FEATool Multiphysics version 1.17.4 includes updates to its CAD and geometry engine, adds support for tabulated and interpolated coefficient data, and introduces improvements to the user interface and performance.
Built-in support for tabulated data in coefficients
A new feature in FEATool Multiphysics v1.17.4 adds support for using non-linear tabulated and interpolated equation and boundary coefficients. Coefficients from TXT, CSV, and Microsoft Excel (XLS, XLSX) files can now be used directly in both the toolbox and stand-alone versions, eliminating the need for custom user-defined functions.
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
Due to MathWorks’ shift from a Java-based to a web/JavaScript-based UI in MATLAB 2025a and later, the current toolbox UI shows reduced performance in this version. For optimal performance, using the toolbox with MATLAB 2024b or earlier is currently recommended.
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 setinf function (to set infinite values to specific number, analog to setnan)
- 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 streamlined version of the FEATool toolbox, focused on fluid mechanics and heat transfer simulations. For users requiring more advanced multiphysics capabilities and MATLAB m-file scripting, the FEATool Multiphysics toolbox is a more suitable option.
Designed and developed for engineers and researchers
- Accurate and efficient simulations: FEATool Multiphysics provides simulation tools that help engineers analyze designs, streamline development, and support performance evaluation.
- 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).
The post FEATool Multiphysics 1.17.4 improves geometry, interface appeared first on Engineering.com.
