Upstream CFD’s Contribution and Commitment to the OpenFOAM Community

Upstream team

CFD

2 min read

Open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software is transforming the industry by providing powerful simulation tools without the burden of expensive licensing fees. OpenFOAM is a leading example of such software, giving users the flexibility and freedom to use, modify, and distribute its code. This adaptability is essential for innovative industries that aim to focus spending on enhancements and wish to “own the solution”.

While organisations and users benefit from open-source software, it also comes with the responsibility to contribute improvements back to the community. At Upstream CFD, we feel this responsibility very strongly and also recognise the strategic benefits for end users. This is why we are committed to giving back to the OpenFOAM ecosystem, contributing numerous developments, models, and extensions designed to help users innovate. To structure this and fund rigorous verification, validation, and code maintenance activities, we have devised a subscription model which is explained in detail below.

About OpenFOAM and Its User Benefits

OpenFOAM (Open Field Operation and Manipulation) is an open-source software designed for numerical solvers, pre- and post-processing tools to address continuum mechanics challenges, particularly in CFD. Its customisable nature allows for extensive versatility, supported by a wide range of solvers. The collaborative environment fostered by its open-source model enables users and consultants to develop extensions that enhance functionality, driving the continuous evolution of the software.

This approach allows organisations to save on licensing fees, redirecting funds toward research and development, while also providing unmatched flexibility for tailoring simulations to specific needs. Contributions from specialist companies streamline workflows and improve outcomes, promoting knowledge sharing and innovation within the community. Ultimately, users benefit from a rich, advanced simulation environment that meets diverse applications.

Upstream CFD’s Contribution to the OpenFOAM Repository

Upstream CFD's dedication to advancing OpenFOAM demonstrates the significant advantages of collaborative efforts in the open-source community. We are active members of the OpenFOAM community, participating in the code’s Governance initiative (founders of the Technical Committee on Turbulence), authoring numerous contributions to the public code repository, and sponsoring the OpenFOAM Journal since its inception.

Our approach enhances our clients’ experiences and improves the software's overall functionality, contributing to a more robust CFD ecosystem. Our policy is to contribute mature and validated code to the public OpenFOAM repository in close cooperation with OpenCFD Ltd, who manage the openfoam.com release. We have adopted this strategy because of its fair and sustainable values, and because it benefits both our clients and the code itself. The benefits include:

Minimising the overhead of synchronising custom extensions with the public version.
Minimising the effort of integrating contributions from multiple suppliers, particularly where the suppliers maintain compatibility with the public version.
Assuring long-term availability and maintenance of mature developments.
Avoiding strategic dependency on a single developer (“lock-in”) through a proprietary fork that deepens over time.
Leveraging the community advantage of open-source software, we are able to focus on our core technical strengths while partnering with others when expertise from different fields is needed.

Subscription Model

Our subscription model provides access to enhanced methods that have not yet been contributed to the public version, e.g. because they are insufficiently mature or generalised. This standardised approach includes an annual sync to the public code version and validation with appropriate test cases. The model supports the ongoing maintenance and development of these methods, enabling innovation within the OpenFOAM framework. By subscribing, clients gain access to Upstream CFD's enhancements, best practices, validation reports, test cases, and user guides, allowing a sustainable approach to utilising and improving the software.