Advanced electronic cooling and thermal analysis
Accurately predict and optimize the thermal performance of electronic systems
Speed up development and reduce costs
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01
Setup models
Import electronic assemblies and components directly from CAD software or create geometries within the software itself. Easily define the thermal properties of materials, such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and density.
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02
Generate mesh
Automatically generate a mesh over a model, which is crucial for solving heat transfer equations and can be refined in areas of interest for increased accuracy.
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03
Run simulations
Identify thermal sources, cooling mechanisms and boundary conditions and then run a simulation to solve heat transfer equations using the CFD solver. The software calculates temperature distributions and airflow patterns within and around the electronic assembly.
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04
Analyze and optimize
Get detailed visualizations of temperature gradients, airflow velocities and other thermal characteristics along with thermal metrics such as junction temperatures to aid design iterations.
Enhance electronics
Predict temperature and airflow with precision
Deliver accurate forecasts for temperature profiles and airflow in electronic systems, guaranteeing dependable thermal analysis that can steer the creation of efficient cooling solutions.
Reduce time and effort required to prepare simulations
Automated meshing and SmartParts simplify simulation setup, accelerating the design process by saving time and effort.
Identify optimal thermal solutions
Use optimization tools and parametric studies to facilitate the discovery of optimal thermal management strategies, enhancing product performance and efficiency.
Reduce the need for physical prototyping
Minimize the necessity for physical prototypes and repeated testing by precisely modeling thermal behavior and detecting potential issues, thereby lowering development expenses.
Build package models faster, predict humidity risk
The Flotherm Pack Module uses a template-driven approach to quickly build detailed IC package thermal models, including 2-resistor and DELPHI compact models. Flotherm can also predict humidity and species concentration alongside temperature, useful for avionics, offshore and harsh-environment electronics, and data centers, where humidity alone accounts for close to a fifth of field failures.
Enhance reliability
Predict junction temperatures and identify thermal bottlenecks to design products that meet thermal performance requirements, reducing the risk of overheating—which can extend product life and reliability.
Collaborate effectively
Advanced visualization tools and comprehensive reporting capabilities allow for in-depth analysis and clear communication of simulation results, supporting informed decision-making and facilitating collaboration across teams.
Flotherm is an electronic cooling simulation software leader
Enhance the thermal reliability of electronics
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SmartParts and models
Flotherm offers pre-defined objects or SmartParts, such as fans, heatsinks and IC packages, which simplify the process of setting up complex electronic assemblies for simulation.
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Automated meshing
Automatically generate a high-quality mesh that adapts to the geometry of the electronic components, ensuring accurate and efficient simulations—without requiring extensive manual adjustments.
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Advanced solver technology
Flotherm’s solver is optimized for thermal analysis, and accurately predicts airflow and temperature distribution in and around electronic devices.
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Humidity and species prediction
Evaluate humidity and species concentration alongside temperature for both steady-state and transient analysis, supporting reliability studies for electronics in harsh environments like offshore installations, avionics, medical devices and data centers.
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Bottleneck (Bn) thermal characterization
This unique feature allows for the rapid identification of thermal bottlenecks within the system, enabling engineers to focus optimization efforts where they are most needed.
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Design of Experiments (DoE) and optimization
Flotherm integrates with design exploration tools, allowing for systematic exploration of the design space to find optimal thermal solutions based on specified criteria.
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EDA and ECAD data handling
Bring in board routing and component layout data from major EDA file formats, including ODB++, through the EDA Bridge, and import ECXML files (the JEDEC JEP181 format) to streamline the transfer of electronic component thermal information into Flotherm, reducing setup time and potential errors.
Client success is our success
I highly recommend Applied CAx as a trusted partner for any organization seeking innovative software solutions. Their expertise, commitment to excellence and ability to meet the unique requirements of the aerospace industry have been instrumental in our success at Rocket Lab.
CFD has been the backbone of PacMar Technologies’ engineering advantage in the marine industry, and it’s really helped us accelerate our design process to get to working prototypes. PacMar is pushing the limits of the CFD code, and Applied CAx support helps facilitate it.
Most larger firms struggle to understand our unique desires. Not Applied CAx. It’s as if they intuitively grasp why we’re not like the competition—and why that matters. This collaboration, along with a bent for action, is the underpinning of our Engineering Digital Transformation.
AppliedCAx has been fantastic in helping us scale our growing business with the necessary software tools appropriately and cost effectively. Additionally, and on multiple occasions, Applied has been invaluable to us by providing immediate, quick turn-around licensing requests that proved vital in being able to serve our customers.
Applied CAX has been the definition of a strategic partner to X-Energy.
They have demonstrated their expertise in both the technology as well as the unique challenges in the Nuclear Industry daily. Our company faces immense challenges in adopting innovative digital engineering capabilities, and the thought leadership and executive engagement from Applied CAx has made all of the difference and accelerated our adoption of these cutting-edge tools and processes.
The future success of X-Energy with respect to Design, Analysis, Build, and Operations has been positively impacted and strengthened by our partnership with Applied CAx and their team.
It’s time to unleash your potential
Simcenter Flotherm FAQ
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What is Simcenter Flotherm used for?
Flotherm is electronics cooling and thermal analysis software. It models heat transfer and airflow in and around electronic assemblies, helping designers catch overheating risks and validate cooling strategies before building physical prototypes.
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Does Flotherm integrate with my CAD and ECAD tools?
Yes. Flotherm imports and pre-processes CAD data directly, and handles ECAD complexity by bringing in board routing and component layout information from all major EDA file formats, including ODB++, through its EDA Bridge. It also supports ECXML, the JEDEC-published neutral file format (JEP181) for exchanging thermal models between suppliers and electronics designers, so component thermal data can move into your models without rebuilding it from scratch.
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Does Flotherm include AI capabilities?
Flotherm doesn't have a dedicated AI feature of its own, but with the June 2026 Simcenter release, former Altair products joined the Simcenter family, connecting Flotherm to a broader set of AI and data science capabilities across the portfolio.
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What are the licensing options for Flotherm?
Flotherm licensing depends on your team size and which modules you need, including the Flotherm Pack Module and BCI-ROM export options. Applied CAx will work with you to scope the right configuration and provide a detailed quote.