FEATool Multiphysics 1.17.4 Updated

The Precise Simulation FEATool Multiphysics simulation toolbox has been updated to version 1.17.4, with updated CAD and geometry engine, direct support for tabulated/interpolated coefficient data, and user interface (GUI) and performance improvements.

Built-in Support for Tabulated Data

A major new feature in FEATool Multiphysics v1.17.4 is support for non-linear tabulated and interpolated equation and boundary coefficients. Coefficients provided from txt, csv, and Microsoft Excel xsl, xslx table data can be used directly both in the toolbox and stand-alone versions of the toolbox, without writing custom user-defined functions as before.

See the corresponding documentation and tutorial example using a tabulated coefficient for the thermal conductivity as a function of temperature

FEATool Multiphysics Toolbox 

With the Mathworks change from a Java based Web/JavaScript based UI in MATLAB 2025a (and later), it has been found that the current toolbox UI does not perform well in this MATLAB version. As a result it is currently not recommended to use the toolbox with MATLAB 2025a, as performance is better it 2024b and earlier.

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 check-box toggle for automatic pressure constraint in CFD and flow simulation physics modes has been added. 

• Enhanced Error Handling for External Solvers: Users now have the option to save OpenFOAMand SU2 case/config files on error. 

• 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. 

CFDTool Fluid Dynamics Simulation Toolbox

The sister toolbox CFDTool has also been updated to version 1.10.4, streamlining the user interface (GUI) to mirror the FEATool UI.

CFDTool is a simplified version of the FEATool toolbox only featuring physics modes and functionality for fluid mechanics and heat transfer simulations. For more advanced, multi-physics simulations, and MATLAB m-file scripting the FEATool Multiphysics toolbox is recommended.

Availability and Download

The physics simulation toolboxes FEATool Multiphysics 1.17.4 and CFDTool 1.10.4 are available now as stand-alone desktop apps, and 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).

To download and try FEATool Multiphysics, click here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.