Finite Element Computing
Dawn
A high-performance, modular finite element framework for complex, multi-physics problems. Designed for researchers and educator who would like to use and implement tradional and unconventional solvers, element formulations and materials models.
All the essentials
Solvers, elements
and material models
Dawn provides everything you need for linear and nonlinear finite element analysis. From small-strain to large-strain kinematics, from beam and shell formulations to advanced elasto-plastic and fracture models — it’s all built in. Multiphysics simulations are supported as well.
Unlike commercial black-box codes, Dawn is fully transparent: all source code is accessible, readable, and modifiable. You get high-performance capability with complete control over what happens under the hood.
Track convergence in real time: residuals, step sizes, and solver statistics.
Novel and advanced discretisation techniques
From partition of unity methods
to isogeometric analysis
Dawn supports a wide range of modern discretisation methods from partition of unity methods such as XFEM to isogeometric analysis. All these techniques are implemented within a unified framework, supported by dedicated solvers to ensure robustness and efficiency throughout the solution process.
A reproducible pipeline: geometry → mesh → solve → analyze → publish.
Multi-physics coupling
Thermal, mechanical,
and beyond - in one model.
Thermal–mechanical analyses and full additive-manufacturing process simulations — including FFF deposition and powder-bed fusion — are all expressed using the same clean and consistent abstractions, with elements added efficiently during the simulation whenever the process requires it.
- Multi-physics analysis of Laser Powderbed Fusion, VAT photopolymetrisation and FFF processes
- Ray-tracer model for light interaction
- Thermo-hydro-mechanical analysis of composite materials
Temperature, distortion, and stress all solved in a unified framework.
High Performance Computing & Scaling
From laptop runs
to multiple cores.
Start on your workstation, scale to a cluster. MPI support and domain decomposition are built into the core, so you can take the same models from prototype to production.
- MPI-enabled assembly and I/O.
- Compatible with existing cluster toolchains and modules.
Scaling studies directly exported from Dawn’s built-in performance monitors.
Novel and advanced discretisation techniques
From partition of unity methods
to isogeomtric analysis
Dawn supports a wide range of modern discretisation methods from partition of unity methods such as XFEM to isogeometric analysis. All these techniques are implemented within a unified framework, supported by dedicated solvers to ensure robustness and efficiency throughout the solution process.
A reproducible pipeline: geometry → mesh → solve → analyze → publish.
Ready to see Dawn in action?
Explore example cases, documentation, and benchmarks — or get in touch to discuss collaborations and student projects.