Open-Source Simulation Project Challenges Ansys's Dominance in Engineering Design

Afshawn Lotfi, an ex-Tesla engineer, has announced a new open-source simulation project, Open Orion, aimed at democratizing engineering design by providing a free and extensible alternative to expensive commercial software like Ansys. Lotfi stated via social media that a 100% automated simulation was achieved using their forthcoming open-source tool, emphasizing a mission to "make companies like Ansys stop holding back innovation by expensive licenses and limited extensibility."

The project, which Lotfi describes as "soon to be released," leverages generative Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and machine learning to optimize complex engineering problems. Lotfi, who previously worked on optimizing solar panel placement at Tesla, founded Open Orion to apply similar automation principles to aerospace design, particularly focusing on turbo machinery like jet and rocket engines. He explained in an interview that the project utilizes tools like CAD Query for programmatic geometry definition and genetic algorithms for design optimization.

Open Orion's core mission is to provide an open-source backbone for simulation and meshing, making design automation accessible to a wider audience. The platform aims to streamline the entire design process, from initial user specifications to the generation of CAD models and Bills of Materials (BOMs), all refined through simulations and machine learning. Lotfi envisions a future where engineers can describe design requirements using natural language, and the system generates optimal designs, challenging the traditional, often proprietary, design workflows.

The initiative directly addresses a common pain point in the engineering industry: the high cost and restrictive nature of commercial simulation software licenses. By offering an open-source solution, Open Orion seeks to foster innovation and collaboration, allowing engineers to experiment and develop designs without the financial and technical barriers imposed by established players. While specific release details for the broader platform are anticipated, various libraries for turbo machinery design are already available on GitHub.