CalculiX is an open source explicit and implicit finite element analysis application.
The solver, CCX, was written and is maintained by Guido Dhondt.
The pre and post processor, CGX, was written and is maintained by Klaus Wittig.
The source code, Linux builds, documentation, tests and other resources for CalculiX are available
for download at http://www.calculix.de/
Convergent has bundled a Windows build of CCX, CGX, documentation, examples and test suite.
There have been some changes from the original source, and those modified source files are included.
Some scripts and complimentary applications have also been included. CalculiX for Windows
is supported on Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP. Windows Vista is not yet supported.
An extended version of CalculiX for Windows is available with CAD/CAE translation software and a graphical user interface.
Note: The authors of CalculiX acknowledge that naming conventions and input style formats
for CalculiX are based on those used by ABAQUS, a proprietary, general purpose
finite element code developed and supported by Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen, Inc (HKS)
(http://www.abaqus.com) and are used with kind permission from HKS. Results obtained
from CalculiX are in no way connected to ABAQUS.
Extended Version of CalculiX for Windows:
While the solver (CCX) and pre/post processor (CGX) are available for download below, there
is CAD/CAE translation software, a graphical user interface
and a CAD file viewer that are only available with the extended version. These translations include STEP, IGES and BREP translations
to STEP, IGES, BREP, VRML, STL and partial translation to FBD. The graphical user interface
launches CCX and CGX jobs and has a wizard to guide the user through the various translators. There are also translators between Abaqus, Gmsh and CCX mesh data.
A download of the extended version of CalculiX for Windows is available for purchase for $35 (US).
A CD distribution is available for $55 (US), which includes download access.
Purchase extended version:
The purchase of an extended version comes with 30 days of telephone support for installation and
downloadable upgrades for six months. All proceeds will be reinvested in CalculiX related development. CalculiX for Windows
is supported on Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP. Windows Vista is not yet supported.
Uninstall Previous
You will be asked to uninstall previous versions before upgrading.
Documentation
The documentation menu within CGX is now linked to the compiled help file.
Perl
Perl is no longer required.
Known Windows Specific Issues:
All feedback, especially bug reports and fixes, are appreciated.
CCX
There are some test results differences with the Linux/UNIX build. The original tests and results as well as some notes are available at ccx_1.8_failedTests.zip
CGX
Vista is not supported yet, but the following work around was provided by Dave Rossi (thanks!)
Go to the program, cgx_1.7.exe, in Windows Explorer (file viewing, not Internet Explorer)
Right click on it and select "properties"
Click on the "Compatibility" page tab
Select "Disable Desktop Composition"
Select "Apply" then "OK"
There are some errors associated with loading a mesh and a geometry file (fbd) separately
