When open source CFD solution is talked, two familiar statements are often heard:
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Open source CFD solution is cheap because nothing can be cheaper than free.
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Open source CFD solution is inferior, otherwise, why is it free?
Both of them are wrong.
Open source CFD solution is not cheap, although licensing is free
Most open source CFD packages are licensed under GNU General Public License (GPL) or BSD license or MIT license. Under such licenses, anyone can use the software (including source code) for free. There is no limitation on the usage (it means it can be used in commercial project). The only restriction is on the re-distribution of the software or its derivatives: you must release the source code if you want to sell or re-distribute it.
So, licensing the software has no cost. You can get it from the internet. Of course, you can pay nominal fees to get it on a DVD delivered to your doorstep.
But software is only part of a CFD solution. Human resources and hardware are also in the equation of cost. In most organizations, these two usually cost more, especially the staff cost.
The argument some may have is … Read the rest “Why isn’t open source CFD solution for everyone?”