior of bulk materials interacting with equipment. By providing accurate simulations, it helps in identifying potential issues such as blockages, spillage, and wear, thereby reducing the need for physical prototyping. This leads to optimized equipment design, improved process efficiency, and significant cost savings. Additionally, EDEM's integration with other CAE tools allows for a comprehensive analysis of complex systems, enhancing overall engineering workflows. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Altair EDEM?** - **Task:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Altair EDEM?** - **Seller:** [Altair](https://www.g2.com/sellers/altair-186799f5-3238-493f-b3ad-b8cac484afd7) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Troy, MI - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/8323/ (3,169 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ALTR - **Total Revenue (USD mm):** $458 **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Small-Business ### 8. [Altair HyperLife](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-hyperlife/reviews) Altair HyperLife is a user-friendly fatigue analysis software designed on a solver-neutral framework, providing a comprehensive toolset for durability analysis. It interfaces directly with major finite element analysis result files, facilitating seamless integration into existing workflows. With an embedded material library, HyperLife enables accurate fatigue life predictions under repetitive loadings, catering to a wide range of industrial applications. The software includes numerous certification guidelines and offers an open, customizable environment, allowing easy adjustments to in-house methods and requirements. Key Features and Functionality: - Fatigue Life Modules: Supports uniaxial and multiaxial SN/EN analysis, Dang Van factor of safety calculations, and weld fatigue assessments for spot and seam welds. - Material Database: Comprehensive embedded material library supporting various standards, including FKM, DVS-1612, DVS-1608, and Eurocode-3. - Weld Fatigue Assessment: Evaluations for spot and seam welds based on RUPP and VOLVO methods. - Signal Processing: LoadMap utility for automatic or manual pairing of FEA load cases with fatigue load history files. - Analysis Tools: Visualization of contour plots and histograms for result interpretation. - Utilities: Complete toolkit for efficient data management and analysis. Primary Value and User Solutions: HyperLife empowers engineers to make informed decisions by providing accurate fatigue life predictions, enhancing product durability and performance. Its intuitive interface and solver-neutral approach streamline the fatigue analysis process, reducing the time and cost associated with physical testing and redesigns. By integrating seamlessly with existing FEA workflows and offering customizable features, HyperLife addresses the critical need for reliable durability assessments in various industrial applications. **Average Rating:** 3.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Altair HyperLife?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Task:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 0.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Altair HyperLife?** - **Seller:** [Altair](https://www.g2.com/sellers/altair-186799f5-3238-493f-b3ad-b8cac484afd7) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Troy, MI - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/8323/ (3,169 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ALTR - **Total Revenue (USD mm):** $458 **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Small-Business ### 9. [Ansys Autodyn](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-autodyn/reviews) ANSYS Autodyn simulates the response of materials to short duration severe loadings from impact, high pressure or explosions. It is best suited for simulating large material deformation or failure. Autodyn provides advanced solution methods without compromising ease of use. Complex physical phenomena such as the interaction of liquids, solids and gases; the phase transitions of materials; and the propagation of shock waves can all be modeled within Autodyn. Integrated within ANSYS Workbench with its own native user interface, this program has for decades led the industry in ease of use, enabling you to produce accurate results with the least amount of time and effort **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **Who Is the Company Behind Ansys Autodyn?** - **Seller:** [Ansys, Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ansys-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, PA - **Twitter:** @ANSYS (30,694 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6536/ (6,703 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ANSS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 10. [Ansys GRANTA Materials Data for Simulation](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-granta-materials-data-for-simulation/reviews) Materials Data for Simulation (MDS) is a focused, simulation-ready materials data set to support simulation analysts, embedded into Ansys flagship products: Mechanical, Electronics Desktop, Fluent and Discovery. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Ansys GRANTA Materials Data for Simulation?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Ansys GRANTA Materials Data for Simulation?** - **Seller:** [Ansys, Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ansys-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, PA - **Twitter:** @ANSYS (30,694 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6536/ (6,703 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ANSS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Mid-Market ### 11. [Ansys Model Fuel Library](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-model-fuel-library/reviews) The Model Fuel Library is based on both the outcome of the industry-driven Model Fuels Consortium (2006-2012) project and the ongoing Model Fuel Library Subscription Service that maintains the library to keep it up to date with the state of current combustion science **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Ansys Model Fuel Library?** - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Ansys Model Fuel Library?** - **Seller:** [Ansys, Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ansys-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, PA - **Twitter:** @ANSYS (30,694 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6536/ (6,703 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ANSS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 12. [Ansys nCode DesignLife](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-ncode-designlife/reviews) ANSYS nCode DesignLife works with ANSYS Mechanical to reliably evaluate fatigue life. Using the results of finite element analysis (FEA) from ANSYS Mechanical, it calculates stresses and strains, then cumulates damage from repetitive loading to determine a product's predicted life. You can quickly evaluate the effects of different materials and alternative geometries for new designs, and then optimize them for the product's expected usage, long before the first prototype is built **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Ansys nCode DesignLife?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Task:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Ansys nCode DesignLife?** - **Seller:** [Ansys, Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ansys-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, PA - **Twitter:** @ANSYS (30,694 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6536/ (6,703 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ANSS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 50% Small-Business ### 13. [Ansys SIwave](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-siwave/reviews) Ansys SIwave is a specialized tool for power integrity, signal integrity and EMI analysis of IC packages and PCBs. Solves power delivery systems and high-speed channels in electronic devices. SIwave helps you model, simulate and validate high-speed channels and complete power delivery systems typical in modern high-performance electronics. It accurately extracts multi-gigabit SERDES and memory buses, providing product sign-off compliance for various designs. SIwave’s full wave extraction of complete power distribution networks (PDN) enables you to verify noise margins and ensure impedance profiles are met through automatic decoupling analysis in low-voltage designs. Features include: - Full-Wave SI/PI Extraction - Impedance/Crosstalk/EMI Scanning - Virtual Compliance - Electro-Thermal Design - Layout and Geometry Import - IBIS and IBIS-AMI SerDes Analysis - Impedance and Crosstalk Scanning - EMI Solution - Electrothermal Analysis - Multidomain System Modeling - High-Performance Computing - Automated Decoupling Capacitor - Electromigration Analysis **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Ansys SIwave?** - **Task:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Ansys SIwave?** - **Seller:** [Ansys, Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ansys-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, PA - **Twitter:** @ANSYS (30,694 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6536/ (6,703 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ANSS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 14. [Ansys VRXPERIENCE](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-vrxperience/reviews) Ansys VRXPERIENCE simulation platform has been designed and developed to support this type of iterative process for cutting-edge, driverless systems. The complete solution extends from component-level model-in-the-loop (MIL) testing through system-level verification and validation using software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation. VRXPERIENCE also accounts for human factors by simulating human-machine interaction (HMI) behaviors in a 3D virtual environment. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Ansys VRXPERIENCE?** - **Task:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Ansys VRXPERIENCE?** - **Seller:** [Ansys, Inc.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ansys-inc) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, PA - **Twitter:** @ANSYS (30,694 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6536/ (6,703 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:ANSS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 15. [Capital X Panel Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/capital-x-panel-designer/reviews) Discover the power of Capital™ X Panel Designer, Siemens' cutting-edge cloud-native electrical CAD software that revolutionizes how engineers design electrical systems. Previously known as Capital Electra X, Capital X Panel Designer streamlines workflows, enhances productivity and overcomes common challenges in electrical panel design through robust cloud capabilities to help complete circuits 3 – 5x faster. No training, download nor installation required, just a secure sign-in and you’re in business. Learn more about Capital X Panel Designer: https://bit.ly/4fP1uHu **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **Who Is the Company Behind Capital X Panel Designer?** - **Seller:** [Radica Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/radica-software) - **Year Founded:** 2004 - **HQ Location:** Ipoh, MY - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-electra-x/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Mid-Market ### 16. [Clarity 3D Solver](https://www.g2.com/products/clarity-3d-solver/reviews) The Cadence Clarity 3D Solver is a cutting-edge electromagnetic simulation platform designed to tackle complex 3D structures in PCBs, IC packages, and SoIC designs. Offering unparalleled accuracy and speed, it supports critical applications across 5G, automotive, HPC, and machine learning industries. With massive scalability powered by a distributed multiprocessing architecture, it delivers up to 10X faster simulations while handling intricate designs with ease. Seamlessly integrated with Cadence Allegro and Virtuoso tools, it ensures an efficient workflow from analysis to implementation. Additional features include adaptive mesh refinement, S-parameter extraction, and cloud-based deployment for flexible, on-demand computing. The Clarity 3D Solver empowers engineers to achieve precise electromagnetic analysis and design excellence for high-speed, high-frequency systems. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Clarity 3D Solver?** - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Clarity 3D Solver?** - **Seller:** [Cadence Design Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cadence-design-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1988 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, California - **Twitter:** @Cadence (20,034 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2157/ (10,784 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** CDNS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Small-Business ### 17. [CONVERGE](https://www.g2.com/products/convergent-science-converge/reviews) Convergent Science is an innovative, rapidly expanding computational fluid dynamics (CFD) company. Our flagship product, CONVERGE, is a revolutionary CFD software with truly autonomous meshing capabilities that eliminate the grid generation bottleneck from the simulation process. Convergent Science is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and has offices in the United States, Europe, and India and distributors worldwide. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate CONVERGE?** - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind CONVERGE?** - **Seller:** [Convergent Science](https://www.g2.com/sellers/convergent-science) - **Year Founded:** 1997 - **HQ Location:** Madison, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergent-science-inc/ (169 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Small-Business #### What Are CONVERGE's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Efficiency Improvement (1 reviews) - Meshing Techniques (1 reviews) - Post-Processing (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (1 reviews) - Meshing Issues (1 reviews) - Time Consumption (1 reviews) ### 18. [Creo Elements/Direct Modeling](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-elements-direct-modeling/reviews) Creo Elements/Direct Modeling (formerly CoCreate Modeling) provides robust, comprehensive direct modeling capabilities. **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 21 **How Do G2 Users Rate Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 5.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Creo Elements/Direct Modeling?** - **Seller:** [PTC](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptc) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Boston, Massachusetts - **Twitter:** @PTC (37,590 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1935/ (8,226 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: PTC **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Mechanical or Industrial Engineering - **Company Size:** 55% Small-Business, 32% Enterprise ### 19. [Elmer](https://www.g2.com/products/elmer/reviews) Elmer is an open-source multiphysical simulation software for Windows/Mac/Linux. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **Who Is the Company Behind Elmer?** - **Seller:** [CSC - IT Center for Science](https://www.g2.com/sellers/csc-it-center-for-science) - **Year Founded:** 1971 - **HQ Location:** Espoo, FI - **Twitter:** @CSCfi (3,820 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/csc---it-center-for-science (668 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 20. [ModelCenter](https://www.g2.com/products/modelcenter/reviews) ModelCenter is a framework for integration of third-party modeling and simulation tools/scripts, workflow automation, and multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization from Phoenix Integration. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate ModelCenter?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind ModelCenter?** - **Seller:** [Phoenix Integration](https://www.g2.com/sellers/phoenix-integration) - **Year Founded:** 1970 - **HQ Location:** Canonsburg, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-integration (15 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Enterprise ### 21. [MSC Nastran](https://www.g2.com/products/msc-nastran/reviews) MSC Nastran is a multidisciplinary structural analysis application used by engineers to perform static, dynamic, and thermal analysis **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **Who Is the Company Behind MSC Nastran?** - **Seller:** [Hexagon AB](https://www.g2.com/sellers/hexagon-ab-82cd7afb-c519-4285-8d60-9b5f99ae6850) - **HQ Location:** Stockholm - **Twitter:** @HexagonAB (13,337 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/hexagon-ab/ (850 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 33% Small-Business, 33% Enterprise ### 22. [NXRT](https://www.g2.com/products/nxrt/reviews) NXRT has developed immersive simulation software that offers sensor systems, mixed reality, and real-time immersion services, providing the automotive and rail industry with the tools they need to develop simulation solutions independently **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate NXRT?** - **Task:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind NXRT?** - **Seller:** [NXRT](https://www.g2.com/sellers/nxrt) - **Year Founded:** 2019 - **HQ Location:** Wien, AT - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/nxrt (36 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Small-Business #### What Are NXRT's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Simulation (1 reviews) - Useful (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Time Consumption (1 reviews) ### 23. [Open Source Physics](https://www.g2.com/products/open-source-physics/reviews) Open Source Physics is an open-source Java software project for teaching and studying physics. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Open Source Physics?** - **Task:** 5.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 5.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) - **Continuous event modeling:** 3.3/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Open Source Physics?** - **Seller:** [Open Source Physics Project](https://www.g2.com/sellers/open-source-physics-project) - **Year Founded:** 1930 - **HQ Location:** College Park, Maryland, United States - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-association-of-physics-teachers (70 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Small-Business, 50% Enterprise ### 24. [PowerFLOW](https://www.g2.com/products/powerflow/reviews) Exa's simulation and visualization software predicts the real world performance of products early in the design process. Every day engineers and designers rely on Exas highly accurate results to gain actionable insights to refine their designs. Engineering teams have the freedom to explore new creative solutions, make smart tradeoffs, and move to production with complete confidence. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate PowerFLOW?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Task:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.2/10) - **Integrate:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.0/10) **Who Is the Company Behind PowerFLOW?** - **Seller:** [Exa](https://www.g2.com/sellers/exa-1b7d1cee-4c80-46af-b9de-243146d17ced) - **Year Founded:** 1991 - **HQ Location:** Burlington, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/exa-corporation (127 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 25. [PTV Vissim](https://www.g2.com/products/ptv-group-ptv-vissim/reviews) PTV Vissim is the world’s leading microscopic traffic simulation software, used to model multimodal transport systems with high precision. It simulates interactions between vehicles, public transport, pedestrians, cyclists, and autonomous vehicles in complex networks. With flexible signal control, routing logic, and open APIs, it enables accurate, data-driven analysis for a wide range of stakeholders—urban planners, traffic engineers, consultants, mobility researchers, and automotive developers. Key Use Cases: 1. Infrastructure and intersection design 2. Public transport planning and prioritization 3. Pedestrian and cyclist flow analysis 4. Traffic signal optimization and control strategies 5. Policy testing (e.g. low-emission zones, congestion pricing) 6. Shared, on-demand, and new mobility simulations 7. Virtual testing of ADAS, sensors, and autonomous driving behavior 8. V2X communication and connected vehicle simulation 9. Vehicle behavior validation under real-world traffic conditions **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **Who Is the Company Behind PTV Vissim?** - **Seller:** [PTV Group](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ptv-group) - **Year Founded:** 1979 - **HQ Location:** Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/ptvlogistics/ (291 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Phone:** +49 721 9651-0 **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Small-Business, 50% Mid-Market #### What Are PTV Vissim's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Modeling Efficiency (1 reviews) - User Interface (1 reviews) ## What Is Simulation & CAE Software? [CAD & PLM Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-plm) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Simulation & CAE Software? - [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) - [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) - [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Simulation & CAE Software? ### What You Should Know About Simulation & CAE Software ### What is Simulation & CAE Software? Simulation and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software allows engineers, analysts, and designers to perform finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multibody dynamics (MDB), and optimization. Simulation software can also be referred to as CAE simulation software due to its association with CAE analysis and its application. Simulation software can create models based on mathematical data and place them in a predefined system. By analyzing these models, engineers study the relationship between model and system and the interactions that happen in a controlled environment. This helps predict performance, defects, and judge the potential product lifespan. **What Does Simulation & CAE Software Stand For?** CAE stands for computer-aided engineering. The term computer-aided engineering is used as a technical term for simulation while the term simulation is what is often heard in the market when users refer to engineering simulation. ### What are the Common Features of Simulation & CAE Software? The following are some core features within simulation software:  [**Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)**](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae/f/computational-fluid-dynamics): One of the main forms of engineering analysis that CAE software performs is CFD. CFD is a way to model the behavior of both fluids and gases. This includes modeling the way they interact with one another as well as surfaces that they come in contact with. This feature can solve problems such as identifying incompressible and compressible fluids, laminar and turbulent flows, as well as multiphase flow problems. **Finite element analysis (FEA):** FEA is a numerical method used to solve engineering problems. This process is used to break down one large problem into a handful of smaller ones, called finite elements. Using this method, engineers can break down complex engineering problems into manageable pieces. One of the main ways engineers use FEA is to make model representations in which they can test how objects interact with one another, which provides an understanding of how an actual object would be affected by other physical forces. Examples are bridge modeling, car crash testing, and testing the structural integrity of any given object. **Mechanical event simulation:** Mechanical event simulation enables engineers to simulate how objects will react to certain events in real life. A good example of this is a simulation of how a mobile phone will interact with a cement floor in the event that it is accidentally dropped. Within the simulation, the software can indicate if the phone screen will crack or if any other permanent issues will be caused. The software can then suggest changes to be made to the phone to make it more durable and protected in the event of a dropped phone; when considering these changes, users can test the simulation until the product is adjusted to their liking. [**Electromagnetic simulation**](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae/f/electromagnetic-simulation) **:** Electromagnetic simulation allows users to simulate the electromagnetic properties of components or systems. This allows engineers in industries such as electronics and communications to determine how effective their component design is. [**Thermal simulation**](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae/f/thermal-simulation) **:** Thermal simulation allows users to simulate how the physical properties of materials change with changes in temperature. Thermal simulation can be used to simulate areas such as electronics cooling, automotive thermal management, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and other applications where users need to simulate the effect of thermal loads. Other Features of Simulation & CAE Software: [Structural Simulation](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae/f/structural-simulation) ### What are the Benefits of Simulation & CAE Software? **Speeds up design time:** Simulation software speeds up the time it takes engineers to prototype and test how objects will perform in the real world. This allows product engineers to improve design performance well before a product is manufactured. A major example of this is how airplane engineers manufacture an airplane that can withhold the stress of landing on a runway. Within this process, there are so many variables to take into account, including the material, size, and speed of the airplane. Given the perspective of how many factors go into the safety and performance design of an airplane, one would think it would take countless days of manipulating the design to create a reliable product. However, CAE allows engineers to speed up this process by running simulations of plane landings and detailing exact ways in which the engineer can improve the design.  **Saves money:** Simulation software is all virtual and done on the computer, hence the name “computer-aided engineering”. Since these simulations are all conducted virtually, it allows companies to save plenty of money by not having to manufacture countless designs before getting the final product correct. For example, car engineers can simulate how a car crash would occur before they even have to conduct the final experiment. This way, before car crash testing occurs, engineering teams already have a good sense of how the test will go. The result is having to spend less money on testing and trashing actual physical prototypes.  **Improves testing:** When prototypes finally come down to physical testing, simulation software can help analyze what’s occurring during the test and identify any key faults that occurred. For example, if a car was tested for impact and the body of the car wasn’t strong enough to withstand a crash, simulation software can identify exactly what went wrong and suggest what needs to be changed. ### Who Uses Simulation & CAE Software? Simulation and CAE software is used across a variety of industries in the manufacturing and engineering world. Its main functions include simulation, validation, and optimization of products, which can be broadly applied to any business trying to test and improve a manufactured product. With this in mind, here are a couple of industries that use simulation software. **Automotive industry:** Historically, automakers spent plenty of time producing physical vehicle models and then testing them for safety by actually crashing them into physical barriers. With advancements in simulation software, however, design and safety testing is all done using computer simulations. Within the virtual simulation, a car can be tested to improve safety, comfort, and vehicle durability. This has saved the automotive industry both time and money by eliminating the need to produce countless physical prototypes. **Manufacturers:** Simulation and CAE software can produce simulations of manufacturing assembly lines. This helps manufacturers identify any inefficiencies or issues before they begin construction on expensive production assemblies. By identifying these issues, they can save money and increase the efficiency of their manufacturing systems. **Electronic engineers:** Industries that work with developing electronic products can greatly benefit from using simulation software. Some simulation tools offer physics-based electronics design that provides fast and accurate life predictions for electronic hardware at the component, board, and system levels in early-stage design. This can be extremely beneficial to product development. **Education:** Simulation and CAE software is also used by educators to teach engineering students. For learning or teaching simulation, several vendors even offer academic or student editions of their software packages, usually at a reduced cost. #### Software Related to Simulation & CAE Software  Related solutions that can be used together with simulation and CAE software include: [CAD software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) **:** Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows users to design 3D models of physical objects. Before using simulation software, engineers often create a 3D design of whatever they’d like to conduct a simulation on. This can be a building, a mechanical assembly, an engineering plant, etc. Once the design is done, users then upload the product to a simulation software where they can then simulate how the product would react to real-life forces. Some simulation software have robust 3D design capabilities built in, while others are more elementary and are best complemented by a more robust 3D CAD software.  ### Challenges with Simulation & CAE Software  As a technically involved software, simulation and CAE software can come with a few major challenges. Some of the most common challenges include: **CAD/CAE integration:** CAD files are completely different from CAE files. With this in mind, it’s very difficult to produce a model in CAD software, and hope that it will be suited for FEA within CAE software. However, there are software offerings that allow design and analysis to be tested within an integrated CAD/CAE environment, so to avoid this potential issue, it may be best to find a CAD solution that also offers CAE capabilities. **Learning curve:** CAE software comes with a steep learning curve. While there are more products and resources that can help beginners, it will still take a significant amount of time to master all the nuances of the software. **Price:** Another major concern for small businesses is the high price of CAE software. Some commercial CAE software can range anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 per person, which is a hefty price tag for a single user in a company. ### Which Companies Should Buy Simulation & CAE Software? Simulation and CAE software has applications that span multiple industries as well as multiple company types. **Structural engineering and automotive engineering companies:** Whether a company engineers planes, cars, or buildings, simulation software can solve a lot of use cases for structural engineering teams. With plenty of tools for stress and impact analysis, users can simulate how their structures or products will react to real-world environmental effects. **Manufacturing and industrial equipment companies:** It’s critical to test industrial equipment for strength, speed, safety, reliability, and endurance under different operating conditions. Simulation and CAE software can optimize the industrial equipment design early in the design cycle. This ensures the production of high-performance machinery with a shorter time-to-market and lower costs for physical testing. Some of the tools used within typical CAE software include mounting, clamping, adjusting, rotating and other elements. ### How to Buy Simulation & CAE Software  #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Simulation & CAE Software Requirements gathering for simulation and CAE software is critical to ensure that the business is implementing a product that meets all of their needs. To do so, businesses must evaluate their critical needs. #### Compare Simulation & CAE Software Products **Create a long list** Long lists are created by eliminating software options that do not provide critical functionality. To make a long list for simulation software, a buyer should look at the following functionalities and deem which products provide the necessary functionality: - Finite element analysis - Computational fluid dynamics  - Thermal simulation - Continuous event modeling - Mechanical event simulation - Manufacturing process simulation - 3D design and modeling - Drawing tools **Create a short list** Once a buyer has narrowed down their list from the following functionality above, it’s then important to get even more specific requirements. A buyer may be looking for simulation software that allows for a wide range of CAD integrations, or some buyers may be looking for solutions that specialize specifically in multibody dynamics or electronics simulation. Additionally, CAE is not easy to learn so it may be important to narrow it down to vendors that have great implementation support or additional resources to help learn how to use the simulation software. **Conduct demos** Demos are one of the most important stages in the buying journey. This allows a buyer to sit through an actual product demo and see if the product matches all of the requirements. To make sure the demo runs smoothly, users must ensure that the vendor has all of the requirements beforehand so they can showcase their features properly. Some of the use cases that a business should ask the vendor to showcase are: **Specific simulation features:** Before getting into the demo, a potential buyer needs to hone in on what simulation features are the most important to them. If a buyer is looking for thermal, fluids, or structural simulation then the buyers should make sure that the vendor showcases those specific features. **Workflows:** Another important feature to showcase is workflow functionality. How does the solution offer better workflow management for CAE projects? Can users share projects easily, are there simple functions for content management? **Selection of Simulation & CAE Software ** **Choose a selection team** Simulation and CAE software is going to most often be used by engineers as well as managers who oversee these teams of engineers. As such, a few senior engineers and relevant managers need to be involved in the decision-making process. At a minimum, the selection team should be at least three senior engineers and two members from management. Since simulation software is costly, this will ensure that enough eyes are on the project to make sure the best decision is made. **Negotiation** When negotiating during the purchasing stage, it is advisable to always start small in terms of licenses and functionality. Licenses will always be the biggest cost within any purchase, and oftentimes, companies purchase additional licenses or features in a product that they don’t necessarily need. During this negotiation, vendors will try to convince buyers that they can offer discounts on more functionality or licenses if they buy in bulk, but most businesses don’t need this. If businesses end up needing a few more licenses down the road, they can always add as need be.  In addition to this, the selection team should always strive to have implementation and ongoing support fees included in the cost. As stated previously, simulation software is not easy to learn. Before purchasing, buyers must ensure that the vendor offers regular training or even online training options to help new users onboard quickly. This way, if any ongoing support is needed, businesses can always contact their customer success or support representative. **Final decision** After the negotiation stage is conducted, the final decision requires buy-in from everyone on the selection team. It’s important to ensure that all requirements are met and the final decision is supported by everyone involved. ### What Does Simulation & CAE Software Cost? There are a variety of factors that will play into both the upfront and ongoing cost of simulation software. For upfront costs, a business will pay for setup, any custom integrations, and training. The ongoing cost is the subscription cost to actually use the software. Many simulation software options are usually run on a subscription model which means users will pay a monthly or yearly rate to use the software. The subscription model is generally set up as a per-user model and will ultimately be the biggest cost. As stated previously, to limit the upfront cost, it’s important to pay for a limited number of licenses right away as buyers still need to figure out if the software will ultimately be the best choice for their company. In terms of hard numbers, there is simulation software for as little as $30 per user on a monthly basis, whereas some go up to $100 per user per month. #### Return on Investment (ROI) Below is the breakdown of the estimated time to ROI according to the review data on G2 as of May 4, 2021: 35% of buyers see an ROI in 6 months or less 26% of buyers see an ROI in 7-12 months 19 % of buyers see an ROI in 13-24 months 7% of buyers see an ROI from 24-36 months 7% of buyers see an ROI in 48+ months  7% of buyers haven’t realized a full payback yet ### Simulation & CAE Software Trends **Machine learning ** Machine learning can help speed up engineering simulations by enabling highly accurate predictions. With tools like statistical learning, computers are able to learn and develop better data on their own. This can help speed up the optimal design of a product. An example would be data that is extracted from a car crash simulation repeated thousands of times. Within simulations, machine learning tools can understand which changes need to be made to make the car safer without sacrificing the integrity of the design.