Dlubal RFEM
Dlubal RFEM is a powerful 3D finite element analysis software that allows engineers to model, analyze, and design complex structures consisting of members, surfaces, and solids.
SimScale
SimScale is a cloud-native engineering simulation platform that allows you to perform high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, and thermodynamics analysis directly within your web browser.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dlubal RFEM | SimScale |
|---|---|---|
| Website | dlubal.com | simscale.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 90 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1987 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Tiefenbach, Germany | Munich, Germany |
Overview
Dlubal RFEM
RFEM is a versatile finite element analysis (FEA) program that helps you handle structural engineering projects of any complexity. You can model diverse structures including buildings, bridges, towers, and industrial plants using a combination of members, surfaces, and solid elements. The software provides a modular system where you start with the base program and add specific design modules for materials like steel, concrete, timber, or glass as your project requires.
You can perform linear and non-linear calculations, stability analysis, and dynamic investigations within a unified graphical interface. The platform integrates into your existing BIM workflows, allowing you to synchronize data with Revit, Tekla Structures, and AutoCAD. Whether you are designing a simple beam or a massive stadium, you can verify your results against international standards and generate professional, verifiable documentation for your clients.
SimScale
SimScale is a cloud-native simulation platform that lets you test your designs against real-world physics without expensive hardware. You can run complex fluid dynamics, structural analysis, and thermal simulations directly in your web browser. This eliminates the need for high-performance local workstations or complex software installations, allowing you to iterate on your engineering projects faster and more efficiently.
You can collaborate with your team in real-time on shared simulation projects, making it ideal for distributed engineering departments and consultancies. Whether you are optimizing a building's ventilation or testing the structural integrity of a mechanical part, the platform provides the computational power you need on demand. It scales with your project requirements, offering a range of specialized tools for electronics cooling, rotating machinery, and urban microclimate analysis.
Overview
Dlubal RFEM Features
- 3D Finite Element Modeling Create complex models using members, surfaces, and solids in a single environment to simulate real-world structural behavior.
- Modular Design System Customize your workspace by adding specific modules for steel, concrete, or timber design based on your project needs.
- BIM Integration Exchange data with Revit, Tekla, and Rhino to keep your structural models synchronized with the architectural design.
- Non-linear Analysis Perform advanced calculations for large deformations, cable structures, and material non-linearity to ensure structural safety.
- Automatic Mesh Generation Generate high-quality finite element meshes automatically for surfaces and solids to get accurate results with less manual effort.
- Professional Documentation Create detailed printout reports with graphics and tables that update automatically when you change your model.
SimScale Features
- Computational Fluid Dynamics. Analyze gas and liquid flow patterns to optimize aerodynamic performance and thermal management for your engineering components.
- Finite Element Analysis. Test the structural integrity of your designs by simulating stress, strain, and deformation under various loading conditions.
- Thermal Simulation. Predict temperature distributions and heat transfer in your products to ensure reliable operation and prevent overheating.
- Cloud-Native Architecture. Run multiple simulations in parallel using massive cloud computing power without slowing down your local computer.
- CAD Integration. Import your 3D models directly from tools like Onshape, SolidWorks, and Autodesk Revit to start simulating immediately.
- Real-time Collaboration. Share your simulation setups and results with colleagues or clients instantly through a simple web link.
Pricing Comparison
Dlubal RFEM Pricing
SimScale Pricing
- Access to all simulation types
- Public projects only
- 3,000 core hours per year
- Community forum support
- Static stress analysis
- In-browser post-processing
- Everything in Community, plus:
- Private projects and data
- Priority support and training
- Advanced CAD editing tools
- Team management features
- Custom core hour packages
Pros & Cons
Dlubal RFEM
Pros
- Highly flexible modular system saves money on unused features
- Exceptional technical support from qualified structural engineers
- Intuitive graphical interface compared to other FEA packages
- Robust integration with popular BIM and CAD software
- Extensive library of international design codes and standards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced non-linear modules
- Initial setup and module selection can be complex
- High hardware requirements for large-scale solid modeling
SimScale
Pros
- No expensive hardware or high-end workstations required
- Run multiple simulations simultaneously in the cloud
- Intuitive interface compared to traditional desktop CAE
- Excellent technical support and extensive learning documentation
- Easy collaboration through browser-based project sharing
Cons
- Requires a stable and fast internet connection
- Steep learning curve for complex physics setups
- Free tier requires making your designs public