Cloud CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) is transforming how industries conduct simulations, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions without relying on expensive on-premise hardware. Engineers and researchers can perform complex fluid dynamics analyses with greater speed and flexibility using cloud-based platforms.
The cloud CFD market is expanding due to increasing adoption in aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing industries. Companies leverage cloud computing to perform complex fluid dynamics simulations with greater scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. Advancements in AI-driven simulations, real-time analytics, and pay-as-you-go models are making CFD more accessible. As industries seek faster innovation cycles and reduced costs, the market is poised for significant growth. According to Extrapolate, the global cloud CFD market will reach USD 4.86 billion by 2031.
Top 10 Players Pioneering Innovation in the Cloud CFD Market
1. ANSYS Inc.
ANSYS Inc. offers a comprehensive suite of simulation tools such as ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS CFX, available through its Ansys Cloud Direct platform. Serving aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, ANSYS supports detailed flow analysis, turbulence modeling, and conjugate heat transfer simulations. Its global presence reinforces its contribution to the cloud CFD market by providing efficient, high-fidelity simulation capabilities.
In June 2023, Ansys expanded its global footprint by establishing a new office in Rwanda, marking its entry into the African cloud CFD market. This expansion aims to support local industries with advanced simulation solutions, boosting innovation and technological growth across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.
2. Siemens AG
Siemens AG provides multiphysics simulation capabilities through Simcenter STAR-CCM+, used across transportation, energy, and manufacturing industries. With major R&D centers and industrial collaborations in Europe, North America, and Asia, Siemens enables the integration of complex physics such as fluid-structure interactions and thermal management into design workflows. Its extensive global footprint supports a broad range of engineering applications.
3. Altair Engineering
Altair Engineering offers CFD solutions like AcuSolve and nanoFluidX, optimized for cloud-based execution to handle large-scale simulations. Its customer base in aerospace, automotive, and heavy industry spans North America, Europe, and Asia. Altair emphasizes advanced meshing techniques and robust solver capabilities to reduce computational time and foster collaborative engineering practices in the cloud CFD market.
4. Dassault Systemes
Dassault Systemes, under the SIMULIA brand, provides XFlow, a CFD tool that employs lattice-Boltzmann methods for simulating complex flow phenomena. Integrated within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, XFlow enables collaborative simulations for aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods industries. The company maintains a presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, facilitating seamless integration of fluid dynamics into product development workflows.
In November 2024, Dassault Systemes announced the general availability of the 3DEXPERIENCE Release 2025x, introducing significant enhancements to its cloud-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) capabilities.
5. PTC Inc.
PTC Inc. extends its product design capabilities with Creo Flow Analysis, which integrates CFD simulation into the CAD environment. Its cloud-enabled solutions allow for real-time simulation and collaboration among engineering teams, supporting operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. This approach enhances integrated design and simulation workflows within the cloud CFD market.
6. General Electric (GE)
GE offers Flow Simulator, a CFD solution tailored for applications in turbomachinery, aero-engines, and industrial processes. Leveraging its digital industrial expertise, GE supports customers in North America, Europe, and Asia by modeling complex fluid systems with evolving computational techniques. Its global operations contribute to a reliable supply of simulation tools for diverse engineering challenges.
7. COMSOL Inc.
COMSOL Inc. is recognized for its multiphysics simulation software, COMSOL Multiphysics, which includes comprehensive CFD modules and is enhanced by COMSOL Server for cloud deployment. Widely adopted in both academic research and industrial applications, COMSOL serves users in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its cloud-based simulation capabilities facilitate application sharing and collaborative development in the cloud CFD market.
8. Convergent Science, Inc.
Convergent Science, Inc. offers CONVERGE, a grid-less CFD solver designed to streamline complex combustion and fluid flow simulations. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company supports automotive, aerospace, and energy industries worldwide through continuous software enhancements and robust automation in meshing techniques.
In June 2024, Convergent Science introduced an enhanced version of its cloud computing platform, improving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with increased scalability and efficiency. The update optimizes resource allocation, accelerates processing speeds, and enhances user accessibility, enabling engineers to perform complex simulations more effectively.
9. ESI Group
ESI Group delivers CFD-ACE+, a multiphysics CFD software used for simulating fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and chemical reactions in diverse industrial applications. With a significant global presence in Europe and North America, ESI Group integrates cloud-based solutions that enhance collaboration and scalability in the cloud CFD market, while continually advancing its numerical solvers for improved simulation accuracy.
10. Flow Science, Inc.
Flow Science, Inc. provides FLOW-3D, a CFD software specializing in free-surface flow simulations across casting, additive manufacturing, and microfluidics applications. Operating globally with a strong customer base in North America, Europe, and Asia, the company develops advanced physics modeling capabilities to address complex transient flow challenges in various industrial sectors.
In December 2023, Flow Science launched the FLOW-3D 2023R2 product family, introducing advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) enhancements. The update features improved solver performance, enhanced multiphysics modeling, and refined meshing capabilities. These improvements support more precise simulations across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, optimizing workflow efficiency and product development accuracy.
Conclusion
The cloud CFD market is expanding rapidly, driven by the need for high-performance simulation solutions across industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy. Leading companies such as ANSYS, Siemens, and Dassault Systemes are leveraging cloud-based platforms to enhance scalability, collaboration, and computational efficiency.
Extrapolate reports a CAGR of 8.9% for the market, indicating continuous evolution driven by AI, automation, and high-fidelity modeling. Cloud CFD solutions are transforming design and testing, making complex simulations more accessible and efficient across global industries.
