SU2 code
Software for numerical solution of partial differential equations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SU2 (formerly Stanford University Unstructured) is a suite of open-source software tools written in C++ and Python for the numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDE) and performing PDE-constrained optimization.[2] While initially developed for aerodynamics and compressible flow, it has evolved into a general-purpose multiphysics framework capable of simulating incompressible and compressible flows across all Mach regimes, species transport, conjugate heat transfer and combustion.
| SU2 code | |
|---|---|
| |
| Initial release | January 2012 |
| Stable release | 8.4.0[1]
/ 12 January 2026 |
| Written in | C++, Python |
| Operating system | Unix/Linux/OS X/Windows |
| Type | Computational fluid dynamics, Simulation software |
| License | GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1 |
| Website | su2code |
| Repository | |
The framework is specialized for gradient-based design optimization using integrated continuous and discrete adjoint solvers. A distinguishing feature for researchers is its use of algorithmic differentiation (AD) to provide exact discrete adjoint sensitivities for complex multiphysics chains, including fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and conjugate heat transfer.[3] It supports unstructured meshes and offers extensibility through User Defined Functions (UDFs) and high-level Python wrappers.
To stimulate development and use of the software, the SU2 Foundation was established as a non-profit organization to coordinate the global community of users and developers. SU2 is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) version 2.1.
Developers
SU2 is being developed by individuals and organized teams around the world. The original SU2 Lead Developers are: Dr. Francisco Palacios and Dr. Thomas D. Economon.
The most active groups developing SU2 are:
- Prof. Juan J. Alonso's group at Stanford University.[4]
- Prof. Piero Colonna's group at Delft University of Technology.[5]
- Prof. Nicolas R. Gauger's group at Kaiserslautern University of Technology.[6]
- Prof. Alberto Guardone's group at Polytechnic University of Milan.[5]
- Prof. Rafael Palacios' group at Imperial College London.[4]
Capabilities
SU2 is a general-purpose multiphysics suite designed for the simulation of partial differential equations (PDE) on unstructured meshes. The framework is built to handle complex multi-physics interactions through a multi-zone approach, allowing different physical models to be solved in connected domains.[2] Its current capabilities include:
- Flow Regimes: Compressible and incompressible solvers for Euler, Navier-Stokes, and RANS equations across all Mach regimes (low-speed to hypersonic). For low Mach incompressible flow problems, preconditioning methods are used.
- Turbulence & Transition Modeling:
- RANS Models: Includes several variants of the Spalart-Allmaras (SA) and Menter's Shear Stress Transport (SST) models, including curvature and rotation corrections (QCR).[7]. The turbulence models include classical wall functions.
- Scale-Resolving Methods: Support for Large eddy simulation (LES), Detached eddy simulation (DES), and Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) for unsteady separated flows.[8]
- Transition Modeling: transition model.[9]
- Design Optimization: Gradient-based shape optimization using integrated continuous and discrete adjoint solvers. It utilizes algorithmic differentiation (via CoDiPack) for exact sensitivities in complex multiphysics chains.[10]
- Topology Optimization: Gradient-based structural topology optimization with length scale control via black-white filters [11]
- Multiphysics & Structures:
- Solid Mechanics: Solvers for linear elasticity to model structural deformation.[2]
- Thermal Analysis: Capability for conjugate heat transfer (CHT) to simulate heat exchange between fluid and solid regions.[12]
- Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI): Static and dynamic coupling between fluid and structural solvers.
- Chemistry & Hypersonics:
- Combustion: Reacting flow modeling using the Flamelet generated manifold (FGM) method.[13]
- Hypersonics (NEMO): Simulation of high-enthalpy flows including thermo-chemical non-equilibrium and ionization with detailed chemistry modeling.[14]
- Advanced Numerics: Support for high-order Discontinuous Galerkin Method (DG) for improved accuracy in vortex-dominated simulations.
- User Interface & Ecosystem:
- SU2-GUI: A graphical user interface for mesh importation and solver configuration.[15]
- Automation: A high-level Python interface for workflow automation and support for User Defined Functions (UDFs).
License
SU2 is free and open source software, released under the GNU General Public License version 3 (SU2 v1.0 and v2.0) and GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1 (SU2 v2.0.7 and later versions).
Alternative software
Free and open-source software
- Advanced Simulation Library (AGPL)
- Code Saturne (GPL)
- FreeFem++
- Gerris Flow Solver (GPL)
- OpenFOAM