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CalculiX vs code_aster: catalog facts
CalculiX	code_aster
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Best for: Engineers who need a free structural FEA solver	Best for: Engineers and researchers running structural or thermomechanical finite element analysis
Free Free software at no cost.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, Linux	Linux, Command line
Linear and non-linear static, dynamic and thermal analysis Reads the Abaqus input format All 4 strengths for CalculiX Linear and non-linear static, dynamic and thermal analysis Reads the Abaqus input format Exports meshes for several other FEA and CFD codes Includes a simple STEP reader	Large verification test suite Covers mechanics, thermal and dynamics analysis All 4 strengths for code_aster Large verification test suite Covers mechanics, thermal and dynamics analysis Free with published source Long development history at EDF
Dated interface with a steep learning curve Developed by volunteers in their spare time	Steep learning curve for new users Solver only; pre- and post-processing usually done in Salome-Meca
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for CalculiX calculix.de Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for code_aster code-aster.org Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.

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