🧩 FAQ – Understanding Salome, Salome-Meca, Code_Aster and Code_Saturne

1. What is the difference between Salome and Salome-Meca?

Salome is a modular platform for geometry, meshing, and data visualization – but it doesn’t include any physics solvers.
Salome-Meca is a packaged version of Salome that includes the Code_Aster solver for structural mechanics and the AsterStudy GUI to configure and run mechanical simulations.

2. Can I use Salome without Code_Aster or Code_Saturne?

Yes. You can use Salome by itself as a powerful geometry and mesh preparation tool, and as a post-processor. It's solver-agnostic and can export to many formats.

3. What is Code_Aster used for?

Code_Aster is a finite element solver for structural and thermo-mechanical analysis. It’s used to get fields like stresses, strains, displacements or thermal expansion in solid structures.

4. What is Code_Saturne used for?

Code_Saturne is a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. It’s used to simulate flows of liquids and gases, turbulence, heat transfer, and more. It's not intended for structural analysis.

scheme_salome_codeaster_codesaturne

5. Do Code_Aster and Code_Saturne work together?

They are separate solvers. You can use them sequentially (e.g. run a CFD case in Code_Saturne, then apply fluid forces in Code_Aster), but they don’t exchange data automatically. Advanced users can couple them via external tools (e.g. YACS or preCICE), but this requires manual setup.

6. What is AsterStudy?

AsterStudy is the graphical interface in Salome-Meca for setting up and launching Code_Aster simulations. It replaces older tools like ASTK and makes simulation setup much more user-friendly.

7. What is Salome-CFD?

Salome-CFD is a version of Salome bundled with Code_Saturne, similar to how Salome-Meca is bundled with Code_Aster. It includes a module (salome_cfd_extensions) to define fluid flow simulations.

8. Can I do everything in one software?

Not exactly. You’ll typically use Salome for geometry/meshing/post-processing, and Code_Aster or Code_Saturne as the solver. Salome-Meca and Salome-CFD bundle everything to simplify this, but behind the scenes they are still separate components.

9. Do these tools run on Windows?

Historically, support was Linux-first. However, Salome-Meca and Code_Saturne now have Windows versions (official or community-built), and Salome runs natively on Windows. Alternatively, you can use WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) for full compatibility.

10. Is this really free? What’s the catch?

Yes, all components are open-source. Salome is under LGPL, while Code_Aster and Code_Saturne are under GPL. There are no license fees, but advanced users may want paid training or support, which can be provided by Simvia.

11. Do I need to know programming to use these tools?

Basic use via GUI (AsterStudy, salome_cfd_extensions) requires no programming. But to access advanced features or automation, familiarity with Python or command files can be very helpful.

12. Can I use Salome to export meshes to another solver like OpenFOAM or Abaqus?

Yes. Salome supports mesh export to MED, UNV, STL, Gmsh, CGNS, and others. It’s frequently used as a pre-processor for many simulation tools, not just Code_Aster or Code_Saturne.

13. How does Code_Aster compare to ANSYS or Abaqus?

Code_Aster offers comparable capabilities for many types of nonlinear structural analysis, especially in complex physics domains (e.g. fatigue, contact, thermomechanics). However, the learning curve can be steeper and support is community-based unless you get professional help.

14. Is Salome-Meca suitable for industry use or just academics?

It’s used extensively in industry, especially in the energy sector (EDF, CEA), but also in civil engineering, mechanical design, and research. Its robustness and transparency make it a good fit for regulated environments like nuclear or aerospace.

15. Where can I get started?

You can: