The easy-to-use FEATool Multiphysics™ simulation toolbox has been updated to version 1.17.4, with updated CAD and geometry engine, direct support for tabulated/interpolated coefficient data, and user interface (GUI) and performance improvements.
Built-in Support for Tabulated Data in Coefficients
A major new feature in FEATool Multiphysics v1.17.4 is support for non-linear tabulated and interpolated equation and boundary coefficients. That is, coefficients provided from txt, csv, and Microsoft Excel xsl, xslx table data can be used directly both in the toolbox and stand-alone versions of the toolbox, without writing custom user-defined functions as before.
Please see the corresponding documentation and simple tutorial example using a tabulated coefficient for the thermal conductivity as a function of temperature
FEATool Multiphysics toolbox for MATLAB 2025a/online and later
With the Mathworks change from a Java based Web/JavaScript based UI in MATLAB 2025a (and later), it has been found that the current toolbox UI does not perform well in this MATLAB version. It is therefore currently not recommended to use the toolbox with MATLAB 2025a, as performance is better it 2024b and earlier.
A new toolbox user interface (GUI) is in development, and scheduled to be available in a later 2.0 release, including full Python integration allowing users to use either or Python, MATLAB, or GNU Octave.
OpenFOAM and CFD Solver Updates
FEATool Multiphysics, the easiest and fastest way to get started with OpenFOAM and CFD simulations!
Improved Flow Mode Control: A new check-box toggle for automatic pressure constraint in CFD and flow simulation physics modes has been added. This provides users with more direct control over simulation settings, simplifying the setup for fluid dynamics problems.
Enhanced Error Handling for External Solvers: Users now have the option to save OpenFOAM and SU2 case/config files on error. This vital feature allows for easier debugging and troubleshooting, enabling users to inspect the solver’s state at the point of failure and refine their models more efficiently.
ESI/OpenCFD OpenFOAM distribution: It is recommended to use ESI/OpenCFD OpenFOAM distribution (openfoam.com) to ensure CFD solver compatibility (instead of using the OpenFOAM Foundation distribution openfoam.org)
Standardized SU2 Turbulence Model: The SU2 CFD solver has been updated to default to the V2003m SST turbulence model. This standardization ensures a robust and widely validated turbulence model is used by default, contributing to more accurate and reliable turbulent flow simulations.
Miscellaneous Updates
- Update OpenCASCADE geometry engine to v7.9.1 with improved stability and handling of geometries with multiple sub-domains (for Windows and Linux systems)
- Added
setinffunction (to set infinite values to specific number, analog tosetnan) - Added solver troubleshooting section to the toolbox documentation
- New import fea struct from MATLAB File menu option
- Added categories to physics mode selection list, for easier UI selection
- User interface (GUI) consistency improvements
- Minor bug fixes
CFDTool™ Fluid Dynamics Simulation Toolbox
In addition to the updates to the FEATool Multiphysics toolbox described above, the simplified sister toolbox CFDTool has also been updated to version 1.10.4, streamlining the user interface (GUI) to mirror the FEATool UI, making switching between the toolboxes easier and natural.
CFDTool is a simplified version of the FEATool toolbox only featuring physics modes and functionality for fluid mechanics and heat transfer simulations. Fore more advanced, multi-physics simulations, and MATLAB m-file scripting the FEATool Multiphysics toolbox is recommended.
Designed and Developed for Engineers and Researchers
Accurate and Efficient Simulations: FEATool Multiphysics delivers highly accurate and efficient simulations, enabling engineers to optimize designs, reduce development time, and improve product performance.
Expanded Application Areas: The new features and enhancements broaden the range of applications for FEATool, making it suitable for a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and process engineering.
Increased Productivity: The improved user interface and streamlined workflows enhance productivity and allow engineers to focus on their simulations rather than technical complexities.
Availability and Download
The physics simulation toolboxes FEATool Multiphysics™ 1.17.4 and CFDTool™ 1.10.4 are available right now both as stand-alone desktop apps, and also as MATLAB toolbox Add-Ons, with fully interactive GUI and cross-platform support for the Microsoft Windows, Linux, and MacOS operating systems. The toolboxes can be downloaded directly from www.featool.com/download or www.cfdtool.com/download (or installed with one-click from the MATLAB Add-Ons Toolbar).
If you use FEATool Multiphysics and/or CFDTool and find it useful in your work or studies please do share your models, modeling experience, and consider recommending the toolboxes to your colleagues and coworkers.
About Precise Simulation
Precise Simulation, founded in 2012, is a small and niche software developer dedicated to developing state-of-the-art and easy-to-use simulation software for product design, virtual prototyping, and research in both industry and academia.
Please visit the linked page for a list of users and references using or recommending the software.
The FEATool Multiphysics™ and CFDTool™ toolboxes are fully integrated simulation software platforms for creating virtual 3D models and simulation applications based on physical phenomena. A unique feature is the ability to account for coupled physics phenomena, and seamlessly integrate with many types of multi-physics solvers such as OpenFOAM, FEniCS, SU2 Code, and more.
FEATool Multiphysics is a complete simulation platform for fluid flow, heat transfer, structural, electromagnetics acoustics, and chemical engineering applications. Built-in interfaces and APIs enable the integration of FEATool with MATLAB, physics solvers, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools. Simulation experts rely on FEATool Multiphysics to design and develop physics based models and deliver accurate and speedy results to their teams, manufacturing departments, test laboratories, and users worldwide.
Please get in touch if you have questions about the toolboxes, or might be interested in consulting and custom simulation solutions.