Ansys vs Hydrostatic Pressure Test

The simulation heavyweight that makes physics your playground, but good luck affording the admission ticket meets the ultimate 'trust but verify' for pressure systems. Here's our take.

Ansys

Nice Pick

The simulation heavyweight that makes physics your playground, but good luck affording the admission ticket.

Pros

• Industry-leading accuracy for FEA, CFD, and multiphysics simulations
• Comprehensive suite covering everything from structural analysis to electromagnetics
• Widely trusted in aerospace and automotive for reducing physical prototypes

Cons

• Extremely expensive licensing that can bankrupt small teams
• Steep learning curve with a clunky, dated interface

Hydrostatic Pressure Test

The ultimate 'trust but verify' for pressure systems. Because nobody wants a surprise leak at 1000 PSI.

Pros

• Highly reliable for detecting leaks and structural weaknesses in closed systems
• Uses water as a safe, non-toxic, and cost-effective testing medium
• Provides clear pass/fail results with minimal risk of catastrophic failure during testing

Cons

• Requires significant setup time and equipment, including pumps and pressure gauges
• Not suitable for systems that cannot tolerate water exposure or require dry testing

The Verdict

Use Ansys if: You want industry-leading accuracy for fea, cfd, and multiphysics simulations and can live with extremely expensive licensing that can bankrupt small teams.

Use Hydrostatic Pressure Test if: You prioritize highly reliable for detecting leaks and structural weaknesses in closed systems over what Ansys offers.

The Bottom Line

Ansys wins

The simulation heavyweight that makes physics your playground, but good luck affording the admission ticket.