Pointwise Alternatives: Top Mesh Generation Software for CFD

Pointwise, Inc. has been a cornerstone in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) since 1994, known for its robust software that reliably generates high-fidelity meshes. It supports structured, unstructured, overset, and hybrid meshes, integrating seamlessly with popular CFD solvers like ANSYS FLUENT®, STAR-CCM+®, OpenFOAM®, and SU2. While Pointwise is a powerful solution running on Windows, Linux, and Mac, with a scripting language (Glyph) for automation, users often seek Pointwise alternative options for various reasons – whether it's for open-source flexibility, specific feature sets, or budgetary considerations. This guide explores some of the best alternatives available for your meshing needs.

Top Pointwise Alternatives

When searching for a meshing tool, it's crucial to consider factors such as platform compatibility, licensing (open-source vs. commercial), and specific functionalities like CAD integration or post-processing. Here are some excellent alternatives to Pointwise that cater to diverse requirements.

SALOME

SALOME is a strong open-source Pointwise alternative, providing a generic Pre- and Post-Processing platform for numerical simulation. It's available for Free on Windows and Linux, making it a highly accessible choice for researchers and engineers looking for a comprehensive, no-cost solution.

Gmsh

Gmsh stands out as another excellent open-source Pointwise alternative, designed as a 3D finite element grid generator with a built-in CAD engine and post-processor. Available for Free on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it aims to be a fast, lightweight, and user-friendly meshing tool with FEM features, perfect for those needing integrated CAD and meshing capabilities.

HyperMesh

For those seeking a commercial Pointwise alternative, HyperMesh is a market-leading, multi-disciplinary finite element pre-processor. It's designed to manage the generation of the largest, most complex models, starting with import capabilities. Available commercially for Mac, Windows, and Linux, HyperMesh offers advanced CAE and FEM features for demanding professional environments.

TetGen

TetGen is a specialized open-source Pointwise alternative for generating tetrahedral meshes of 3D polyhedral domains. Available for Free on Linux, TetGen focuses on creating exact constrained Delaunay tetrahedralizations and boundary conforming meshes, making it ideal for users with specific 3D meshing requirements.

NETGEN

NETGEN is another excellent open-source Pointwise alternative, functioning as an automatic 3D tetrahedral mesh generator. It accepts input from constructive solid geometry (CSG) or boundary representation (BRep) from STL file format. Available for Free on Windows and Linux, NETGEN is a solid choice for automated mesh generation.

The world of CFD meshing software offers a rich array of options beyond Pointwise. Whether you prioritize open-source flexibility, integrated CAD features, or robust commercial support, there's likely a perfect Pointwise alternative to meet your specific project needs. Explore these options to find the best fit for your simulation workflow.