OpenMDAO

What OpenMDAO is

OpenMDAO is a free, open-source Python framework for systems analysis and multidisciplinary optimization. It focuses on gradient-based optimization using analytic derivatives, including design spaces with hundreds or thousands of variables. Models are assembled from components and groups, with drivers for optimization algorithms or design of experiments; nonlinear and linear solvers can sit at different levels of the model hierarchy. Derivative tools include analytic partial derivatives, finite-difference and complex-step approximations, derivative checking, and forward or reverse total derivative calculations. MPI features support parallel subsystems and variables distributed across processes. Parallel computing can also be used for gradient-free optimization, mixed-integer nonlinear programming, and design space exploration. Documented features include model visualizations, optimization progress plots, and recording and reading model or solver cases. The project identifies Dymos for transient modeling and optimal control and pyCycle for turbine engine cycle analysis as related libraries. OpenMDAO is licensed under Apache 2.0, which the project says allows proprietary software to integrate it without making that software open source. It runs on Linux or in self-hosted setups, with installation documented through PyPI or a cloned GitHub repository. The supported 3.x line requires Python 3.10 or later.