Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

elmer VS COMSOL Multiphysics

Compare elmer VS COMSOL Multiphysics and see what are their differences

elmer logo elmer

Elmer is an open-source software package that solves partial differential equations. Combined with its ability to run various equations in parallel, it is an effective tool for running multiphysical simulations. Read more about elmer.

COMSOL Multiphysics logo COMSOL Multiphysics

COMSOL is the developer of COMSOL Multiphysics software, an interactive environment for modeling and simulating scientific and engineering problems.
  • elmer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-07-24
  • COMSOL Multiphysics Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17

elmer features and specs

  • Open Source
    Elmer is open-source software, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This allows for collaboration and contribution from a wide community of users and developers.
  • Multi-Physics Capabilities
    Elmer is designed to handle multiple types of physical problems simultaneously, making it suitable for complex simulations involving interaction of various physical phenomena.
  • Customizability and Extensibility
    Users can develop their own models and solvers or modify existing ones, providing flexibility to tailor the software for specific needs.
  • Comprehensive Documentation
    Elmer provides extensive documentation, including tutorials and user manuals, which aid users in understanding and utilizing its features effectively.
  • Active Community and Support
    The software benefits from an active user community and support from developers, offering a platform for assistance and sharing of knowledge and experiences.

Possible disadvantages of elmer

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its comprehensive capabilities and the need for understanding underlying physical principles, new users may find Elmer challenging to learn initially.
  • Graphical User Interface Limitations
    While Elmer includes a graphical user interface, it is not as advanced or intuitive as some other commercial simulation software, which might hinder ease of use for some users.
  • Limited Commercial Support
    As an open-source tool, Elmer may not offer the same level of professional support or guaranteed updates and ongoing maintenance as commercial software solutions.
  • Performance
    In some cases, Elmer might not perform as efficiently or quickly as specialized, commercial software optimized for specific types of simulations.
  • Integration Challenges
    Elmer might require additional effort to integrate with existing workflows or to use in conjunction with other software tools that organizations currently use.

COMSOL Multiphysics features and specs

  • Versatile Multiphysics Capabilities
    COMSOL Multiphysics allows users to couple multiple physical phenomena within a single environment, making it easier to simulate complex interactions and multiple-physics problems simultaneously.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The graphical user interface of COMSOL is designed to be intuitive, helping users to build models quickly with drag-and-drop features and wizards for setting up simulations.
  • Extensive Material Library
    COMSOL Multiphysics includes a comprehensive library of predefined materials, making it simpler for users to define properties and characteristics in simulations.
  • Integration with Third-Party Software
    COMSOL provides compatibility with other software through APIs, enabling integration with MATLAB, CAD tools, and other engineering software for extended functionality.
  • Strong Community and Support
    The software has a vibrant user community and extensive support mechanisms, including detailed documentation, forums, and customer support, which provide valuable resources for troubleshooting and learning.

Possible disadvantages of COMSOL Multiphysics

  • High Cost
    The licensing fees for COMSOL Multiphysics can be significant, which may be a barrier for smaller companies, startups, and educational institutions with limited budgets.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the depth and breadth of capabilities in COMSOL can present a steep learning curve for new users, demanding a considerable investment of time to become proficient.
  • Resource-Intensive Requirements
    Running simulations on COMSOL can be resource-intensive, requiring robust computational hardware, which may not be accessible to all users.
  • Limited MacOS Support
    While COMSOL is primarily available for Windows and Linux, its support and performance on MacOS can be limited, potentially restricting its usability for Mac users.
  • Complex Licensing System
    The software's licensing system can be complex and sometimes inconvenient, involving multiple types of licenses (network, single-user, etc.) which can complicate deployment and user management.

elmer videos

NEW Elmer's Slime Honest Review! Is it worth it?!

More videos:

  • Review - The Whisk(e)y Vault - Episode 21 - Elmer T. Lee Bourbon
  • Review - Elmer T Lee Bourbon Review! Breaking the Seal Ep #7!

COMSOL Multiphysics videos

How to Add Physics to a Model in COMSOL Multiphysics®

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Create Surface, Volume, and Line Plots in COMSOL Multiphysics®

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to elmer and COMSOL Multiphysics)
Numerical Computation
30 30%
70% 70
Technical Computing
26 26%
74% 74
CFD
41 41%
59% 59
Computational Fluid Dynamics

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing elmer and COMSOL Multiphysics, you can also consider the following products

OpenFOAM - OpenFOAM® - Official home of The Open Source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Toolbox.

ANSYS Fluent - ANSYS engineering simulation and 3D design software delivers product modeling solutions with unmatched scalability and a comprehensive multiphysics foundation.

SimFlow - SimFlow is a powerful CFD software, focused on engineering and science.

MATLAB - A high-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation, visualization, and programming

Code_Saturne - Code_Saturne solves the Navier-Stokes equations for 2D, 2D-axisymmetric and 3D flows, steady or...

Wolfram Mathematica - Mathematica has characterized the cutting edge in specialized processing—and gave the chief calculation environment to a large number of pioneers, instructors, understudies, and others around the globe.