GiD

GiD is a numerical simulation tool designed to handle data analysis, geometrical modeling and numerical data visualization. The program can work with data from other applications by importing data from DXF, KML and Shapefile format.

The application packs several pre-processing features that are widely used for geometry definition, namely the NURBS surfaces, transformations, intersections and Boolean operations. The utility allows the generations of large meshes which can be structured, unstructured, Cartesian, embedded, 2D and 3D anisotropic.

In case you are working with meshes that you created with other third-party software, then the app enables you to automatically detect and repair errors so that your model is suitable for a proper simulation. Alternatively, you can convert it to a NURBS surface representation and hence, you can use discrete data as input for the numerical simulations.

As you would expect from a CAD tool, the program includes numerous options for analysis and visualization using real and complex numbers. You can dabble with model deformations, vector plots, contour lines and fill, isosurfaces, bean diagrams, surface extrusions, node tracking, so on and so forth.

According to the developer, all the tools commonly used for visualization and post-processing in CAD are available for the NURBS geometries. The difference, however, is that you can manage complex graphic post-processing by writing a text file where you can add scalar, vector and matrix result on control points of the NURBS.

Other noteworthy visualization tools include mirror and floor effect, environment reflection, shadows so that you can have a better depth perception of the model and stereoscopic view, which allows you to manage the 3D model interactively.

GiD is a flexible and universal pre and post processor for numerical simulations and can be particularly useful when dealing with large sets of data.