Anyone have any recommendations for a decent 3D E-field simulator?

I've used Maxwell by Ansys for magnetic fields; I imagine the electric field application is similar.

Any software that can graph vector fields would work. Matlab, Mathematica, Maple, etc. For example, this plot took me about 30 seconds in matlab. It corresponds to the electric field of a positive point charge.

 

EDIT: Well, swansont's suggestion puts mine to shame.

Edited September 1, 201411 yr by elfmotat

 

EDIT: Well, swansont's suggestion puts mine to shame.

 

Software written for the express purpose of such modeling is likely to be far superior to a DIY attempt in calculation software unless you are looking at simple setups.

I've used hffs, comsol and meep for em modeling, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Of course depending what you're doing analytical solutions may also be possible.

Any software that can graph vector fields would work. Matlab, Mathematica, Maple, etc. For example, this plot took me about 30 seconds in matlab. It corresponds to the electric field of a positive point charge.

 

diagram snipped

EDIT: Well, swansont's suggestion puts mine to shame.

 

welcome back

The best software you can have, is your own software. You can change it any time you need and want.. And it's free..