Hi.

I wanted to let you know that EDF has just released one of its numerical simulation softwares (mechanics mostly) as free software (under the GPL).

I haven't tested it as I am no physics expert, but I'm glad such a big company (national Power operator) releases one of its softwares in our community. And, btw, you'll notice that it is no abandonware : EDF plans to work at least 3 more years on it.

Note that the web site is only in french at the present time, since it's mostly used only by french people at the present time, I think... but you may manage to download the software anyway ;)

If someone with enough numerical simulation skills can test it and comment...

Oh, btw, the sources aren't available at the present time and EDF promised to provide them on december 15.

I copy the press-release of EDF below : ====================================== October 19 th , 2001

Press release

EDF R&D has developed for twelve years a numerical simulation software for structural analysis, Code_Aster ® . Widely used for the expertise and maintenance of power plants and electrical networks, this tool covers a wide range of applications today :

thermal and mechanical analysis - 3D linear or non linear, static or dynamic analysis pressure vessels - machines - civil engineering - porous media

Benefiting from the skills and the quality requirements of the nuclear engineering industry, this tool is already appreciated by manufacturers and technical centers, research teams, service suppliers and teachers.

EDF R&D, responsible for the development of Code_Aster and its distribution to the EDF teams, opens a new 3-year cycle of development and qualification.

This effort is justified by the needs of the EDF Group in mechanical analysis and multi-physics simulation. We wish that this step could benefit from the contributions of numerous research teams (academic or industrial) and provide them in return with a long-lasting shelter than can be easily used for their own works.

To favor the emergence of wide network of users, collect the maximum of observations and remarks from the mechanical community, allow the enrichment of the tool, EDF R&D chose to lean on the Internet technologies.

www.code-aster.org

the new Web site, presented on October 19 th , 2001 at the « Maison de la Mécanique », near Paris gives access to the development version of Code_Aster in the form of a free software, under GPL license (GNU General Public License).

EDF R&D provides the community with the whole Code_Aster software and additional tools, all the documentation and a wide corpus of tests and examples, an open architecture and all source programs.

The users network animation features, widely open to debate, define explicitly the services and the derived works.

Any company or organization will be allowed to distribute the software in the market, under its own responsibility and independently from EDF.