COMSOL Mutliphysics

Main article: CAD Computer-aided design systems

COMSOL Multiphysics allows you to model almost all physical processes that are described by differential equations in partial derivatives, including the problems of fluid and gas mechanics, the theory of elasticity and plasticity, electricity and magnetism, wave propagation, acoustics, chemical technology, geophysics, electrochemistry.

2020: Comsol Multiphysics 5.6

On November 11, 2020, the company, COMSOL a provider of software solutions for multiphysical modeling, development and deployment, announced the applications release of version 5.6 of the COMSOL Multiphysics package. The upgrade introduces faster and less memory-demanding multi-core and cluster solvers, optimizes the import of complex geometric assemblies from CAD , and adds UI templates for modeling applications. A number of graphics tools, such as interactive sections, material textures, and selective transparency, optimize the quality visualization of simulation results. Four products extend the capabilities of COMSOL Multiphysics in the field of fuel cell and cell modeling, polymer hydrodynamics, control and automation systems, as well as liquid and gas modeling.

According to the company, the modeling of curtain coating made using the Polymer Hydrodynamics module. COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.6 also improves the overall efficiency of solving hydrodynamic problems like this.

Curtain coating simulation using Polymer Hydrodynamics module

Version 5.6 optimizes the efficiency of the solver, which allows COMSOL users to work with large models containing millions of degrees of freedom.

In version 5.6, we optimized algorithms for both the algebraic multiset solver and the decomposition technology of the region. In all models that use these solvers, it was possible to increase performance by up to 30%. These updates become even more noticeable on clusters, where it is possible to reduce the amount of memory involved and processor time by 20-50%. To solve the problems of computational hydrodynamics, we optimized the associated preemptor for speed-pressure variables, and also added a preemptor in which separate algorithms are used to calculate these variables. Thanks to all these improvements, processor time in transient hydrodynamic tasks can decrease by 50% or even more. narrated by Jacob Yistrom, COMSOL Technical Manager for Numerical Analysis

The solution of some problems of analysis of deformation of viscoelastic materials has accelerated by more than 10 times. This formulation of the boundary element method allows you to analyze models of acoustic systems that contain an order of magnitude more degrees of freedom than in previous versions. Such tasks are relevant for November 2020 in the study and development of devices for automobile industries and sonar.

Visualization of submarine target force calculated using updated formulation of boundary element method suitable for scale models.

The sound pressure level of the scattering field for the frequency 1.5 kHz at a distance of 100 meters from the submarine is shown.

Interactive sections simplify the selection and selection of boundaries and domains in complex geometric models. Other updates to graphics tools include the selective setting of transparency and the addition of arbitrary bitmaps to graphs. Rendering textures of materials, such as metal surfaces, can be combined with the visualization of field variables, while achieving a realistic effect of reflecting surrounding objects. Work with large geometric assemblies is optimized by using more reliable geometric operations and by better searching for gaps and intersections of parts in assemblies. Application templates in the Application Development Environment provide a simple and intuitive way to create structured user interfaces for applications.

Using the interactive sections presented in COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.6, the selection of internal geometry elements for adjusting materials and loads in the electric motor model has become easier and more convenient

Four updated modules extend the capabilities of COMSOL Multiphysics in the field of modeling fuel cells and electrolyzers, polymer hydrodynamics, operation of control systems and calculation of thermodynamic properties of real liquids and gases.

The Fuel Cells and Cells module offers hydrogen engineers functions for analyzing electrical energy conversion and storage systems .

We see that the hydrogen economy is an important developing market, but the tasks related to the research and optimization of existing electrolysis technological processes remain relevant for November 2020. said Henrik Ekström, technology manager of COMSOL for electrochemical products

In version 5.6, the name of the Batteries & Fuel Cells Module is changed to Battery Design Module, while retaining all functionality. Subscribed users of the license that includes the Batteries and Fuel Cells module will receive the Electrochemical Batteries module as part of the upgrade to version 5.6.

The Polymer Hydrodynamics module is designed to model and optimize processes involving viscoelastic, and more generally non-Newtonian, liquids. Similar tasks arise in many industries: the production of polymeric materials, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical industries. In addition to the set of rheological models, the module includes models for calculating the free surface in two-phase flows.

The module Thermodynamic properties of liquids and gases contains mathematical models for calculating the properties of gases, liquids and mixtures, which allows you to optimize the accuracy of solving the problems of acoustics, hydrodynamics and heat transfer.

The LiveLink for Simulink module will be useful to engineers who want to include COMSOL Multiphysics simulation models in Simulink control system diagrams. The Simulink software is developed by The MathWorks.

Distribution of gas volume fraction in proton-exchange membrane of water electrolyzer intended for hydrogen production. Calculation was performed using the module Fuel cells and electrolyzers

322 magnetic materials from Bomatec were added to the material library contained in the AC/DC module. It now includes several types of permanent magnets, such as NdFeB, SmCo and AlNiCo, with properties dependent on temperature and electromagnetic fields. The updated version of the AC/DC module provides advanced tools for calculating parasitic inductance with the calculation of the L-matrix, which is relevant for the development of printed circuit boards. Nonlinear material models will be useful for determining losses in laminated iron cores of electric motors and transformers.

In the radio frequency and wave optics modules, another version of serial port switching is implemented for faster calculations of the full scattering matrix (S-parameters) or the matrix of transmission and reflection coefficients. Updated polarization plot settings facilitate evaluation and visualization of refracted and reflected waves in periodic structures of metamaterials or plasmon lattices. The module Geometric optics implements the possibility of faster ray tracing and specialized tools for scattering problems on the surface, taking into account roughness and volume on particles in Rayleigh and Mi formalism.

Multiphysical model of cascade resonator operating in millimeter 5G range. The graph shows electromagnetic fields, temperature gradients and mechanical thermal stresses. Visualization demonstrates the use of selective graph transparency

You can now simulate the dynamic impact in strength analysis tasks using the Contact Interaction Calculation functionality in the Structural Mechanics and MEMS modules. Users of the Mechanics of Constructs module are now able to use tools to analyze mechanical wear by dynamic material entrainment when solving contact problems. In addition, the Structural Mechanics module contains tools for modeling the occurrence and propagation of cracks based on the calculation of the J-integral, the stress intensity coefficient and the phase field method. You can now place reduced dimension features inside solid objects. Thus, it becomes possible to model reinforcing elements of anchors, reinforcement and wire mesh.

The functionality of the Composite Materials module was supplemented with tools for analyzing porosity effects in composite thin-walled shells. Such tools are necessary in the modeling of multilayer soils, cardboard, reinforced plastic, multilayer plates and panels.

The set of multiphysical nonlinear models of MEMS module materials is supplemented by a model of ferroelectric elasticity, which allows taking into account nonlinear effects in piezoelectrics, for example, hysteresis and polarization saturation. This functionality is also available when the AC/DC module is shared with the Structural Mechanics or Acoustics modules.

Simulate dynamic contact interaction when a metal club hits a golf ball

Users of the Acoustics module can now model the spread of ultrasound (HIFU), as well as sound distortions in loudspeakers of mobile devices, taking into account nonlinear thermal viscosity effects. The use of conditions for describing mechanical ports, presented in the modules Mechanics of Structures, Acoustics and MEMS, will simplify vibration analysis and calculation of responses in tasks for the propagation of ultrasonic elastic waves, for example, in ultrasonic sensors and NDT systems. Sound engineers will appreciate the acoustic metrics implemented in the Acoustics module. These metrics, such as reverberation time and sound purity, are calculated based on the tracing method and can be used to optimize sound quality in rooms and concert halls.

Visualization of acoustic oscillatory velocity and temperature disturbances, illustrating the vortex flow - the interaction of a high-amplitude pressure wave with a lattice of narrow slots. Consideration of such nonlinear thermo-viscous acoustic effects is important when calculating loudspeakers of mobile devices

The Computational Hydrodynamics and Heat Transfer modules provide tools for modeling multiphase flows based on the joint use of dispersed and separate flow models, including taking into account compressibility in the dispersed flow. Engineers and scientists will now be able to model the flow of dispersed flow with a free surface. The interface for the non-thermal flow of multiphase flow based on the multiphase mixture model allows you to model phase transition phenomena, for example, boiling. In the Currents in Porous Media and Heat Transfer modules, an interface is now available for calculating transport processes in porous media, which allows you to model the two-phase mass transfer of a steam-water mixture taking into account the convection and diffusion of steam and convection and the capillary flow of liquid in the pores. Using the functions of the Particle Tracing module, it is possible to model the evaporation of droplets, which is extremely important for understanding the spread of infectious diseases, as well as some industrial processes.

Researchers and engineers working in the field of hydrology will evaluate the tool of the module Computational Hydrodynamics, designed to model currents based on the equations of shallow water. Shallow water equations are often used in oceanic and atmospheric studies to predict the effects of tsunamis, pollution zones, coastal erosion, melting polar glaciers, and many other effects.

The updated function of simulating heat exchange with radiation in the Heat transfer module allows you to set the radiative properties of surfaces depending on the direction of radiation, which is relevant, for example, for calculating the passive cooling of solar panels. To simulate external glass surfaces in radiation transfer tasks in active environments, the function of defining translucent surfaces is implemented, using which you can set the intensity of external radiation and determine the proportion of incoming flow that is diffused or mirrored through the surface.

The Corrosion module now includes a material library containing more than 270 examples of polarization curves. In the module Chemical reactions appeared a tool for modeling automatic reaction balancing with the calculation of stoichiometric coefficients, as well as three thermodynamic systems with specified properties for dry air, wet air and steam-water mixture. In addition, an interface for porous-filled catalytic reactors has been added. The interface allows you to build multilevel models of fixed-bed reactors with bimodal pore distribution.

2018: Comsol Multiphysics 5.4

On October 3, 2018, COMSOL announced the release of version 5.4 of the COMSOL Multiphysics software package. It includes the COMSOL Compiler, the Composite Materials module, as well as additional tools for modeling and improving performance.

According to the developer, the COMSOL Compiler allows you to create standalone applications in the COMSOL Multiphysics environment. Compiled applications include the COMSOL Runtime library, so you do not need licenses for COMSOL Multiphysics or COMSOL Server to run the application.

"Simulators can create applications in an Application Development Environment released several years ago. Thus, teams of engineers and scientists can provide access to modeling to non-specialists. Some time later, we released COMSOL Server, through the web interface of which you can deploy and manage applications. COMSOL Compiler is the next step along the way. This allows professionals to compile applications into a separate executable file that can be run and distributed without restrictions. " Svante Littmark, President and CEO of COMSOL

Example of a compiled modeling application where users can optimize the mixer design

According to COMSOL, the Composite Materials module contains tools for modeling laminates. By combining the "Composite Materials" module and the layered shell features available in the Heat Transfer and AC/DC modules in version 5.4, users can conduct multiphysical studies, for example, studying Joule heating with regard to thermal expansion.

"We allow users to build unique multiphysical models combining studies of laminated shell mechanics, heat transfer, and electromagnetic phenomena." Nicolas Yuk, technical supervisor at COMSOL

An important example of a multiphysical study of laminates in the aerospace industry and wind energy is the control of damage after lightning strikes on the wings of aircraft and the blades of wind turbines.

Wind turbine blade. Top Down-Visualizes the local coordinate system associated with the shell, Mises stresses in the skin and spars, respectively

According to the developer, many performance improvements are included in version 5.4 of COMSOL Multiphysics. This allows you to use multiple parameter sets in your model and perform parametric analysis on multiple parameter sets. Users can also divide Model Builder nodes into groups and add custom color schemes to model geometry.

Other changes include an updated memory allocation scheme, which speeds up calculations several times operating systems Windows 7 10 in and on computers with 8 or more processor cores, noted in COMSOL.

Optimize hook topology. The model finds the optimal material distribution in a design with two load options

The AC/DC module has a library of parts with fully parameterized geometric models of coils and magnetic cores that can be used in models. LES models of turbulence and improved tools for modeling multiphase flow are added to the Computational Hydrodynamics module.

Overview of changes in version 5.4:

• COMSOL Compiler to create standalone executable applications.
• Laminate Composites module.
• COMSOL Multiphysics updates: Multiple parameter nodes in Model Builder. Groups the Model Builder nodes into folders. Color schemes for physical and geometric samples. Faster calculations on Windows 7 and 10 operating systems for computers with 8 or more processor cores.
• Multi-physical modeling: heat transfer, electrical currents and joule heating in thin layered structures.
• Electromagnetic phenomena: fully parameterized geometric models of coils and magnetic cores. Analysis of mechanical, thermal and optical properties in geometric optics models.
• Structural mechanics: shock spectrum analysis. Activate the material for additive manufacturing.
• Acoustics: acoustic ports. Westervelt's nonlinear acoustics model.
• Fluid flow: large vortex models. Interaction of multiphase flows and solid structures, as well as multi-engine systems.
• Heat transfer: heat emission during diffuse-mirror reflection and on translucent surfaces. Light scattering equation.
• Chemical reactions: concentrated battery models. Updated thermodynamics interface.
• Optimization: A tool for topological optimization has appeared.

2016: Comsol Multiphysics 5.2а

On June 17, 2016, COMSOL, Inc. announced the release of version 5.2a of the COMSOL Multiphysics and COMSOL Server modeling software ^[1].

Hundreds of features and enhancements have been added to COMSOL Multiphysics, COMSOL Server, and expansion modules to improve product accuracy, convenience, and performance. From new solvers and methods to application development, deployment tools, the COMSOL 5.2a software version extends the capabilities of electrical, mechanical, hydrodynamic and chemical modeling and optimization.

Screenshot of the program window, (2016)

In COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2a, three new computers perform faster and less memory-demanding calculations. The smoothed algebraic multi-setter solver (SA-AMG) is especially effective in modeling linear-elastic systems, but can be used for other calculations. This solver uses memory cost-effectively to calculate complex designs with millions of degrees of freedom on a typical computer or laptop.

The region decomposition solver is optimized for large multiphysical models.

Thanks to the area decomposition solver, modeling specialists were able to create a reliable and flexible technology for more efficient calculation of relationships in multiphysical tasks. Previously, for such purposes, a direct solver was needed that was more demanding on computer memory. - The user will be able to benefit from the efficiency of this solver by using it both on a single computer, on a cluster, and in interaction with other solvers, such as a smoothed algebraic multi-grid solver (SA-AMG).

In version 5.2a, an explicit solver based on the Galerkin discontinuous method is available to solve non-stationary acoustics problems.

The possibility of taking into account vector magnetic hysteresis for modeling transformers and ferromagnetic materials has been added. The main terminal boundary condition is available for easy modeling of touch screen devices and microelectromechanical devices. When modeling ray tracing, you can combine materials with a gradient and constant refractive index in grid regions and areas with no grid. The new optical aberration plot serves to measure monochromatic aberration. The use of four-poles, fast frequency scanning and nonlinear frequency conversion are now available for high-frequency electromagnetic analysis.

Design engineers and process engineers working in all industries will benefit from the new adhesion and cohesion function when analyzing various processes involving mechanical contact of interacting parts. A new physical interface for modeling linear and nonlinear magnetostriction has become available. Users modeling heat transfer can now access meteorological databases from 6 thousand weather stations, simulate liquid, solid or porous thin-layered media in a section.

Users simulating the flow of liquid under buoyancy conditions will appreciate a new method of taking gravity into account in areas of non-uniform density, which simplifies the creation of natural convection models in which the density of the liquid can depend on temperature, mineralization and other conditions. When modeling flow in a pipeline, you can now select new pump characteristics.

For chemical modeling, a new multiphysical flow interface with chemical reactions appeared, as well as the possibility of calculating the surface reaction in the reagent granule layer. Battery manufacturers and designers can now model complex 3D battery pack assemblies using the new Single Part Battery interface. The discharge and charge of the battery are simulated using a single-particle model at each point of the geometric construction. This makes it possible to estimate the geometric distribution of current density and the local state of charge in the battery.

Overview of v5.2a features and tools

• COMSOL Multiphysics, Application Development Environment and COMSOL Server: The appearance of the user interface of modeling applications can change during their operation. Centrally manage units of measure to help teams working in different countries. Support for hyperlinks and videos. The new Add Multiphysics window allows users to easily create a multiphysical model step by step, providing a list of available predefined multiphysical links for the selected physical interfaces. For many fields, including fields for entering equations, the ability to automatically complete input has been added.
• Geometry and Mesh: The advanced tetrahedral mesh algorithm in the new version can easily create coarse grids for complex CAD geometries consisting of many small parts. The new optimization algorithm included in the mesh function improves the quality of the elements; this increases solution accuracy and convergence rate. In interactive 2D geometry drawings, reference points and coordinate display are now improved.
• Mathematical Modeling, Analysis, and Visualization Tools: The new version adds three new solvers: a smoothed algebraic multi-grid method, a solver for decomposing regions, and a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method. Users can now save data and graphics in the Export node of the Results section in VTK format, allowing them to import simulation and mesh results created in COMSOL into other software.
• Electrical Engineering: The AC/DC module now includes a built-in material model for the Gils-Atherton magnetic hysteresis. New relationships in the form of concentrated four-poles, which appeared in the Radio Frequencies module, allow you to represent parts of the high-frequency circuit in a simplified form when modeling concentrated elements, without the need to model parts.
• Mechanics: The Mechanics of Structures module includes new adhesion and cohesion functions available as a sub-node in the Contact extension. The Magnetostriction physical interface is available, supporting linear and nonlinear magnetostriction. The possibility of nonlinear modeling of materials was expanded by new models of plasticity, mixed isotropic and kinematic hardening and viscoelasticity with large deformations.
• Hydrodynamics: The Computational Hydrodynamics module and the Heat Transfer module now take into account gravity and simultaneously compensate for hydrostatic pressure at the boundaries. A new density linearization function is available in the Non-Isothermal Flow interface. This simplification is often used for free-convective flows.
• Chemistry: Battery manufacturers and designers can now model complex 3D battery pack assemblies using the new Single Part Battery physical interface available in the Batteries and Fuel Cells module. In addition, a new physical interface, Reacting Flow Multiphysics, is available in the new release.

Using COMSOL Multiphysics, the Application Development Environment, and COMSOL Server, modeling professionals have all the conditions to create dynamic, easy-to-use, rapid-to-develop, and scalable applications for a specific manufacturing area.

2015

Released COMSOL Multiphysics v.5.1

On April 15, 2015, COMSOL announced the release of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.1^[2].

The integrated software environment allows you to work with multi-physical models, create simple, convenient modeling applications, and exchange them through COMSOL Server.

In the COMSOL version 5.1 interface, improvements are made to improve user performance: model setup and application development are performed in one window. As part of significant updates:

• Complete Application Builder integration
• full Model Builder integration
• advanced markup tools for application development,
• can be used in LiveLink for Excel applications.
• COMSOL Server allows you to run applications on multiple computers.

"Corrugated Conical Horn Antenna" Demonstration Application - Antenna Geometry Change, 2015

COMSOL Multiphysics 5.1 Application Development Environment and Model Builder are combined into an interactive environment. When creating applications, an engineer can quickly switch between these components, making changes simultaneously to both the model and the application. The application development environment is launched with a single click directly from the COMSOL Multiphysics ribbon menu.

In this version, both models and applications are saved in a single.mph. file format.

By directly integrating the Application Development Environment with the Model Builder, data from the models can be transferred between these tools, for example, any Model Builder function can be quickly transferred to the Application Development Environment and used immediately.

No other interfaces are required for collaboration, all tools are available.

Developers have simplified code generation, added many ready-made templates, so it's easier to run flexible customizable commands and operations in applications.

COMSOL Server has also been upgraded. Now it can be started on several computers, this allows you to run the application on one machine, and run calculations on another. The updated COMSOL Server application library displays information about the extensions needed to create a specific application in a table, list, and detailed view.

Many demo applications available ON with COMSOL have been added to the Application Library to explore new features. All demo applications are equipped with documentation and demonstrate the work of useful functions, the developers noted, with their help you can find out how:

• Send simulation reports by e-mail
• create animations
• Optimize and evaluate parameters
• import experimental data
• work with tables.

Any demo application can be modified, and forms, objects and methods can be copied to their own application and used as the basis for further development.

Screenshot of the program window, 2015

Feature and Tool Enhancements in COMSOL Release 5.1

• Application Development Environment and COMSOL Server. Improved integration of Application Development Environment and Model Builder. Many performance enhancements include improved file handling, e-mails with attachments, row and keyword searches, custom table toolbars, and more. COMSOL Server can now distribute load across multiple computers when running applications. A 20 of fully documented and ready-to-use COMSOL-based applications has been added to the libraries.

• Geometry and grids. Defines the faces of imported meshes, simplifies the surface when you convert the mesh to geometry, and selects an area and boundary for NASTRAN Property ID Numbers tools.

• Modeling, research, and visualization tools. A new solver for decomposing a region without a matrix. Visualization of the solution outside the grid (convenient for far zones in electromagnetic and acoustic waves). Renders the periodic solution in a cell as a dynamic pattern. Graphs of geometric points or joint points, their trajectory in time.

• Electrical equipment. Calculates multi-turn coils with variable cross section. Surface roughness at the boundaries of loss conductors to simulate electromagnetic waves. Processing hexagonal periodic structures. Special tools for processing ring resonators with a given beam shape. New optical material base. New Geometry Part Library for Geometric Optics. Punching function for wetting thin films (convenient for MEMS). A demonstration application for calculating and visualizing the color of an LED based on semiconductor physics.

• Mechanics. A new multiphysical interface for hygroscopic expansion has been added to the Structure Mechanics module. You can now use nonlinear materials when modeling membranes, and nonlinear springs and ductility when modeling trusses. For mechanical applications, a part library has been added that includes beams and bolts. In the Heat transfer module, a new Algebraic Turbulence model appeared. The new multiphysical interface for heat transfer in porous media allows local modeling of thermal instability (convenient for microwave heating, exothermic reactions, nuclear technology, electronic systems and fuel cells). New predefined boundary conditions for acoustic impedance. Geometric acoustics for gradient media and hydrodynamic models with attenuation.

• Hydrodynamics. Turbulent two-phase Euler flow. When simulating the flow of liquid, it is possible to combine the flow through the porous media with the turbulent flow, and the porous regions can now be as large as possible due to the infinite elements. New differential pressure options for T-shaped, Y-shaped, and n-channel connections in pipeline flow modeling. A new library of geometry parts has been added to the Mixer module.

• Chemistry. Combination of macro- and microlevel concentrations in granule-fluid interaction. Automatic calculation of the viscosity of the gas mixture for models of liquids and dusted gases. The latest scalable 3D model of a chemical reactor with a catalyst bed and two levels of homogenization.

• Multi-purpose. New multiphysical interfaces for particle-field and liquid-particle interactions, inelastic impacts, and velocity distributions to simulate particle trace.

COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2

On November 16, 2015, COMSOL, Inc. announced the release of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2.

This version of the simulation software contains additional functions, is characterized by increased stability, flexibility and speed. Significant changes to the COMSOL Multiphysics application development environment include Editor Tools, which allow you to create UI components, dynamic graphics update commands, and advanced options for managing the deployment of modeling applications.

There are many added functions, capabilities and examples of modeling applications for expansion modules that allow you to investigate electrical, mechanical, hydrodynamic and chemical phenomena.

Window screenshot ON (2015)

The application development environment of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2 optimizes workflows.

Features based on user feedback include the ability to update graphics while the application is running. The developer can configure the application he has created to display various charts to the user during the solution. This way you can notify the user about the progress of the solution and output it, such as geometry, mesh, and solution graphs. The application developer can also place new buttons on the graphics control panel and add camera movement tools.

Many additions have been made for COMSOL Multiphysics, COMSOL Server and extension modules.

Release 5.2 adds basic features based on feedback from the growing COMSOL Multiphysics user community. For example, users can now add notes to 3D and 2D graphs. The tetrahedral mesh algorithm minimizes the amount of manual work required to build grids for large CAD models. Added Mesh  Parts, which allows you to use STL surface grids and NASTRAN volume grids in geometry creation workflows. The selection capabilities have been enhanced, so you can now use the selection to mark the parts of the solution that you want to use to process and visualize the results.

In version 5.2, the existing features of COMSOL Multiphysics and expansion modules have been improved. This release has increased the flexibility of license management: now users can work on projects, knowing that if they lose their connection to the license manager, they will have the opportunity to save files and continue working when the connection resumes.

For users of the Mechanics of Constructions and AC/DC modules, the External Materials function is available, which allows you to incompatimically specify materials using files of general libraries written in C. This function will be most useful for describing non-linear materials that exhibit hysteresis effects (depending on previous system states) and irreversibility.

Software Window Screenshot (2015)

List of functions and tools of version 5.2

• COMSOL Multiphysics, Application Development Environment, and COMSOL Server: In an application development environment, using Editor Tools editing tools, it is now easier to put any model parameters, physical characteristics, and results, such as numerical data or graphs, on the application user interface - several clicks are enough for this. User interface enhancements - Customize the graphics control buttons, enable graphs in the solution process, dynamically update graphics, improve copy and paste between applications, and more. COMSOL Server™ is improved: now applications are started up to five times quicker, the possibility of restoration of connection to the run applications is supported, function of start of the chosen application at user login is added. More robust license management, improved handling of connection breaks and license disconnections during a session.

• Geometry and Mesh-Adds Mesh Parts to make it easier to import surface and volume meshes for use during geometry creation. Increased efficiency of tetrahedral grids construction. A new geometric operation, Partition Domains, has been added to enhance the ability to draw tetrahedral grids.

• Mathematical Modeling - Tools, Research, and Visualization - Add notes to 2D and 3D graphs that contain customizable text messages and results. Users can select and save only part of the solution for postprocessing. PARDISO solver for clusters. Research using advanced fast Fourier transform. A nonbinding operator that can be used to display a nonbinding at each point in the space to give an overview of where the error is maximum.

• Applications: More than 50 examples of applications that demonstrate the capabilities of the application development environment in modeling electrical, mechanical, hydrodynamic and chemical systems.

• Multipurpose application tools: Particle tracing now supports modeling of particle interactions with matter to study high-energy physics phenomena, as well as high-performance particle counters to count the number of particles in regions and at borders.

• Electrical Engineering: The AC/DC module now supports efficient nonlinear equations of state to approximate nonlinear magnetic materials in the frequency domain. Shared libraries can be used to create magnetic materials that exhibit hysteresis and irreversibility properties. The Radio Frequency module now supports Smith diagrams.

• Hydrodynamics: in the module Computational Hydrodynamics added a multifisical interface of laminar three-phase flow, based on the phase field method. Advanced support for turbulence in rotating mechanisms and the Free surface tool for the study of "frozen" rotors. Using the Flow in Pipelines module, users can model compressed flows in pipelines, as well as extensions and compressions caused by abrupt changes in the cross section of pipelines.

• Chemistry: The Chemical Reaction Development module allows you to study catalyst particles of various shapes (spherical, cylindrical, flaky, as well as particles with user-defined area and volume). Corrosion supports modeling thin beam designs.

• Mechanics-You can use shared library files to create nonlinear construction materials. Pin reliability enhancements in Design Mechanics for curved surfaces and small relative displacements. Heat transfer module comprises plane of symmetry for radiation between surfaces and external temperatures for thin layers. The Acoustics module contains frequency response graphs in octave and third-octave bands.

2013: COMSOL Mutliphysics 4.2

This version of the COMSOL Mutliphysics package offers three new application modules for multiphysical modeling at once - Microfluidics (hydrodynamic phenomena on micro scales), Geomechanics (tunnels, bridges, retaining structures) and Electrodeposition (galvanic coating). In addition, the developers included two new LiveLink interfaces in the package: for computer-aided design systems AutoCAD and SpaceClaim.

The COMSOL Mutliphysics 4.2 package, among other things, includes new virtual geometric tools for creating a mesh that defines the most important parts of the original CAD model. This grid enables faster and more efficient model calculations. The Dynamic Adaptive Model Space-to-Cell mechanism helps you link solvers and mesh partitioning algorithms together for any mesh analysis. Models with dynamic diffusion fronts are now calculated more efficiently, as are simulations with deposition and washing out of materials. The new Parametric Surfaces feature helps you create parametric surfaces based on analytical expressions or tables with series of observations.

Another innovation of COMSOL Mutliphysics 4.2 is to support parallel computing in iterative solvers and multiphysical assembly algorithms. Previously, parallel and cluster calculations were only available in direct solvers. According to the developers, the calculation of the static mixer in the laminar flow is performed faster by 425%, and the simulation of the micro-liquid "laboratory on the chip" is accelerated by 164%.

The new Report Generator helps you create HTML reports with a controlled level of detail. You can add multiple reports to each model at once. Object dragging is now supported in the model hierarchy. Model Builder now automatically adapts model physics to the names in the feature definition. New types of graphs are also implemented: histograms for statistical analysis, Nyquist graphs for analysis of amplitude-frequency characteristics and tape graphs for flows.

The LiveLink interface for the SolidWorks system is now equipped with a single graphical interface, so that the user can SolidWorks stay in the SolidWorks environment and communicate synchronously with COMSOL Multiphysics. The LiveLink interface for the fast modeling system SpaceClaim provides powerful direct modeling and multiphysical simulation capabilities. The LiveLink interface for the CAD system AutoCAD allows you to transfer 3D drawings from the AutoCAD environment to COMSOL Multiphysics.

It is worth paying more attention to the new application modules. The Microfluidics module helps to study micro-liquid devices and rarefied gas flows. This new module helps investigate processes in electrokinetic and magnetokinetic devices, inkjet printers and vacuum systems. Single and two-phase flows are supported, taking into account surface tension forces, capillary forces and the Marangoni effect.

Geomechanics is a specialized add-on to Structural Mechanics that helps you perform geotechnical calculations in areas such as tunnels, pits, slopes, and retaining structures. A wide range of materials is available for calculations, including soils with a variety of plastic characteristics, as well as concrete and rocky soils.

Electrodepsition simulates electrodepsition and electrophoresis processes. Physical interfaces are implemented for the primary, secondary, and tertiary distribution model, and geometric representations of the deposited layer can be defined along with the general parameters of the model. According to representatives of COMSOL, the Electrodeposition module can be used in a variety of applications: metal deposition in electronic and electrical devices, corrosion and protective coating, decorative electroplastics, the production of parts with a thin and complex structure by electrolytic molding, as well as electrolysis production of metals.

2012

COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3b

In version 4.3b. new modules appear: for solving problems from the field of micromechanics, material structure, hydrodynamics, heat transfer, particle routing:

• Multibody Dynamics Module allows you to analyze complex multi-component mechanical models consisting of rigid and flexible bodies (nodes);
• The Wave Optic Module allows you to model the propagation of electromagnetic waves in linear and non-linear optical carriers.
• The Molecular Flow Module allows you to model highly rarefied gas;
• Semiconductor Module allows you to model semiconductor devices;
• The Electrochemistry Module allows you to model applications based on electrolysis, electrodialysis and electroassay.

COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3a

One of the main advantages of version 4.3a is the LiveLink for Excel module, which allows you to access the results of simulation simulations from spreadsheets. In addition, version 4.3a offers additional capabilities for computationally complex multiphysical experiments by supporting cluster computing on the Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) platform.

The changes from the recently released version 4.3 were quite significant. So, the COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3a package for the first time presents new modules for analyzing fatigue changes in materials, for importing ECAD files, as well as the LiveLink module for exchanging data with the Solid Edge CAD system. In addition, all 30-plus specialized application superstructures COMSOL for modeling mechanical, electrical, hydrodynamic and chemical phenomena have been updated.

In version 4.3a, the developers themselves pay special attention to the LiveLink module for starting and analyzing COMSOL Multiphysics experiments directly in the Excel package environment. The LiveLink module for Excel actually adds the COMSOL tab to the tape interface of modern versions of the Excel spreadsheet. In this tab, users can monitor the operation of the COMSOL model. In particular, you can view and adjust parameters and variables used in the COMSOL Multiphysics model directly from Excel, and you can synchronize all changes made through Excel with the COMSOL model at any time.

The LiveLink module for Excel allows you to save and download Excel files with the results of experiments, with validation, calibration data, and in general any data related to simulations that are performed in the COMSOL package. In an additional window, Excel LiveLink displays simulation results as interactive 3D graphs. Users can insert these graphs into Excel spreadsheets with just one click.

Support for the Amazon EC2 platform gives researchers access to highly scalable computing power, paid for by usage - this helps avoid buying and maintaining powerful workstations or in-house clusters. Users with a floating network license can simply download COMSOL executables and their model directly into the Amazon EC2 cloud machine.

A recently announced feature called Cluster Sweep is designed to perform such complex computing tasks as parametric research and frequency swing experiments. Cluster Sweep helps reduce the time to find solutions by balancing the workload across multiple processors. Using Cluster Sweep technology on clusters like Amazon EC2, users can run several processes in parallel, where each process will be devoted to analyzing a separate parameter in a common modeling task.

The material fatigue analysis Fatigue Module is based on the structural mechanics module algorithms. With this module, the user can determine how many load cycles a particular structure can withstand. The analysis supports different load feeding and relieving modes. In combination with the Nonlinear Structural Materials module, which simulates materials with a nonlinear structure, users can perform full-scale assessments of elastoplastic fatigue.

COMSOL Mutliphysics 4.3

COMSOL officially released in May 2012 version 4.3 of the COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3 product for modeling processes in which phenomena from different fields of physics are involved. In addition to improved modeling tools and accelerated execution of simulation experiments, COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3 contains a number of new functions implemented at the request of the end users of the package, including three new specialized modules for narrow areas of physics, new tools for building a grid of control points, as well as the Double Dogleg solver for calculating phenomena in places of mechanical contact and simulations with a high degree of nonlinearity.

Nonlinear Structural Materials Module is designed to simulate materials with a nonlinear structure, Pipe Flow Module - for refined flow modeling in pipelines, Corrosion Module - for modeling corrosion processes. Now the COMSOL platform offers 30 separate modules for phenomena from narrow physical areas.

The nonlinear structure materials simulation module for modeling structural mechanics and MEMS technology allows you to maintain a high degree of nonlinearity in models. Previously, when building large models, users needed to switch to materials with a linear structure. Now, even at high temperatures, calculations can be made for elastoplastic, viscoplastic, creeping and hyperelastic materials. All these new calculation tools are built on a new set of basic physical laws, which can be expanded by the users themselves.

The Pipe Flow Module should be of interest to engineers who design pipeline networks and sewers for turbines, ventilation systems, chemical industries, and the oil and gas industry. Simulation of processes is carried out on the basis of a one-dimensional basic flow model, taking into account flow movement, heat and mass transfer, hydraulic phenomena and acoustics. The results of Pipe Flow simulations can be integrated with 2D and 3D models of other network components by calculating the flow rate of gas or liquid, pressure change, and temperature in pipes and channels.

The corrosion module allows you to model in detail the process, due to which the world gross product becomes 3% less. The new module makes it possible to calculate the dynamics of corrosion in coastal structures, on ships and submarines, in the aerospace industry, in the railway and motor transport industry. Special interfaces for modeling electrochemical processes leading to corrosion are created to calculate physical phenomena associated with galvanic, ulcerative and contact corrosion.

The new simulation mechanism eliminates unnecessary geometry from the control point grid. Imported grids can be grouped by new regions and boundaries, which is especially useful for specifying boundary conditions and material properties in the experiment. A run of whole range experiments is supported for many parameters at once - you can specify one, two or more parameters, as well as adjust individual parameters or entire sets. Visualization of the parameter range runs allows you to include all the obtained digits in one result, and the calculation can be carried out using the parallel calculation mechanism.

The AC/DC Module now supports 3D machine modeling. For example, in a DC brush motor model, inductance, coil current, axial torque, and shaft rotation angle can be calculated for each moment.

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