Dymola

Dymola
Company type	Proprietary software
Industry	Simulation software
Predecessor	Dynasim AB
Founded	1978
Founder	Hilding Elmqvist
Fate	Acquired by Dassault Systèmes in 2006
Products	Simulation and modeling software environment based on Modelica language
Parent	Dassault Systèmes
Website	https://www.3ds.com/products-services/catia/products/dymola/

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Dymola, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 10 August 2025

Dymola is a proprietary simulation and modeling software environment that utilizes the open-source Modelica language. It allows for the construction of extensive and intricate systems by combining component models defined through mathematical equations that describe their dynamic behavior. Originating from the French firm Dassault Systèmes, Dymola is offered both as an independent application and as part of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform integrated within CATIA.

The most recent version, Dymola 2025x Refresh 1, is compatible with Modelica version 3.6, Modelica Standard Library 4.0.0, and Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standards 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, it supports System Structure and Parameterization (SSP) version 2.0 and eFMI tailored for embedded system applications.

History

Dymola was initially developed in 1978 by Hilding Elmqvist during his doctoral studies at Lund Institute of Technology (currently part of Lund University). The original implementation utilized Simula 67, before being rewritten in Pascal and later in C++.

In 1992, Elmqvist established Dynasim AB to further advance Dymola's development. The company was acquired by Dassault Systèmes in 2006, which then integrated Dymola into the CATIA suite.

Elmqvist also played a pivotal role in creating the Modelica language in 1996, aiming to develop an object-oriented modeling standard for technical systems that promotes reuse and interchangeability of dynamic models. Drawing from various existing modeling languages, Modelica—derived from Dymola’s native language—released its version 1.0 in 1997, followed by a prototype implementation within Dymola itself. The Modelica Association was formed in 2000 to manage ongoing language development and maintain the free Modelica Standard Library. Since 2002, Dymola has exclusively supported modeling with Modelica.

Application domains

With its multi-disciplinary engineering approach, Dymola enables the creation of models comprising components from diverse engineering fields. Using Modelica, sub-systems are depicted as interconnected components whose dynamic behavior is expressed through mathematical equations or algorithms. The interconnections introduce additional equations that Dymola processes to generate optimized simulation code.

Modelica libraries embed domain-specific knowledge spanning mechanical, electrical, control systems, thermal management, pneumatics, hydraulics, powertrain engineering, thermodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and air conditioning systems. For proprietary libraries, Dymola provides mechanisms for information encapsulation and encryption. Prominent application sectors include:

Automotive

In automotive engineering, Dymola specializes in engine and drivetrain modeling through dedicated Engines and Powertrain libraries. The open Modelica language supports hybrid and alternative propulsion systems via libraries such as Battery, Brushless DC Drives, and Electrified Powertrains. The Flexible Bodies library offers modal representations of flexible shafts and bodies. Thermal management for engines and batteries is addressed using Cooling and HVAC libraries alongside the Human Comfort library for occupant environment simulation. Control system components are incorporated within the Modelica Standard Library.

The hierarchical structure of open-source Modelica models delivers considerable adaptability for various vehicle designs while enhancing component reuse opportunities.

Aerospace and Defense

Extensive libraries are available to represent intricate thermo-fluid systems within aircraft, including those managing fuel and environmental controls. Cabin thermal conditions are modeled through the Human Comfort library.

The Flight Dynamics library facilitates swift simulation and evaluation of flight behavior for both manned aircraft and UAVs. Actuation in flight control systems is achieved using components from the Brushless DC Drives and Electrified Powertrains libraries. The Flexible Bodies library handles flexible beams and modal bodies derived from Finite Element Analysis models.

Energy, Process and Utilities

Stricter environmental standards have increased the demand for detailed physical and control system simulations. To reduce HVAC operational expenses, the HVAC library optimizes control strategies early in the design phase, helping avoid costly mistakes. Thermal comfort within buildings or vehicles is assessed using the Human Comfort library. Thermo-fluid systems are represented via the ThermalSystem library, while the Industrial Process Simulation library focuses on applications in the paper and pulp sector.

Industrial Equipment

The Modelica Standard Library’s mechanical components support modeling a variety of industrial machinery, including three-dimensional multi-body systems. Additionally, flexible beams and modal bodies based on Finite Element models are available. Actuators and control mechanisms are modeled with Battery, Brushless DC Drives, and Electrified Powertrains libraries. Thermal properties are effectively captured through the Cooling library.

Third-party libraries

In addition to Dymola’s built-in libraries, external developers such as Claytex, Modelon AB, TLK-Thermo, and XRG Simulation provide supplementary libraries. Both complimentary and commercial versions can be found on the Modelica Association’s website.

Model design tools

The Model Calibration feature employs actual device measurements to fine-tune parameters for precise simulation outcomes. Design Optimization modifies device or controller settings to improve system performance across various objectives and scenarios.

Model Management offers capabilities such as model encryption, version control integrated with Dymola, and utilities for model verification, testing, and comparison. It also supports integration with popular version control platforms including CVS, SVN, Git, as well as the 3DEXPERIENCE environment.

Code and model export

Generating C code representations of models is essential for hardware-in-the-loop testing, rapid prototyping, and developing validation or training simulators. Dymola enables import/export through the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI), allowing code generation without requiring run-time licenses or providing source code access. The exported Functional Mockup Units are compatible with numerous simulation environments.

Cloud support

Dymola’s simulation solutions are offered as standalone applications on Windows and Linux systems and through cloud-based platforms that feature user-friendly interfaces with customizable dashboards and predefined experimental configurations.

External links