OpenFOAM

OpenFOAM is a free, open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software brand. OpenCFD published its first version in December 2004 and has managed and developed the software since its debut. The project has grown through continued development by the OpenCFD team and, more recently, contributions from community partners. Its user base spans commercial and academic organisations and a broad range of engineering and scientific work. The software is designed for simulation problems extending well beyond basic fluid flow. According to its official site, its capabilities include complex flows involving chemical reactions, turbulence and heat transfer, as well as acoustics, solid mechanics and electromagnetics. The OpenFOAM name is associated with a series of regularly released software versions, documentation and downloadable source packages. OpenCFD describes a professional release schedule of twice a year, in June and December, and reports a testing process that includes unit tests, broader test batteries and checks of regression behaviour, memory use, performance and scalability. OpenFOAM is distributed as free, open-source software, while OpenCFD also offers commercial support services. These include help with installation and compilation, bug fixes, software updates, system and simulation assistance, model and tool selection, and customised code development. The support offer is packaged as a one-year service with a maximum number of hours; the company says support queries require prior arrangement of a support package. The software's institutional history includes changes in intellectual-property arrangements and corporate ownership. OpenFOAM Foundation Inc. was created in 2011 after OpenCFD's acquisition by Silicon Graphics International (SGI). OpenCFD continued preparing releases for the Foundation through version 2.3.1. OpenCFD became part of ESI Group in 2012, and since 2016 it has released OpenFOAM directly again, beginning with version 3.0+. ESI Group was acquired by Keysight Technologies in May 2025. The official OpenFOAM site presents the product as supported by Keysight's worldwide infrastructure and identifies Keysight-OpenCFD specialists and partners in its testing process. OpenFOAM is therefore both an open-source engineering software project and a professionally maintained commercial offering, with community development and paid support coexisting.

OpenFOAM's documented history begins with OpenCFD's publication of version 1.0 in December 2004. OpenCFD says it has managed and developed the software since its debut. Early releases were issued by OpenCFD, including releases through version 2.0.1. The project's ongoing development has added functionality over time, with community partners also contributing in more recent years. The software has remained free and open source. A change in the project's institutional structure followed OpenCFD's acquisition by Silicon Graphics International (SGI). In 2011, OpenFOAM Foundation Inc. was created with a board comprising OpenCFD and SGI members. OpenCFD continued preparing versions for the Foundation, through version 2.3.1. In 2012 OpenCFD became part of ESI Group, and ESI Group members replaced SGI members on the Foundation's board. These changes affected the organisations involved in governing and releasing the software, while OpenCFD continued its development work. In 2016 OpenCFD resumed direct releases of OpenFOAM, beginning with version 3.0+. The official history presents this as a return to direct release by OpenCFD. The product has since followed a regular cadence, with releases listed by version and date on the official site. The company describes its current professional release schedule as twice yearly, in June and December. Its release materials include software downloads, documentation and release information; the official history records releases for Linux, Mac and Windows in multiple entries. OpenCFD's work around OpenFOAM includes quality assurance and customer support as well as core software development. The official homepage describes independent testing involving Keysight-OpenCFD application specialists, development partners and selected customers. It cites recurring tests designed to examine software regressions, memory use, performance and scalability. OpenCFD also sells a one-year support package covering operational questions, installation and compilation, bug fixes, updates, assistance with CFD simulations, and code customisation or development. The package is distinct from the free, open-source software itself. The more recent corporate turning point recorded by OpenFOAM is ESI Group's acquisition by Keysight Technologies in May 2025. The official site describes support from Keysight's worldwide infrastructure and identifies the release team in December 2025 as the Keysight OpenFOAM team. Across these changes, the software's identity has remained tied to OpenCFD-led development, scheduled releases, an open-source distribution model and use by commercial and academic engineering and science communities.

• OpenCFD publishes OpenFOAM version 1.0

• OpenFOAM Foundation Inc. is created following OpenCFD's acquisition by SGI

• OpenCFD becomes part of ESI Group

• OpenCFD resumes direct OpenFOAM releases, beginning with version 3.0+

• Keysight Technologies acquires ESI Group

• Keysight's OpenFOAM team releases version 2512

Free, open-source CFD software for engineering and science, professionally developed and released by OpenCFD, with optional paid support and code customisation.

• OpenFOAM

  Free, open-source CFD software for engineering and scientific simulation, with capabilities spanning complex fluid flows, acoustics, solid mechanics and electromagnetics.

• OpenFOAM software support

  A one-year OpenCFD support package covering software operation, installation, bug fixes, updates, CFD assistance and code customisation, subject to an annual hours limit.

1. 1OpenFOAMopenfoam.com
2. 2Historyopenfoam.com
3. 3Release historyopenfoam.com
4. 4OpenFOAM® Software Supportopenfoam.com