code_asterOpen-source finite element analysis software
code_asterOpen-source finite element analysis softwareWhat is code_aster?
code_aster is an open-source numerical simulation software for structural mechanics, developed by EDF R&D. Its name is an acronym for "Structural Analysis and Thermomechanics for Studies and Research" in French, reflecting its origins in EDF's R&D. Development of the software began in 1989 for internal needs (particularly nuclear engineering), and it was released as open source under the GNU GPL license in 2001. Today, code_aster has over a million lines of code, accompanied by thousands of test cases and comprehensive documentation, demonstrating its industrial maturity.
Concretely, code_aster is a finite element solver based on continuum mechanics. It can solve a wide range of problems in structural mechanics, thermal analysis, acoustics, seismology, and more. Its technical capabilities cover all standard finite element analysis features (static/dynamic analysis, thermomechanics, etc.), as well as a vast array of advanced features: material behavior laws (elasticity, plasticity, damage, creep, etc.), various finite element models (3D, shells, beams, joint elements, etc.), and multiple types of loading. To meet high safety requirements, the software undergoes a rigorous V&V (Verification and Validation) process: over 4,000 test cases are executed to verify calculations, and numerous validation studies ensure confidence in the results.
code_aster also stands out for its unique open-source model in the industrial sector. The choice of a free license facilitates wide distribution of the software (without licensing costs) and encourages an active community of contributors and users. EDF opened the code to promote transparency and collaboration: this has improved the software's quality through increased usage and supported external R&D partnerships. It is often cited as one of the most comprehensive open-source finite element analysis codes available in the field of mechanics.
Additionally, the software is adapted to HPC (high-performance computing) needs: it supports parallelization (MPI) and can be deployed on clusters to process large 3D models in a reasonable time. This scalability, combined with the absence of licensing costs, makes it an economic asset for industries that need to run numerous design or optimization simulations in parallel.
Applications of code_aster
Thanks to its versatility and robustness, code_aster is used in many fields of finite element analysis. Here is an overview of some sectors where this tool adds significant value:
Civil Engineering & Structures
In civil engineering, code_aster is widely used for simulating the behavior of structures and infrastructures. Engineers use it to assess the strength and durability of structures (buildings, bridges, dams, nuclear power plants, etc.) under extreme conditions such as earthquakes or significant thermal gradients. For example, it can finely model the behavior of reinforced concrete structures subjected to an earthquake, taking into account the progressive cracking of the material.
Mechanics & Industry
In the industrial mechanics sector, code_aster provides a high-performance open-source solution for designing and verifying a wide variety of components and equipment. It is used in diverse industries—energy, transportation, manufacturing, etc.—for analyzing mechanical parts subjected to intense stresses. The advantage of code_aster in these applications lies in the richness of its models: it can combine mechanical and thermal loads, simulate nonlinear behavior (plasticity, creep, etc.), and even perform coupled vibrational or acoustic analyses, all within the same environment.
Research & Education
The academic community quickly adopted code_aster due to its openness. In many mechanical research laboratories, it serves as a prototyping platform for developing and testing new numerical models (new material behavior laws, innovative numerical methods, etc.), as its source code is accessible and modifiable by all. In education, code_aster is used as a teaching tool in several engineering schools and universities, both in France and internationally. Its free usage and the availability of comprehensive documentation allow students to train on a professional tool without financial barriers, while accessing theoretical foundations through manuals and test cases.
Simvia's offer around code_aster
As a publisher of code_aster, Simvia plays a central role in the software's ecosystem. To support organizations looking to fully leverage code_aster, Simvia offers a range of professional services:
- Technical support & maintenance: assistance for users in installing and daily use of code_aster, diagnosing and resolving modeling or convergence issues, and urgent bug fixes if necessary (with the rare ability to intervene at the software's source code level).
- Training: a complete catalog of professional training courses on code_aster, from beginner to expert level, led by Simvia engineers. These courses, which combine theory and practical work, enable rapid skill development in finite element numerical simulation. Whether learning the basics of modeling in code_aster or advancing in specialized topics (nonlinear analysis, dynamics, multiphysics couplings, etc.), the training offer is adaptable to needs (inter-company sessions, customized training for each company).
- Integration, HPC & Cloud Deployment: Simvia also helps industrialize the use of code_aster within organizations. This involves deploying the software on suitable architectures: installation on servers or HPC clusters (internal or public), containerization (official Docker images maintained by Simvia), performance optimization, or integration into CI/CD workflows. The goal is to provide users with a reliable and efficient infrastructure to run their simulations without worrying about IT constraints.
Beyond this list, what characterizes Simvia's offer is its hands-on experience and proximity to the software's development. Simvia experts not only master the tool but also the calculation methodologies surrounding it (from model preparation to result exploitation). They help bridge the gap between a merely installed tool and a tool truly mastered on a daily basis. By leveraging the open-source ecosystem around code_aster (pre/post-processing with SalomeMeca, couplings with other open-source solvers, external behavior law libraries, etc.), Simvia offers an integrated approach. This complementarity with the ecosystem ensures that your use of code_aster fits efficiently into your existing and future processes. In short, Simvia positions itself as the expert partner capable of securing your numerical simulation projects, accelerating your internal skill development, and linking the open-source community with your specific industrial needs.
code_aster events
The lifecycle of the code_aster software is marked by regular updates and community activities. Each stabilized release brings improvements, new features (models, elements, performance, etc.), and validated fixes. Between major versions, more frequent updates (weekly development versions) allow advanced users to preview new features and developers to gather rapid feedback. This release dynamic ensures continuous improvement of code_aster while maintaining controlled quality through ongoing test campaigns. Industrial users can thus plan their version upgrades, benefiting from these regular releases, often accompanied by detailed release notes explaining the changes.
The code_aster community also gathers at dedicated events. Each year, the code_aster & Salome-Meca User Day is held, usually in the spring. This event brings together professional users, code developers, and ecosystem partners (academics, service companies, etc.) for presentations and exchanges. It features industrial user feedback, notable use cases, and the latest software advancements presented by the development team. It is a unique opportunity to meet peers, dialogue directly with code_aster designers, and participate in the project's future directions. Simvia, as a community animator, actively contributes to these days (organization, technical presentations, workshops), strengthening the link between EDF, users, and code contributors.
Finally, the community dynamic around code_aster is maintained daily through exchange platforms. The official forum is very active, with users from around the world sharing problems, solutions, and best practices. It includes thousands of topics ranging from beginner questions (tool handling, modeling advice) to advanced discussions on finite element theory or the development of new features. The developers of code_aster themselves participate in this forum, demonstrating the proximity between users and designers enabled by open source.
In summary, with regular releases, user events, and continuous community involvement, code_aster benefits from a vibrant dynamic that makes it much more than a static software: it is a collectively evolving project.
