BRL-CAD
| Version | 7(as of 5/28/2015) |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| License | Open Source |
| Category | Graphics |
Main Features
- Supports several file formats such as NASTRAN, IGES, and DXF
- Made up of more than 400 libraries, utilities, and tools
- Provides an embedded scripting interface
- Includes path-tracing and photon mapping for realistic image synthesis
Software Overview
BRL-CAD is an open source, cross-platform Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) solid modeling system. BRL stands for Ballistic Research Laboratory, which is now the Army Research Laboratory. The software package is available in source code and binary form as free open source software (FOSS).
The software supports several file types, such as DXF, IGES, NASTRAN, TANKILL, PDF, VRML, and EUCLID. BRL-CAD is made up of more than 400 utilities, libraries, and tools that enable high-performance ray-tracing for geometric and rendering analysis and interactive geometry editing. It also comes with system performance analysis benchmark suite, image and signal-processing tools, and an embedded scripting interface.
BRL-CAD is primarily used by U.S. military, industrial, and academic applications to design and analyze mechanical parts, architecture, and vehicles. The BRL-CAD software package has been around since 1983, which makes for an impressive lifespan and it still is useful to this day, providing a fast and stable option for solid modeling.
Primary File Type
.GBRL-CAD Geometry File
Supported File Types
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .G | BRL-CAD Geometry File |
| .DXF | Drawing Exchange Format File |
| .IGES | IGES Drawing |
| .NAS | Nastran Input File |
| Portable Document Format File | |
| .PIX | BRL-CAD Raw Image File |
| .PL | Unix Color Plot File |
| .RLE | Run Length Encoded Bitmap |
| .VRML | VRML File |