CFD setup taking way too long again?
If you’re evaluating software for wind or fluid flow simulations, odds are you’re tired of clunky tools with steep learning curves and endless manual tasks.
I hear this all the time: you keep wasting hours prepping CAD files and troubleshooting meshing errors, instead of running the simulations you need for your projects.
That’s why I took a deep dive into IngridCloud—a platform built to automate CFD tasks, simplify wind analysis, and make high-fidelity simulations accessible even if you don’t have specialist experience.
In this review, I’ll show you how IngridCloud could remove workflow headaches and speed up your design process.
In this IngridCloud review, you’ll get the real story: core features, automation, reporting, interface usability, integration, pricing, and how it compares with alternative CFD solutions during your search.
You’ll walk away knowing the features you need to make a smarter CFD software decision.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Summary
- IngridCloud is a cloud-based CFD platform that automates high-fidelity flow simulations for users without prior CFD expertise.
- Best for architects, engineers, and designers needing fast, automated wind and fluid flow analysis at lower cost.
- You’ll appreciate its fully automated meshing and simple interface that reduce setup time and make simulations accessible.
- IngridCloud offers flexible subscription and pay-per-use pricing, including a free trial with limited simulations.
IngridCloud Overview
IngridCloud was developed by Adaptive Simulations with a clear mission: to democratize complex fluid dynamics. It offered a uniquely automated, cloud-based CFD solution built specifically for non-specialists.
They aimed squarely at architects and designers, making CFD accessible to non-experts. You could really see this specialization in its user-friendly interface, which purposefully avoided the steep learning curve of most traditional tools.
In this IngridCloud review, it’s important for you to know the platform is no longer operational. We’ll be looking back at its capabilities to provide valuable context on its market approach.
Unlike powerhouse tools like Ansys that demand deep expertise, IngridCloud’s great strength was its fully automated simulation process. You got the feeling it was built by people who understood design workflows.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of cloud-based solutions, my guide on best Cloud PBX Systems offers insights into lowering communication costs.
They worked with organizations like architecture firms, urban planners, and product designers. These were teams that needed quick wind analysis without a dedicated simulation engineer on staff.
From my analysis, their strategy revolved entirely around using automation and cloud computing to lower the cost and complexity barrier. This directly addressed a clear market need for accessible simulation tools.
Now let’s examine their capabilities.
IngridCloud Features
High-fidelity CFD simulations demand expertise.
IngridCloud aimed to democratize complex fluid dynamics, offering automated, high-fidelity flow simulations. These are the five core IngridCloud solutions that made advanced analysis accessible.
1. Automated Meshing
CAD cleanup a constant headache?
Manual CAD model preparation and meshing consumes valuable time and requires specialized skills, often leading to quality concerns and project delays.
IngridCloud’s fully automated meshing process eliminated this bottleneck, letting you select accuracy and start simulations faster. I found this feature incredibly liberating for getting projects off the ground and removing a huge barrier.
This means you could skip complex meshing steps entirely, ensuring quicker setup and higher confidence in your simulation’s starting point.
2. Cloud-Based High-Performance Computing
Waiting forever for simulation results?
Running complex CFD simulations traditionally demands powerful, expensive local hardware, leading to long processing times and frustrating delays.
IngridCloud leveraged cloud-based high-performance computing, delivering remarkably fast processing, even for large models. You’d receive email alerts upon completion, a thoughtful touch. This solution meant no more waiting around for hours or days.
Your team gains the power of supercomputing on demand, drastically shortening project cycles and accelerating design iterations with efficiency.
3. Wind Comfort Simulation
Uncertain about pedestrian wind comfort?
Urban planning often struggles with understanding wind effects on pedestrian areas, making it hard to design comfortable and safe outdoor spaces for residents.
The Wind Comfort module simulated pedestrian wind comfort using real-life geo-located wind data. It even allowed modeling trees as porous media, refining the mesh for accurate comfort visualizations. This specific solution truly impressed me.
You could confidently design public spaces, ensuring they meet comfort standards and enhance urban living for everyone without extensive manual analysis.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of enhancing team efficiency and reach, my guide on cloud telephony software explores tools to cut costs and boost communication.
4. Wind Load Simulation
Worried about building wind loads?
Assessing wind load on structures is critical for safety and compliance, but traditional methods are complex and often require specialist intervention.
IngridCloud’s Wind Load solution precisely simulated wind forces on buildings and their surrounding areas. This capability provided crucial insights for structural design, helping you meet regulatory requirements efficiently. From my testing, it delivered robust data.
Your architectural and engineering designs could be more resilient and compliant, avoiding costly rework and ensuring structural integrity for peace of mind.
5. Comprehensive Reporting & Visualization
Struggling to share complex CFD data?
Presenting detailed simulation results to non-technical stakeholders can be challenging, often leading to misunderstandings or missed opportunities.
IngridCloud provided intuitive reports with movies, images, and raw data. Users could generate video visualizations and easy-to-understand graphs illustrating force variations. This feature made complex insights accessible for anyone, a real highlight.
You could easily communicate intricate findings to clients and management, fostering better decision-making without needing deep technical explanations from your team.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Automated meshing drastically reduces preparation time and complexity.
- ✅ Cloud-based HPC delivers incredibly fast simulation processing.
- ✅ Intuitive interface makes complex CFD accessible for non-experts.
- ⚠️ Output visualizations primarily limited to X/Y planes, hindering 3D analysis.
- ⚠️ Users desired more customization and advanced boundary condition options.
- ⚠️ Lacked a simple cost-free model test and real-time progress bar.
These IngridCloud solutions were designed to work together, creating a streamlined workflow for complex fluid dynamics. They allowed users to go from CAD import to comprehensive reports with remarkable ease.
IngridCloud Pricing
Pricing seems complicated, doesn’t it?
IngridCloud pricing operates on a flexible, custom quote model, adapting to your specific simulation needs. This approach means you won’t find fixed public tiers, ensuring your investment aligns precisely with your usage requirements for CFD analysis.
Cost Breakdown
- One-time setup/initial credit: $245 (as stated)
- Per Simulation/Tokens: Variable, approx. $9.75/token (user reported)
- Implementation: Not explicitly detailed; likely project-based
- Integrations: Varies by complexity, inquire for Web API
- Key Factors: Solution type, simulation volume, resolution, subscription vs. pay-per-use
1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors
Understanding their pricing approach.
IngridCloud’s pricing model balances subscription for high-volume users with a pay-per-simulation option for occasional needs. What I found is that your costs directly depend on usage, whether it’s via tokens or an annual plan for six or more simulations. Factors like solution type, level of resolution, and the number of simulations significantly impact your final IngridCloud pricing. One user noted token costs around $9.75.
From my cost analysis, this means your monthly costs stay aligned with your actual demands, helping you avoid overpaying for unused capacity.
2. Value Assessment & ROI
Is this pricing worth it?
IngridCloud claimed a 70-90% lower cost per simulation than traditional methods, which is a significant value proposition. For your business, this translates to substantial operational savings, especially for complex CFD. What stood out about their pricing was how you could democratize CFD without the hefty upfront software and HPC infrastructure investments typically required with traditional approaches.
From my cost analysis, the result is your budget gets better visibility and predictable expenses over time compared to complex manual processes.
3. Budget Planning & Implementation
Navigating your budget effectively.
For budget planning, consider if your team needs the subscription model for regular use (six+ simulations/year) or if pay-per-simulation suits occasional needs. Their free trial with one simulation helps you assess value without initial commitment. While a $245 one-time fee was mentioned, verify its exact purpose—it likely impacts your total cost of ownership.
So for your business situation, clarify all potential costs with them to ensure your budget aligns with specific usage requirements.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Before diving deeper into software costs, you might find my analysis of static code analysis tools helpful.
My Take: IngridCloud pricing prioritizes flexibility and cost-efficiency through usage-based models, making it ideal for businesses seeking to perform high-fidelity CFD simulations without massive traditional software investments.
Overall, IngridCloud pricing reflects a commitment to making complex CFD accessible and affordable, allowing you to scale your simulations as your needs evolve. You can expect a customized pricing structure tailored to your specific demands, ensuring budget efficiency.
IngridCloud Reviews
Real user feedback reveals patterns.
I’ve analyzed numerous IngridCloud reviews across platforms like G2 and Capterra to bring you a balanced look at real-world user experiences and what customers actually thought.
1. Overall User Satisfaction
Users largely embraced IngridCloud.
From my review analysis, IngridCloud garnered strong positive ratings on platforms like G2 and Capterra, averaging 4.2 to 4.6 stars. What I found in user feedback is that its innovative automation simplified CFD for many, making complex tasks accessible without deep expertise.
This indicates you could tackle advanced simulations far more easily than traditional methods allow.
2. Common Praise Points
Automation and speed were key.
Users consistently highlighted the software’s intuitive UI, automated meshing, and fast cloud processing. What stood out in customer feedback was how simplicity in complex CFD tasks allowed quick project starts and efficient workflows, even for large models, minimizing manual effort.
This means your team could save significant time on setup and get results faster than ever before.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of efficient workflows, if you’re looking to visualize and accelerate projects, my guide on best storyboard software can help.
3. Frequent Complaints
Some limitations did emerge.
Despite praise, I found common frustrations regarding output visualizations, often limited to 2D planes, hindering full 3D analysis. What users frequently mentioned in their reviews was the desire for more customization options, like advanced boundary conditions, and a basic cost-free test model.
While significant for advanced users, these points appear as growing pains rather than fundamental flaws.
What Customers Say
- Positive: “Ingrid cloud is super easy to use and incredibly fast! The meshing of the model is completely automated.” (G2 User)
- Constructive: “The output is shown for 4 levels, but only in X/Y plane, which makes 3D analysis difficult.” (Capterra User)
- Bottom Line: “No time spent on the CAD cleanup and meshing – no need of CFD knowledge to run the simulation.” (G2 User)
Overall, IngridCloud reviews painted a clear picture of highly automated CFD, despite some early limitations. My analysis of this feedback provides credible insights into real user experiences.
Best IngridCloud Alternatives
Struggling to find the right CFD software?
When seeking the best IngridCloud alternatives, you’ll find a competitive field. Each option excels in different scenarios, making your choice dependent on specific business needs and technical expertise.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: If you’re also looking into other specialized software, my guide on best child care software is a helpful resource.
1. SimScale
Need more than just fluid simulations?
SimScale offers a broader spectrum of physics simulations beyond fluid dynamics, including FEA and thermal analysis, making it a versatile cloud alternative. From my competitive analysis, SimScale is better for multidisciplinary engineering projects and provides a free community tier. This broader scope differentiates it if your needs extend past pure fluid flow.
Choose SimScale if you require diverse simulation types or benefit from a free entry-level option for smaller projects.
2. Ansys Fluent
Seeking expert-level control for complex CFD?
Ansys Fluent provides an exceptionally extensive range of advanced physics models and detailed control over parameters, catering to highly specialized CFD experts. What I found comparing options is that Ansys delivers unparalleled depth for complex problems, though it comes with significantly higher licensing costs. This alternative suits deep, specialized research.
For highly complex, large-scale CFD problems demanding extensive control and deep expertise, Ansys Fluent is your choice.
3. SolidWorks Simulation Premium
Already deeply embedded in SolidWorks CAD?
SolidWorks Simulation Premium’s strength lies in its deep integration within the SolidWorks CAD platform, allowing designers to conduct simulations directly. Alternative-wise, this option offers unmatched CAD environment integration, which streamlines your iterative design analysis workflow. This contrasts with IngridCloud’s standalone cloud-native approach.
Choose SolidWorks Simulation Premium if your design workflow heavily relies on SolidWorks and you prioritize integrated simulation.
Quick Decision Guide
- Choose IngridCloud: Automated, easy CFD for non-experts, especially for wind analysis.
- Choose SimScale: Broader physics simulations, good for diverse or small-scale projects.
- Choose Ansys Fluent: Advanced, highly customizable CFD for enterprise-level complexity.
- Choose SolidWorks Simulation Premium: If SolidWorks CAD integration is your top priority.
Ultimately, the best IngridCloud alternatives depend on your specific project needs and user expertise. Consider your budget, desired simulation types, and integration preferences carefully.
Setup & Implementation
How complex is CFD software deployment?
Implementing new software always raises questions, but this IngridCloud review shows a surprisingly streamlined deployment. I’ll break down what you can realistically expect for its setup and integration.
1. Setup Complexity & Timeline
Is CFD implementation truly simple?
IngridCloud was designed for simplicity, allowing users to upload a 3D model and start a simulation within minutes. From my implementation analysis, its highly automated workflow significantly reduces initial setup complexities, meaning less time spent on configuration and more on design analysis. This automation is a major win for quick deployment, especially for non-experts.
You’ll want to plan for efficient data preparation and understand your desired accuracy level upfront, ensuring your models are ready.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While we’re discussing software implementation, understanding nonprofit CRM software is equally important for different organizational needs.
2. Technical Requirements & Integration
Minimal local tech required for cloud.
Your technical setup for IngridCloud is minimal: primarily an internet connection and a web browser. What I found about deployment is that its broad CAD compatibility simplifies initial data import, making the transition smooth. For advanced integration into existing systems, a flexible Web API was also available.
Your IT team should ensure stable internet and network readiness. Plan for custom API integrations if embedding CFD.
3. Training & Change Management
Interpreting results: a user challenge?
While IngridCloud automated simulation processes, interpreting detailed 3D output could still require some expertise. Implementation-wise, the intuitive UI aids quick user onboarding, reducing the learning curve for basic operation. Comprehensive training was also available.
Invest in understanding simulation results, especially for detailed analysis. Leverage training to maximize your team’s proficiency and adoption.
Implementation Checklist
- Timeline: Days for basic use, weeks for API integration
- Team Size: Design engineers plus IT for API
- Budget: Internal staff time for setup and integration
- Technical: Internet, web browser, CAD compatibility, Web API
- Success Factor: Effective interpretation of simulation output
Overall, the IngridCloud implementation was designed for speed and ease of entry, making advanced CFD accessible. This approach minimizes traditional hurdles, allowing your team to quickly leverage its capabilities.
Who’s IngridCloud For
Unlock your design simulation potential.
This IngridCloud review will help you determine if this cloud-based CFD solution aligns with your specific business profile, team size, and design simulation use cases. Let’s explore who truly benefits.
1. Ideal User Profile
Streamline your fluid dynamics projects.
IngridCloud was built for architects, engineers, and designers seeking efficient wind and fluid flow analysis without deep CFD expertise. From my user analysis, professionals needing rapid, automated simulation feedback found it incredibly valuable for optimizing early-stage designs and validating concepts quickly.
You’ll get the most out of this if you prioritize speed, automation, and user-friendly simulation tools for design iteration.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While we’re discussing business size, understanding massage therapy software is equally important for managing a service business.
2. Business Size & Scale
Perfect for agile, cost-conscious teams.
IngridCloud was particularly suited for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and startups that required CFD capabilities without the prohibitive costs of traditional software licenses or specialized personnel. What I found about target users is that smaller teams appreciated its democratized access.
This fits if your budget and team size make traditional CFD impractical, but you still need accurate flow analysis.
3. Use Case Scenarios
Validate designs, optimize airflow quickly and efficiently.
IngridCloud excelled in use cases like assessing urban wind comfort, optimizing building aerodynamics, and improving product designs for fluid interaction. From my analysis, the software enabled rapid design iteration for professionals needing quick, accurate feedback on their concepts’ interaction with fluids, especially wind.
You’ll appreciate this solution if your workflows require fast, reliable simulation results to accelerate design cycles and reduce manual effort.
4. Who Should Look Elsewhere
When IngridCloud isn’t your ideal fit.
If your projects demand highly specialized, complex multi-physics simulations or extensive customization, IngridCloud’s automated approach might be too restrictive. Businesses needing deep control over solver parameters for intricate scenarios found it limiting, preferring traditional expert-driven CFD software.
Consider alternative expert-driven CFD platforms if your work involves niche simulations requiring granular control or advanced boundary condition options.
Best Fit Assessment
- Perfect For: Architects, engineers, and designers needing rapid, automated fluid dynamics.
- Business Size: Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and startups.
- Primary Use Case: Wind comfort, building aerodynamics, product design optimization.
- Budget Range: Cost-efficient alternative to traditional, expensive CFD software.
- Skip If: Requires highly specialized multi-physics, deep solver control.
This IngridCloud review shows its strengths for users prioritizing speed and simplicity in CFD. Ultimately, your success hinges on aligning your needs with its automated approach. Consider these points carefully for a fit.
Bottom Line
IngridCloud’s verdict is clear.
This IngridCloud review synthesizes its past capabilities and current status to provide a definitive assessment. My analysis helps you understand its historical value proposition and why it’s no longer a viable choice.
1. Overall Strengths
IngridCloud’s strengths were truly innovative.
IngridCloud excelled by democratizing complex CFD, offering automated meshing and an incredibly intuitive user interface. From my comprehensive analysis, its simplicity made high-fidelity simulations accessible even to users without extensive CFD knowledge, significantly reducing setup and computation time for complex models.
These capabilities drastically lowered the barrier to entry for advanced simulation, enabling faster, more efficient design iterations and problem-solving for businesses that utilized it effectively.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While we’re discussing business solutions, understanding asset tracking software is equally important for operational visibility.
2. Key Limitations
Some limitations were evident, beyond its closure.
While highly automated, users noted restricted output visualizations, primarily limited to 2D planes, making comprehensive 3D analysis difficult to achieve. Based on this review, the lack of advanced customization was a drawback for expert users needing granular control or specific boundary conditions for specialized projects.
These were primarily growth pains for a promising newcomer, but for some specialized engineering applications, they could have hindered deeper, more detailed analysis.
3. Final Recommendation
My final recommendation is clear.
Given that IngridCloud is no longer operational and officially listed as liquidated, I cannot recommend it for any current or future business use. From my analysis, this software is unavailable for new adoption, meaning it is not a viable solution for your computational fluid dynamics needs in 2025.
Your immediate next step should be to explore current, actively supported alternatives that can deliver similar ease of use and automation for your simulation requirements.
Bottom Line
- Verdict: Not Recommended (Out of Business)
- Best For: Historically, users seeking automated, easy-to-use CFD. Currently: N/A.
- Biggest Strength: Automated, intuitive high-fidelity flow simulations.
- Main Concern: The company is out of business and software is unavailable.
- Next Step: Research active IngridCloud alternatives immediately.
This IngridCloud review concludes its significant past innovations, but unfortunately, its current status means it is not a viable option for your business in 2025. Explore alternatives.