PRODUCT BOOKLET

comsol multiphysics

application builder

application

2010-2016 COMSOL. The software is protected by U.S. Patents listed on www.comsol.com/patents, and U.S. Patents 7,519,518; 7,596,474; 7,623,991; 8,219,373; 8,457,932; 8,626,475; 8,949,089; 8,954,302; 9,098,106; and 9,146,652. Patents pending. COMSOL, the COMSOL logo, COMSOL Multiphysics, COMSOL Desktop,
COMSOL Server, LiveLink, and Simulation for Everyone are registered trademarks or trademarks of COMSOL AB. ACIS and SAT are registered trademarks of Spatial Corporation. AutoDesk, AutoCAD, Inventor and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/
or other countries. CATIA is a registered trademark of Dassault Systmes S.A. or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. Microsoft, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Windows are are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. NX, Parasolid and Solid Edge are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. SOLIDWORKS is a registered trademark of Dassault Systmes SolidWorks Corp., PTC, Creo, Creo Parametric and Pro/ENGINEER are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC Inc.
or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other countries. MATLAB is a registered trademark of The MathWorks, Inc. Amazon Web Services, the Powered by Amazon Web Services logo, Amazon EC2 and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Mac,
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From Model to Application. CONTENTS
Bring Multiphysics to Everyone. product suite 10

COMSOL applications realize the vision of fostering collaboration within

comsol multiphysics 12
organizations by providing simulation specialists with the tools to deploy their comsol server 22
simulation work, from design and development to production and testing. application-specific products
The idea is simple: Make it possible to model, build, and run simulation apps. electrical 26
structural & acoustics 40
That is exactly what the COMSOL Multiphysics and COMSOL Server
fluid & heat 54
products deliver with their fully integrated modeling, simulation, and
application design environment. chemical 68
multipurpose 78
Engineers in all stages of the product design cycle can use the most powerful interfacing 84
computational tools and ready-to-use custom applications to drive innovation
user support 97
and boost productivity throughout organizations, from design to production.
license options 98
Are you ready to build your own applications? COMSOL Multiphysics and
COMSOL Server make it easy for you.

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4
How do you create and
communicate innovative designs?

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6
Through powerful computational
tools for numerical simulation.

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With custom applications
that can be easily deployed.
Worldwide.

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 COMSOL Multiphysics

COMSOL Server
electrical

structural & acoustics

fluid & heat

chemical

multipurpose

interfacing
AC/DC Structural CFD Chemical Reaction Optimization LiveLinkTM LiveLinkTM
Module Mechanics Module Module Engineering Module Module for MATLAB for Excel

RF Nonlinear Structural Mixer Batteries & Material CAD Import Design

Module Materials Module Module Fuel Cells Module Library Module Module

Wave Optics Geomechanics Subsurface Flow Electrodeposition Particle Tracing ECAD Import LiveLinkTM
Module Module Module Module Module Module for SOLIDWORKS

Ray Optics Fatigue Pipe Flow Corrosion LiveLinkTM LiveLinkTM

Module Module Module Module for Inventor for AutoCAD

Semiconductor Multibody Microfluidics Electrochemistry LiveLinkTM LiveLinkTM for PTC

Module Dynamics Module Module Module for Revit Creo Parametric

Plasma Rotordynamics Molecular Flow LiveLinkTM for PTC LiveLinkTM

Module Module Module Pro/ENGINEER for Solid Edge

MEMS Acoustics Heat Transfer File Import

Module Module Module for CATIA V5

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product suite

COMSOL Multiphysics 12 Chemical

COMSOL Server 22 Chemical Reaction Engineering Module 68
Batteries & Fuel Cells Module 70
Electrical Electrodeposition Module 72
AC/DC Module 26 Corrosion Module 74
RF Module 28 Electrochemistry Module 76
Wave Optics Module 30
Ray Optics Module 32 Multipurpose
Plasma Module 34 Optimization Module 78
Semiconductor Module 36 Material Library 80
MEMS Module 38 Particle Tracing Module 82
Structural & Acoustics
Interfacing
Structural Mechanics Module 40
Nonlinear Structural Materials Module 42 CAD Import Module 84
Geomechanics Module 44 File Import for CATIA V5 84
Fatigue Module 46 Design Module 86
Multibody Dynamics Module 48 LiveLink for SOLIDWORKS 87

Rotordynamics Module 50 LiveLink for Inventor 88

Acoustics Module 52 LiveLink for AutoCAD 89
LiveLink for Revit 90
Fluid & Heat LiveLink for PTC Creo Parametric 91

CFD Module 54 LiveLink for PTC Pro/ENGINEER 92

Mixer Module 56 LiveLink for Solid Edge 93
Subsurface Flow Module 58 ECAD Import Module 94
Pipe Flow Module 60 LiveLink for MATLAB 95

Microfluidics Module 62 LiveLink for Excel 96

Molecular Flow Module 64
Heat Transfer Module 66

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 WELDING
Friction stir welding is a solid phase welding process that was
developed and patented by The Welding Institute in the 1990s.
Since its invention, the process has received worldwide attention
and today many companies are using the technology in production,
particularly for joining aluminum alloys.

The graph below depicts the temperature distribution in a model

that couples fluid flow with friction and heat transfer. The plot
shows the hardness factors in the weld as calculated from the model.

COMSOL Multiphysics
The COMSOL Multiphysics software environment facilitates all of the
steps in the modeling process defining your geometry, meshing,
specifying your physics, solving, and then visualizing your results.
It also serves as the environment for physics-based modules, which
augment the core physics interfaces of COMSOL Multiphysics, and for
building simulation applications.

Model setup is quick, thanks to a number of predefined physics

interfaces for applications ranging from fluid flow and heat transfer to
structural mechanics and electrostatics. Material properties, source
terms, and boundary conditions can all be spatially varying,
time-dependent, or functions of the dependent variables. You can
freely mix physics interfaces into new multiphysics combinations as
well as couple them with any application-specific module.

As an alternative to writing your own simulation code, the

COMSOL Multiphysics user interface gives you the option to specify
your own partial or ordinary differential equations (PDEs or ODEs) and
link them with other physics interfaces. When combined with the
CAD Import Module or one of the LiveLink products, this enables
you to run custom simulations on CAD models in many
industry-standard formats.

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 COM S OL M ULTIP H Y S I C S
HIGHLIGHTS

Model Builder
Application Builder
Animation, image, and data export
Automatic, swept, and boundary layer
meshing
Boundary and volume integration
Component couplings for linking 1D, 2D,
and 3D model components
Core physics interfaces
Fast Fourier transform (FFT)
Interpolation table import for 1D, 2D, and
3D data sets
Linear and higher-order finite elements
Mesh import
Moving and deformable meshes
Parameterized geometry modeling
Partial and ordinary differential equations
user interfaces
Probes and probe plots
Space- and time-dependent expressions
for physical properties and boundary
conditions
State-of-the-art multicore solvers
User-defined linear and nonlinear
materials
Model courtesy of Dr. Paul Colegrove,
Cranfield University, Cranfield, Visualization tools, including arrow,
United Kingdom. Pictures courtesy of contour, line, ribbon, slice, streamline,
The Welding Institute (TWI), surface, and volume plots
Cambridge, United Kingdom.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Beam subjected to traveling load

Helical static mixer
ELECTRONICS Transmission line calculator
A model predicting a copper line interconnect
failure. Simulation results show vacancy
Tubular reactor
concentrations and the resulting von Mises Tuning fork
stresses these produce.

Model courtesy of F. Cacho and V. Fiori,

STMicroelectronics, Crolles, France.

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 MODEL WIZARD
Quick setup of a new model
is done in the Model Wizard,
where space dimension,
physics, and study type are
selected.

APPLICATION LIBRARIES
The Application Libraries
consist of documented
COMSOL DESKTOP examples and simulation apps
from all fields of engineering
Practical simulation software must be straightforward to use regardless and science.
of your modeling experience, while also being constructive and
powerful enough to achieve your objectives. We have incorporated MODEL BUILDER
these qualities into the complete COMSOL Desktop environment. The Model Builder provides
access to any part of the
This sleek interface gives you full insight into and control over the model settings.
modeling process, as it concisely reflects the COMSOL Multiphysics
architecture. The workflow is integrated and intuitive, guiding you
quickly through the building of your simulations and applications.
SETTINGS
The COMSOL Desktop structure is uniform throughout, regardless of Easily enter, verify, and
update all specifications
the physics or application involved. This encourages cross-disciplinary and model properties in the
collaboration so that engineering teams can develop better models, faster. Settings window.

With its broad internal array of intuitive tools for drawing, meshing, material
specification, finite element analysis, postprocessing, and graphical display,
COMSOL Multiphysics version 5 has become one of the favorites of the
multiphysics community.

Bill Vetterling, ZINK Imaging, Bedford, Massachusetts.

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 RIBBON
The ribbon tabs have buttons and

COM S OL M ULTIP H Y S I C S
drop-down lists for controlling all
steps of the modeling process.

GRAPHICS WINDOW INFORMATION WINDOW DYNAMIC HELP

Ultrafast graphic presentation, stunning The Information windows display vital model The Help feature enables easy browsing
visualization, and multiple plots. information during the simulation, such as the with extended search functionality and is
solution time, solution progress, mesh statistics, continuously updated with online access to
solver logs, and, when available, results tables. the Knowledge Base and Application Gallery.

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 DEFINITIONS
Easy control of your parameters,
functions, probes, and graphics
display from the Definitions branch.

GEOMETRY
Use the built-in drawing tools or
import files from a CAD package
to create your geometries in the
Geometry branch.
MODEL BUILDER
Building a model in the COMSOL software naturally follows your line MATERIALS
of thinking, from concept to realization. The entire model workflow Specify material properties under
the Materials branch using
is controlled from the Model Builder, which brings a dynamic, logical expressions and functions, or
structure to your simulations. import a material from one of the
libraries.
A model can be built by following the branches in the model tree
structure, from parameter definition and geometry creation to PHYSICS
visualization of the simulation results. Nodes can be added to refine and Define your physics and choose
material models, boundary
improve your model as it evolves into a true description of your design. conditions, loads, and sources.

The Model Builder allows instant access to any part of the model
MESH
settings. You can investigate, refine, and optimize a modeling feature
Automatically generate and
at any stage of your process. This makes the Model Builder a versatile customize your mesh for optimal
graphical programming tool for parametric analysis, optimization, and resolution and solving.
customized simulation routines.
STUDY
Run a simulation, configure
parametric studies, and other
sequences of solvers.

COMSOL allows us to couple mechanisms in a very nice and simple way, allowing us
to understand their combined effect. This is the true power of simulation.

Dr. Roberto Suarez-Rivera, Schlumberger, Salt Lake City, Utah.

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 MODEL TREE

COM S OL M ULTIP H Y S I C S
The model tree gives an overview of the model and provides all
of the functionality and operations needed for creating a model
as well as postprocessing the results.

RESULTS
Derive and visualize results quantities,
probes, and convergence plots. Several Plot
windows can be used to show multiple
results simultaneously.

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 APPLICATION BUILDER
The Application Builder, included in the COMSOL Multiphysics
software for the Windows platform, provides all of the tools needed APPLICATION TREE
to build and run simulation applications. Any COMSOL Multiphysics The application tree gives an
overview of forms, events,
model can be turned into a custom application with its own interface,
declarations, methods, and
using the Application Builder desktop environment. libraries used in the app.

The Application Builder provides two distinct tools for creating applications:
The Form Editor and the Method Editor. The Form Editor allows you to
build a custom user interface through drag-and-drop of a wide range of
form objects such as input fields, graphics windows, and buttons.

The Method Editor is used to implement customized functionality

and enhance the user experience of a simulation application. It is a
programming environment that allows you to write Java code to modify
the data structure representing a COMSOL Multiphysics model.

The Application Builder is the biggest innovation yet to come from COMSOL. We
estimate that by building applications for our colleagues, we would save 30-40% of
the time we currently spend on calculations for them. This will improve both the way
we work and the way our colleagues work as well.

Massimo Bechis, Prysmian, Milan, Italy.

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 FORM EDITOR METHOD EDITOR

COM S OL M ULTIP H Y S I C S
Use form objects such as input fields, Write methods for actions not
graphics, and buttons to lay out the user covered by the standard use of the
interface of a simulation app. model tree nodes.

Design a custom application user interface by

using drag-and-drop to arrange form objects.
The users can write methods that, for example, include for-loops,
process inputs and outputs, and messages and alerts sent from
the application.

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 COMSOL APPLICATIONS
A COMSOL application is a model with a customized user interface
created with the Application Builder. Simulation apps can be run with a
COMSOL Multiphysics or COMSOL Server license.

With a COMSOL Multiphysics license, applications can be run from the

COMSOL Desktop in different ways. While developing an app, it can be
tested directly from the Application Builder to quickly check that forms
and methods are performing as expected. Once released, an app can
be run by others directly from the File menu available in the COMSOL
Desktop or by double-clicking an MPH file icon on the Windows
Desktop. Apps can also be password protected.
APPLICATION DISTRIBUTION
Over 50 applications are available to provide users with examples that can Apps created with the Application Builder can be accessed
and used, both within an organization and worldwide,
be easily inspected, edited, and used as a starting point for their own apps. through a local installation of COMSOL Server.

With a COMSOL Server license, you can deploy, manage, and run
applications in major web browsers on a variety of operating systems
and hardware platforms. In addition, apps can be run by connecting to
COMSOL Server with an easy-to-install COMSOL Client for Windows.

Once you create a COMSOL model, it takes little effort to build an

application with the Application Builder and distribute it with
COMSOL Server, the benefits will be felt by many Wolfspeed employees.

Brice McPherson, Wolfspeed, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

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 COM S OL M ULTIP H Y S I C S
App Examples from the
Application run by connecting to COMSOL Server with COMSOL Client for Windows Application Libraries

Application run by connecting to COMSOL Server from a web browser

STRESS ANALYSIS OF A PRESSURE VESSEL

This application analyzes whether a pressure vessel with a given
geometry will be able to sustain an applied internal pressure without
exceeding a certain volume fraction of the material that has exceeded
the yield limit. Geometric parameters and materials may be changed to
investigate different vessel designs.

CORRUGATED CIRCULAR HORN ANTENNA

App users can modify the geometry of a corrugated circular horn antenna in
order to optimize its radiation characteristics and aperture cross-polarization
ratio at the frequency of interest.

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 APPLICATION LIBRARY
Upload and display the list of
apps that can be run.

COMSOL Server MONITOR

Find information about start time
and uptime, CPU and memory use,
COMSOL Server is the software for running COMSOL applications and an overview of running app
and controlling their deployment, distribution, and use. After creating sessions.

simulation apps with COMSOL Multiphysics and its Application

USER DATABASE
Builder, COMSOL Server provides users with a cost-effective solution
Add users and groups to the server
for managing how the apps are used, either within their organization or user database.
externally to a worldwide audience.

COMSOL Server can be installed locally in a corporate network or in PREFERENCES

the cloud, enabling design teams, production departments, and others Access server administrative
preferences and settings such
to use apps. Simulation applications can be run in a COMSOL Client for as language, folders, image
Windows or in major web browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, rendering, security, sessions, and
Internet Explorer, and Safari. multicore handling.

COMSOL Server also allows updates to be readily available. As soon as

Research & Development
a new version of an application is uploaded to the server, app users will
immediately have access to the latest version.

Production

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Engineering
RUNNING APPLICATIONS

COM S OL S ERV ER
Apps can be run in separate tabs and windows. Here, the user is connected to a local
installation of COMSOL Server from a web browser and is running four apps simultaneously.

APP CARD
Edit, show general information,
favorite, and launch an app.
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 From Model
to Application

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 BRING
MULTIPHYSICS
TO EVERYONE

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 AC/DC Module
The AC/DC Module sets the stage for modeling the performance of
capacitors, inductors, motors, and microsensors. Although these
devices are principally characterized by electromagnetics, they are also
influenced by other types of physics. Thermal effects, for instance,
can change a materials electrical properties, while electromechanical
deflections and vibrations in generators need to be fully understood
during any design process.

The capabilities of the AC/DC Module span electrostatics,

magnetostatics, and electromagnetic quasistatics with access to any
derived field quantities and unlimited couplings to other physics.
When considering your electrical components as part of a larger system,
the AC/DC Module provides an interface with SPICE circuit lists where
you choose circuit elements for further modeling. Then, you can take
your analysis beyond the conventional by running a single simulation
of a mixed system of lumped and high-fidelity component models.

CAPACITIVE TOUCHSCREEN SIMULATOR

Specialized application based on a model of a capacitive touchscreen. The user
can control the position and orientation of a finger pressing the touchscreen,
and then compute the capacitance matrix.

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 HIGHLIGHTS

AC/DC current and field distribution

Bioheating
Coils and solenoids
Combined SPICE circuit and field simulations
Contact resistance
EMC and EMI
Electromagnetic force and torque
Electromagnetic shielding
Electromechanical deformation

ELECTR ICA L
Hall sensors
Insulators, capacitors, and dielectrics
Motors, generators, and other
electromechanical machinery
Nonlinear materials
Parasitic capacitance and inductance
Permanent magnets and electromagnets
Porous materials
Resistive and induction heating
Sensors
Superconductors
Transformers and inductors

APPLICATION EXAMPLES
INDUCTION HEATING
The model shows the magnetic flux (streamlines) and Billet induction heating
temperature distribution (color plot) in the electromagnetic
induction molding apparatus and composite material.
Effective nonlinear magnetic curves
Magnetic prospecting
Model and pictures courtesy of Jos Feigenblum, RocTool, Le Bourget
Du Lac, France. Touchscreen simulator

HALBACH ROTOR POWER ENGINEERING ELECTROMAGNETIC RFID TAGS

Simulation of a Static 3D simulation of INDUCTOR An RFID system consists
16-segment, 4-pole a generator with a rotor An inductor consisting of a tag or transponder
pair Halbach rotor. consisting of annealed of a wire wrapped with a PCB antenna
Results show medium-carbon steel, around a ferrite core is (left) and a much larger
the magnetic which is a nonlinear modeled and the device reader antenna (right).
flux density ferromagnetic material inductance is calculated. This generates an
distribution. that is saturated at high The current flow, due electromagnetic field to
magnetic flux densities. to an applied voltage, energize the IC-circuit
Shown are the magnetic induces a magnetic field. inside the tag. Shown
fields inside and around The magnetic flux density is the magnetic flux
the generator. is shown. density.
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 RF Module
Modeling in the RF and microwave regimes requires modeling the
propagation of electromagnetic waves in and around structures that
can be metallic, dielectric, gyromagnetic, or even metamaterials with
engineered properties. The RF Module offers you the tools to meet
this challenge by including port and scattering boundary conditions;
complex-valued, spatially varying, anisotropic material models; perfectly
matched layers; and the best solvers available. As a result, you can easily
model antennas, waveguides, and microwave components.

The RF Module completes the modeling experience by providing

S-parameter computation and far-field analysis. Taken together with
the unsurpassed ability of COMSOL Multiphysics to couple to other
physics, such as electromagnetic RF heating, stress, and deformation
effects, you have the industrys leading multiphysics solution for
electromagnetic waves.

MINERAL PROCESSING
By applying microwave radiation, mineral particles in an ore
are selectively heated, which causes local thermal expansion
and liberation of the particles. This process requires
significantly less energy than the conventional method of
crushing the rock and separating the minerals. The model
resolves the microwaves in applicators, which are several
cubic meters in volume, together with those that heat the
mineral particles, which are only tens of microns in size.
Model courtesy of Jan Przybyla, e2v, Chelmsford, UK.

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 HIGHLIGHTS

Antennas, waveguides, and cavities

Bloch-Floquet periodic arrays and
structures
Circulators and directional couplers
High-speed interconnects
Metamaterials
Microwave and RF heating
Microwave devices
Microwave sintering

ELECTR ICA L
Oil exploration and controlled-source
electromagnetic (CSEM) surveys
Plasmonics
Porous materials
Resonant coil design
RF and microwave bioheating
Scattered field formulation for RCS and
scattering problems
S-parameter analyses of antennas
Thermo-structural effects in antennas and
waveguides
Transmission lines

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Corrugated circular horn antenna

Frequency selective surface simulator
SLOT-COUPLED MICROSTRIP PATCH ANTENNA ARRAY SYNTHESIZER
Microstrip patch antenna array synthesizer
This application simulates a single slot-coupled microstrip patch antenna fabricated on a
multilayered low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) substrate. Users may control inputs Plasmonic wire grating
such as properties of a single antenna and array geometry. Results show the far-field radiation
pattern of the antenna array and its directivity.

OIL PROSPECTING MATERIALS SCIENCE

The CSEM method has become Electromagnetic metamaterials
popular in oil prospecting. Here, have a spatial resolution
a horizontal 1-Hz electric dipole that is below that of an
antenna is towed 150 m above electromagnetic wavelength,
the seafloor, where receivers so as to create a form of
measure the electrical field invisibility over a narrow
generated by the source and the wave band. In this model, an ANTENNAS
reflected or guided transmitted object located in the center Two coaxial cables work together to create a balanced
energy resulting from the of this structure is invisible to feed to a patch antenna. The model computes the antenna
resistive reservoir. microwave radiation. Model courtesy of Cummer and Schurig,
efficiency to find the optimal operating frequency, 6.3 GHz.
Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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 Wave Optics Module
The Wave Optics Module provides dedicated tools for electromagnetic
wave propagation in linear and nonlinear optical media for accurate
component simulation and design optimization. The beam envelopes
method for electromagnetic full-wave propagation overcomes the need
for traditional approximations by direct discretization of Maxwells
equations. This allows for accurate simulation of optically large
systems where the geometric dimensions can be much larger than the
wavelength and where light waves cannot be approximated with rays.
Conventional electromagnetic full-wave propagation methods are also
featured in the module.

Support for generic anisotropic refractive index, permittivity, or

permeability tensors allows for optical media that includes gyromagnetic
materials or metamaterials with engineered properties. Several 2D and
3D formulations are available for eigenfrequency mode analysis and
frequency- and time-domain electromagnetic simulation.

PLASMONIC WIRE GRATING ANALYZER

App users can generate a results report including the electric field
norm, reflectance, and transmittance for a given angle of incidence.
The underlying model computes the diffraction efficiency for
reflected and transmitted waves interacting with a wire grating on
a dielectric substrate.

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 HIGHLIGHTS

Couplers
Fiber Bragg gratings
Fiber optics
Harmonic generation and
frequency mixing
Integrated optics
Lasers and amplifiers
Laser heating
Metamaterials

ELECTR ICA L
Nonlinear optics
Optical lithography
Optical scattering
Optical sensors
Optoelectronics
Photonic crystal fibers
Photonic devices
Rod, slab, and disk laser design
Scattering from nanoparticles
Semiconductor lasers
DIRECTIONAL COUPLER Surface scattering
Model of a directional coupler formed from Stress-optical effects
two interacting waveguides. The left waveguide
is excited and the simulation results reveal
Waveguides
the optical coupling between the waveguides
through visualization of the electric field. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Fiber simulator
Plasmonic wire grating
Polarizing beam splitter

BEAM SPLITTER SELF-FOCUSING

A beam splitter is used to split a beam of light in A Gaussian beam is launched into
two. One way of making a splitter is to deposit BK-7 optical glass. The material has an
a thin layer of metal between two glass prisms. intensity-dependent refractive index. For
The beam is slightly attenuated within the layer the center of the beam, the refractive
and split into two paths. The thin metal layer is index is the largest. This induced refractive
modeled using a transition boundary condition, index profile counteracts the diffractive
which reduces the memory requirements. Losses effects and actually focuses the beam.
in the metal layer can be also computed. Self-focusing is important in the design of
high-power laser systems.

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 Ray Optics Module
The Ray Optics Module can be used to model electromagnetic wave
propagation in systems in which the wavelength is much smaller
than the smallest geometric detail in the model. The electromagnetic
waves are treated as rays that can propagate through homogeneous or
graded media. Because it is not necessary to resolve the wavelength
with a finite element mesh, ray trajectories can be computed over long
distances at a low computational cost.

Rays can also undergo reflection and refraction at boundaries between

different media. The Ray Optics Module contains a variety of boundary
conditions, including combinations of specular and diffuse reflection.
Rays can be released from within domains, from boundaries, or at a
uniform grid of points. Specialized release features are also available
for modeling solar radiation and for releasing reflected or refracted rays
from an illuminated surface.

Dedicated postprocessing tools offer you many ways to analyze ray

trajectories, evaluate expressions over many rays, and even visualize
interference patterns. Built into the Ray Optics Module are a number
of specialized physics interface settings including optional variables
for computing ray intensity using the Stokes parameters, enabling the DISTRIBUTED BRAGG REFLECTOR FILTER
modeling of polarized, partially coherent, or unpolarized radiation. This application, created using the Application Builder
available in COMSOL Multiphysics, can be used to study
the reflectance from an optical notch filter, based on a cavity
sandwiched between two distributed Bragg reflectors.

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 HIGHLIGHTS

Absorbing media
Anti-reflective coatings
Cameras
Caustic surface visualization
Corrections for strongly absorbing media
Dielectric films
Diffraction gratings
Interferometers
Intensity computation

ELECTR ICA L
Lambertian and specular reflection
Lasers
Lens systems
Monochromators
Mueller matrices
Optical path length calculation
Polarizers and wave retarders
Polychromatic light
Ray tracing in graded media
Self-consistent modeling of ray heating
Solar energy harvesting
Spot diagrams
Stokes parameters
Thermal lensing
Unpolarized and partially polarized radiation
THERMALLY INDUCED FOCAL SHIFT
Model of a high-power industrial fiber laser system. The
user can analyze the heat generated in the lens, which can APPLICATION EXAMPLES
alter ray trajectories by inducing thermal deformation and
changing the refractive index of the material.
Distributed Bragg recflector filter

NEWTONIAN TELESCOPE CZERNY-TURNER SOLAR DISH RECEIVER

Simulation of a Newtonian telescope MONOCHROMATOR A parabolic solar dish
that uses a parabolic and a flat mirror for A Czerny-Turner collects solar radiation for
reflection. Results show the ray trajectories monochromator used for generating electrical power. The
as they travel through the telescope and separating polychromatic results of this simulation trace
are reflected into the focal plane. light into monochromatic the ray trajectories as they reflect
rays. Simulation results show off the dish and are concentrated
the ray trajectories at each onto a thermal receiver.
wavelength and quantify the
resolution of the device.

33
 Plasma Module
Low-temperature plasmas represent the amalgamation of fluid
mechanics, reaction engineering, physical kinetics, heat transfer, mass
transfer, and electromagnetics. The Plasma Module is a specialized
tool for modeling equilibrium and nonequilibrium discharges that
occur in a wide range of engineering disciplines. There are specialized
modeling interfaces for the most common types of plasma reactors
including inductively coupled plasmas (ICP), DC discharges, wave-heated
discharges (microwave plasmas), and capacitively coupled plasmas (CCP).

Modeling the interaction between the plasma and an external circuit

is an important part of understanding the overall characteristics of a
discharge.The Plasma Module provides tools to add circuit elements
directly or to import an existing SPICE netlist into the model. The
plasma chemistry is specified either by loading in sets of collision cross
sections from a file or by adding reactions and species to the Model
Builder. The complicated coupling between the different physics that
constitute a plasma is automatically handled by the physics interfaces.
The Plasma Module is designed for researchers, engineers, and
experimentalists in the field of plasma science.

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 HIGHLIGHTS

Capacitively coupled plasmas (CCP)

CVD and PECVD
DC discharges
Dielectric-barrier discharges
ECR sources
Etching
Hazardous gas destruction
ICP torches*
Inductively coupled plasmas (ICP)*

ELECTR ICA L
Ion sources
Materials processing
Microwave plasmas**
Ozone generation
Plasma chemistry
Plasma display panels
Plasma sources
Power systems
Semiconductor processing
Thrusters
* Together with the AC/DC Module
** Together with the RF Module

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

3D MODEL OF AN ASYMMETRIC ICP REACTOR CCP reactor

The plot shows the mean electron energy (slice) and the
electron current density (streamlines) in an ICP reactor.

ICP TORCH DIELECTRIC BARRIER INDUCTIVELY TE MODE MICROWAVE

Model of an DISCHARGE COUPLED PLASMA DISCHARGE
inductively coupled Excited argon atoms can This plot displays the The surface color shows
plasma torch under spontaneously decay power deposition into the magnitude of the
atmospheric pressure. back to the ground state, a GEC ICP reactor high-frequency electric
Simulation results releasing a photon in with argon chemistry. field as it propagates down
reveal electrical and the ultraviolet spectrum. The power deposition a waveguide and into
thermal characteristics The plot to the right is shielded towards a plasma. The contour
of the torch. shows the concentration the top of the reactor indicates where the
of excited argon atoms due to the skin effect. electron density is equal to
in a dielectric-barrier the critical plasma density.
discharge.
35
 Semiconductor Module
The Semiconductor Module allows for detailed analysis of
semiconductor device operation at the fundamental physics level. The
module is based on the drift-diffusion equations with both isothermal
and nonisothermal transport models. A straightforward but powerful
interface makes it easy to set up doping profiles and specify the physics
and boundary conditions.

Models for semiconducting and insulating materials as well as a range

of recombination mechanisms, including detailed modeling of domain
traps, are provided. Several mobility models are included with the
product and the predefined mobility models can be combined with
each other or even mixed with user-defined mobility models. Optical
transitions are handled by a feature that can be coupled with a wave
optics simulation of a propagating electromagnetic wave or used
in a standalone fashion. Phenomena such as electroluminescence,
light absorption, spontaneous and stimulated emission, and carrier
photogeneration can be modeled. A range of boundary conditions allow
you to model metal contacts (both Schottky and ohmic contacts), gates,
surface traps, and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. LED DESIGNER
Created using the Application Builder available in COMSOL Multiphysics,
this application example investigates light emission from an LED, allowing
the user to change the composition of the semiconductor material and
generate a report from the results.The current, emission intensity, and
internal quantum efficiency are given by the study. The color emitted by
the LED is visualized with an RGB plot.

36
 HIGHLIGHTS

Bipolar transistors
Bulk lasers
EEPROM
LEDs
Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect
transistors (MOSFETs)
Metal semiconductor field-effect
transistors (MESFETs)
Photodiodes
P-N junctions

ELECTR ICA L
Schottky diodes
Solar cells
Surface and bulk traps
Thyristors

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Si solar cell with ray optics

Wavelength tunable LED

3D ANALYSIS OF A BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR

The device is simulated while operating in the
common-emitter regime.

SEMICONDUCTOR DESIGN PROGRAMMING OF A FLOATING

2D model of a MOSFET transistor. GATE EEPROM DEVICE
Simulation results demonstrate the This model calculates the current
transistor operation where an applied and charge characteristics of a
gate voltage turns the device on. floating gate electrically erasable
The drain saturation current is then programmable read-only memory
determined. From top to bottom: (EEPROM) device. Shown are the
electric potential, hole density, and tunnel current as a function of
electron density are shown. time throughout the program and
erase events, and signed dopant
concentration.
37
 MEMS Module
The design and modeling of microscale electromechanical systems
(MEMS) is a unique engineering discipline. At small length scales,
the design of sensors and actuators must consider the effects of
several physical phenomena. To this end, the MEMS Module provides
physics interfaces for electromagnetic-structure, thermal-structure, or
fluid-structure interactions. A variety of damping phenomena can be
included in a model: thin-film gas damping, anisotropic loss factors for
solid and piezo materials, as well as thermoelastic damping and anchor
damping. For elastic vibrations and waves, perfectly matched layers
(PMLs) provide state-of-the-art absorption of outgoing elastic energy.

Best-in-class piezoelectric and piezoresistive tools allow for simulations

where composite piezo-elastic-dielectric materials can be combined
in any imaginable configuration. The module includes analyses
in the stationary and transient domains as well as fully coupled
eigenfrequency, parametric, quasi-static, and frequency-response
analyses. The extraction of capacitance-, impedance-, and
admittance-lumped parameters is straightforward, as is connecting a
model to an electrical circuit. Circuits can be defined manually using
the Electrical Circuit interface or can be imported directly from a SPICE MEMS PRESSURE SENSOR DRIFT DUE TO HYGROSCOPIC SWELLING
netlist. Built upon the core capabilities of COMSOL Multiphysics, the To compute the drift of measured strain in a MEMS pressure sensor due to
hygroscopic swelling, a specialized app was created. App users can control the
MEMS Module can be used to address virtually any phenomena related geometric design of the sensor, solvent properties, and material properties of an
to mechanics at the microscale. epoxy mold compound (EMC) to calculate drift for different scenarios.

38
PIEZOELECTRIC RESONATOR HIGHLIGHTS
Eigenmodes of a piezoelectrically actuated
single-crystal silicon plate resonator.
Accelerometers
Actuators
Anchor damping
Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) devices
Cantilever beams
Fluid-structure interaction (FSI)
Loss factors
MEMS capacitors, gyroscopes,
resonators, and thermal devices

ELECTR ICA L
Piezoelectric devices
Piezoresistive devices
RF MEMS devices
Sensors
Structural contact and friction
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices
Thermoelastic damping
Thin-film gas damping
User-defined material models

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

MEMS pressure sensor swelling

Microresistor beam
Model and picture courtesy of A. Jaakkola,
VTT Microtechnologies and Sensors/Mikroteknologiat
ja Anturit, Finland.

PULL-IN ANALYSIS OF AN RF ACTUATORS & SENSORS

MEMS RESONATOR
MEMS SWITCH A two-arm thermal actuator
is activated through thermal This model accounts for the
Model of a thin micromechanical
expansion, where the thermoelastic damping arising
bridge suspended over a
temperature profile is plotted when a material is subjected
dielectric layer. Results show the
on the resulting deformed to cyclic stress. Results show
contact force and displacement
shape. Relative viscoelasticity the mode shape and the
when the device is pulled in.
changes during the clotting corresponding temperature
of blood are then measured distribution within the beam
through deflections of the when the resonator is operating
microcantilevers. at an eigenfrequency of 63.3
kHz. The computed quality
factor is 10,700. 39
 Structural Mechanics Module
The Structural Mechanics Module is dedicated to the analysis of
components and subsystems where it is necessary to evaluate
deformations under loads. It contains special user interfaces for the
modeling of plates, shells, membranes, beams, and trusses.

The Structural Mechanics Module is used for a wide range of analysis

types, including stationary, time-dependent, eigenmode, parametric,
quasistatic, frequency-response, and buckling analyses. Its user
interfaces allow for geometrically nonlinear analysis and mechanical
contact. Predefined multiphysics couplings are available for heat
transfer, acoustics, fluid flow, and electrostatics. This allows for the easy
setup of applications including piezoelectric materials, fluid-structure
interaction (FSI), and thermal strain.

Four add-on modules are available for the Structural Mechanics Module:
the Nonlinear Structural Materials Module, Geomechanics Module, Fatigue
Module, and Multibody Dynamics Module. The Structural Mechanics
Module also works in tandem with COMSOL Multiphysics and the
other discipline-specific modules to couple structural analysis with any CV JOINT
multiphysics phenomenon. Von Mises stresses and deformation in the ball bearings, cage,
and rubber seal of a continuous velocity (CV) joint.
Model courtesy of Fabio Gatelli, Metelli S.p.A., Cologne, Italy.

40
 HIGHLIGHTS

Bolt pretension
Buckling and postbuckling
Built-in connections between solids,
shells, and beams
Centrifugal, Coriolis, and Euler forces
Contact and friction
Dynamic analysis of prestressed structures
Elastic waves
Euler and Timoshenko beams

STRUCTRUAL & ACOUSTICS

Fluid-structure interaction (FSI)
Geometric nonlinearity
Hygroscopic swelling
Infinite elements, PMLs, and
low-reflecting boundaries
Lubrication and elastohydrodynamics*
Modal analysis
Periodic boundary conditions
Piezoelectric devices
Rigid domains
Springs and dampers
Stress-optical effects
Structural vibrations
Thermal stress
User-defined material models
Viscoelasticity
Wires and cables
* Together with the CFD Module

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Beam section calculator

Bike frame analyzer
FAN ASSEMBLY Interference fit
Vibrational analysis DAMPING ELEMENT
of a fan assembly Structural analysis
MEMS pressure sensor swelling
SOLAR PANEL using nonconforming of a viscoelastic Truss bridge designer
Stresses on the struts meshes with hanging damping element
nodes. Swept meshes
Truss tower buckling
supporting a solar panel used to stabilize tall
subjected to wind forces. are used in all buildings. Shown is Viscoelastic structural damper
domains, resulting in a the displacement as
mix of hexahedral and both the color and
prism elements. deformed shape plot.

41
 Nonlinear Structural Materials Module
The Nonlinear Structural Materials Module augments the mechanical
capabilities of the Structural Mechanics Module and MEMS Module
by adding nonlinear material models. When the mechanical stress
in a structure becomes large, certain nonlinearities in the material
properties force the user to abandon linear material models. This
situation also occurs in some operating conditions, such as high
temperature.

The module adds elastoplastic, viscoplastic, creep, nonlinear elastic and

hyperelastic material models, and large strain plastic deformation.
User-defined material models based on strain invariants, flow rules, and
creep laws can easily be created directly in the user interface with the
built-in constitutive laws as a starting point. Material models can be
combined as well as include multiphysics effects. The tutorial models
illustrate this by showcasing combined creep and elastoplasticity,
thermally induced creep, and viscoplasticity.

STRESS ANALYSIS OF A PRESSURE VESSEL

This specialized application analyzes whether a pressure vessel with
a given geometry will be able to sustain an applied internal pressure
without exceeding a certain volume fraction of the material that has
exceeded the yield limit. Geometric parameters and materials may be
changed to investigate different vessel designs.

42
 PUMPING
HIGHLIGHTS
This model of a peristaltic pump accounts for the fluid-structure
interaction caused by the roller squeezing the tubings wall and the Anand viscoplasticity
pressure resulting from the fluid flow within the tubing. The model
considers large deformations, contact, and the hyperelastic behavior
Biomechanics
of the tubing material, modeled using the Arruda-Boyce material Creep material models
model. Shown are the von Mises stresses, fluid pressure, and
- Coble
velocity direction and magnitude at three different time intervals.
- Deviatoric
- Garofalo
- Nabarro-Herring
- Norton
- Norton-Bailey

STRUCTRUAL & ACOUSTICS

Elastomers
VELOCITY PRESSURE STRESS Elastoplasticity
Hyperelastic material models
- Arruda-Boyce
- Blatz-Ko
- Gao
- Gent
- Mooney-Rivlin
- Murnaghan
- St. Venant-Kirchhoff
- Storakers
- Varga
- Yeoh
Isotropic, kinematic, and perfectly plastic
hardening laws
Large-deformation and large-strain plasticity
Nonlinear elastic models
Model images are provided courtesy of Nagi Elabbasi of Veryst Engineering, - Bilinear elastic
Needham, MA. To read more, visit: comsol.com/papers/11574. Photograph of - Uniaxial data
peristaltic pump first produced by Andy Dingley.
- Ramberg-Osgood
- Power law
Polymers
Rubber
CLAMPING Temperature-dependent plasticity
This model shows the von Tresca, von Mises, and Hill othotropic plasticity
Mises stresses of a pipe User-defined creep, hyperelasticity, nonlinear
PLASTIC during its flattening. The
material model assumes elasticity, and plasticity
DEFORMATION
A circular bar is subjected to large-strain elastoplastic
a uniaxial tensile force resulting deformation. APPLICATION EXAMPLES
in large deformations. The bar
experiences large-scale plasticity and
necking in its central cross section. Stress analysis of a pressure vessel
43
 Geomechanics Module
The Geomechanics Module is a specialized add-on to the
Structural Mechanics Module for the simulation of geotechnical applications
such as tunnels, excavations, slope stability, and retaining structures. The
module features tailored material models to study deformation, creep,
plasticity, and the failure of soils and rocks, as well as their interaction with
concrete and human-made structures. A variety of material models for
soils are provided, including Cam-Clay, Drucker-Prager, Mohr-Coulomb,
Matsuoka-Nakai, and Lade-Duncan. Other nonlinear elastic material models
are available, such as Ramberg-Osgood, as are hyperbolic law models such as
the Duncan-Chang, Duncan-Selig, and Hardin-Drnevich soil models.

In addition to the built-in plasticity models, user-defined yield functions

SETTLEMENT IN EMBANKMENTS
can be created using the versatile user interface provided by the Long-term settlement in clay constitutes an engineering challenge in, for example,
COMSOL Multiphysics environment. Dependencies of a computed road and railway design and construction, where supporting lime-cement columns are
temperature field as well as other field quantities can be blended into used. A test site was constructed to evaluate, among other things, the deformation
properties of the supporting columns and surrounding clay. Shown in the model are
these material definitions. the stresses in the vertical direction in the supporting columns and the displacement of
the surrounding environment (background boundary surface plot).
The Geomechanics Module also makes available very powerful tools for
modeling concrete and rock materials. The Willam-Warnke,
Bresler-Pister, Ottosen, and Hoek-Brown models are available as built-in
options and can also be adapted and extended to a more general class
of brittle materials. The Geomechanics Module can easily be combined
with analysis from other modules, such as the porous media flow,
poroelasticity, and solute transport functionality of the
Subsurface Flow Module.

44
 HIGHLIGHTS

Bresler-Pister, Ottosen, and Willam-

Warnke concrete models
Brittle materials
Creep
Ductile materials and saturated soils
Embankments
Excavations
Foundations
Hoek-Brown rock model

STRUCTRUAL & ACOUSTICS

Nuclear waste installations
Retaining structures and reinforcements
Roads
Slabs
Slope stability
Soil models
- Drucker-Prager
- Duncan-Chang
- Lade-Duncan
- Matsuoka-Nakai
- Modified Cam-Clay
- Mohr-Coulomb
- Ramberg-Osgood
Soil and rock modeling
Tunnels
User-defined soil, rock, and
Model courtesy of Mats Olsson, Department of Civil and Environmental concrete materials
Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.
Photo courtesy of Torbjrn Edstam. APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Parameterized concrete beam

PARAMETERIZED CONCRETE BEAM EXCAVATION

This application allows the user to calculate The horizontal stresses, deformation, and
axial stress and deflection for a concrete plastic regions are plotted from a model of
beam reinforced by steel rebars. Input the excavation of soil. The Drucker-Prager soil
parameters such as geometry, material model is used in the simulation.
properties, loading conditions, and
distribution of the rebars may be varied in
order to investigate different concrete beam
configurations.
45
 Fatigue Module
When structures are subjected to repeated loading and unloading, material
fatigue can cause component failure at loads below the static limit. A
virtual fatigue analysis can be performed in the COMSOL Multiphysics
environment with the Fatigue Module, an add-on to the
Structural Mechanics Module.

The stress-life and strain-life models evaluate fatigue in structures subjected

to proportional loading, while the stress-based and strain-based models are
suitable in the case of nonproportional loading. With these models, you
can evaluate fatigue in the high-cycle and low-cycle regimes. In applications
involving nonlinear materials, you can use energy-based and strain-based
methods to simulate, for example, thermal fatigue. When considering
variable loads, the accumulated damage can be calculated from the load
history and the fatigue limit.

The fatigue load cycle can be simulated for solid bodies, plates, shells, multibody
dynamics models, applications involving thermal stress and deformation,
and even for piezoelectric devices. A fatigue evaluation can be performed on
HIGH-CYCLE FATIGUE ANALYSIS OF A CAR WHEEL
domains, boundaries, lines, and points in order to improve computational
High-cycle stress-based fatigue analysis of a ten-spoke car wheel.
efficiency when evaluating subsurface or surface-initiated fatigue. The highest stresses occur in the fillet, where the spoke connects
to the hub. Results show the von Mises stress distribution for the
whole wheel (above on the right) and the fatigue usage factor
according to the Findley criterion for the fillet (above).

46
 HIGHLIGHTS

Cumulative damage analysis

- Palmgren-Miner linear damage rule
- Rainflow counting
Energy-based fatigue
- Darveaux criterion
- Morrow criterion
Fatigue usage factor computation
High-cycle fatigue and low-cycle fatigue
Strain-based fatigue

STRUCTRUAL & ACOUSTICS

- Fatemi-Socie criterion
- Mean stress correction
- Notch approximation
- Smith-Watson-Topper (SWT) criterion
- Wang-Brown criterion
Strain-life models
- Coffin-Manson criterion
- Combined Basquin and Coffin-Manson criterion
- E-N curve criterion
Stress-based fatigue
- Findley criterion
- Matake criterion
- Normal stress criterion
Stress-life models
- Basquin criterion
- S-N and approximate S-N curve criteria

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Frame fatigue life

THERMAL FATIGUE EVALUATION CUMULATIVE DAMAGE

A continuous power switching introduces ANALYSIS OF RANDOM LOADS
thermal cycling in a microelectronic A load-carrying beam with a
component. Fatigue in two ball grid central cutout is subjected to a
arrays of viscoplastic solder joints is random nonproportional load.
predicted using an energy-based model. A fatigue response analysis
The visualizations (left to right) show the is carried out and the load
temperature field, the lifetime logarithm, distribution at the point of highest
as well as the creep total and elastic strain fatigue usage is captured and
components history. shown in the Rainflow histogram.

47
 Multibody Dynamics Module
The Multibody Dynamics Module is an add-on to the
Structural Mechanics Module that provides an advanced set of tools to
design and optimize multibody systems using finite element analysis. The
module enables simulation of a mixed system of flexible and rigid bodies, HELICOPTER SWASHPLATE MECHANISM
each of which may be subjected to large rotational and translational Transient simulation with both rigid and flexible blade designs
provides insight into useful performance metrics such as blade
displacements. The relative motion of the bodies can be restricted by
deformation and lift force.
specifying rotational and translational constraints on joints.

All bodies in a multibody structural mechanics model have elastic

properties by default and can be made rigid through tagging them
selectively with a Rigid Domain property. Boundaries or parts of boundaries
of flexible bodies can also be made rigid. You can assign nonlinear material
properties to the flexible bodies in a multibody system by combining the
Multibody Dynamics Module and the
Nonlinear Structural Materials Module. Transient, frequency-domain,
eigenfrequency, and stationary multibody dynamics analyses can be
performed. Joints can be assigned translational or torsional springs with
damping properties, applied forces and moments, and prescribed motion
as a function of time. Friction can also be included on joints to model the
losses or stabilize the system.

DIFFERENTIAL GEAR
Simulation of the mechanism of a
differential gear used in cars and
other wheeled vehicles. The model is
built using the available functionality
for simulating gears and racks,
including spur gears, helical gears,
bevel gears, worm gears, spur racks,
and helical racks. Different types of
gears and racks can be connected.
A gear mechanism can be built with
gear parts imported from the Parts
48 Library.
 HIGHLIGHTS

Applications
- Automotive and aerospace
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical instruments
- Machinery and robotics
- Vehicle and engine dynamics
Joints
- Ball
- Cylindrical

STRUCTRUAL & ACOUSTICS

- Distance
- Fixed
- Hinge
- Planar
- Prismatic
- Reduced Slot
- Screw
- Slot
- Universal
Structural elements
- Rigid, elastic, shell, and beam
- Nonlinear solid, piezoelectric

CAPABILITIES

Consistent initialization for transient analysis

Coupling multibody systems with other physical
phenomena
Eigenmodes of flexible multibody systems
Fatigue analysis of critical flexible bodies*
Reaction forces and moments at a joint
Relative displacement/rotation between two
components and their velocities
VIBRATION IN A WASHING RECIPROCATING ENGINE Static, transient, and frequency-response analysis
MACHINE ASSEMBLY A dynamic analysis of a Stresses and deformations in flexible bodies
Multibody dynamics simulation of three-cylinder reciprocating engine
a horizontal-axis portable washing is performed to investigate stresses * Together with the Fatigue Module
machine. An eigenfrequency analysis generated during operation,
is performed to compute the natural thereby permitting identification APPLICATION EXAMPLES
frequencies and mode shapes of of the critical components.
the entire assembly. The vibrations
induced in the housing during the Centrifugal governor simulator
spinning cycle are determined with a
Truck mounted crane analyzer
transient analysis.

49
 Rotordynamics Module
The study of vibrations is very important in the design of rotating machinery
employed in a wide array of industries, such as the automotive, aerospace,
power plant, electrical machinery, and household appliance. The
Rotordynamics Module, available as an add-on product to the Structural
Mechanics Module, provides dedicated tools to predict and analyze
vibrations in rotating components using finite element analysis (FEA). Using
this module, you can take into account the effects of several stationary and ROTORDYNAMICS ANALYSIS
moving rotor components, including disks, bearings, and foundations. Eccentricity of the crankpin and the balance masses induce the self
excited vibrations in the reciprocating engine crankshaft. A transient
rotordynamics simulation of a three cylinder reciprocating engine
You can also easily postprocess your results, presenting them as Campbell crankshaft is performed by coupling its dynamics with the pressure
diagrams, orbits, waterfall plots, and whirl plots. A specific physics interface distribution in the bearing. Journal orbits (above) and pressure
distribution in the fluid film and the stress distribution in the
for hydrodynamic bearings allows you to simulate the pressure profile in crankshaft (above right) are shown.
the lubricant film for a range of standard bearing profiles such as plain,
elliptic, multilobe, and tilted pad. You can also model the interaction
between the journal motion and the pressure distribution in the lubricant
film simultaneously for accurate simulation of the rotor vibration.

Multiple rotors connected through gears can also be simulated by

combining the Rotordynamics Module with the Multibody Dynamics
Module. All the rotor components have linear elastic properties by default
and can be made rigid. You can perform time dependent, frequency
domain, eigenfrequency, and stationary analysis for the rotor assembly.
A special analysis, Time Dependent with FFT, can be used to generate the
waterfall plot.

50
 HIGHLIGHTS

Solid, beam, and rigid elements

Lateral, torsional, and axial vibrations
Critical speeds of the rotor
Damped natural frequencies and stability
Variable speed analysis
Hydrodynamic bearings
- Plain
- Elliptic
- Split halves

STRUCTRUAL & ACOUSTICS

- Multilobe
- Tilted pad
Gears and gear pairs*
- Spur gear
- Helical gear
- Bevel gear
Results
- Whirl plot
- Waterfall plot
- Campbell plot
- Orbits

* Together with the Multibody Dynamics Module

GEARED ROTOR SYSTEM WHIRLING OF A SHAFT SIMPLY SUPPORTED ROTOR

Rotordynamics analysis of Dynamic analysis of a uniform shaft under gravity and Time Dependent with FFT (Fast
multiple rotors connected supported by two hydrodynamic journal bearings. Rotor Fourier Transform) analysis
through helical gears. The stress profile, bearing fluid pressure, and orbit of the of a simply supported rotor.
presence of gears in the journals at the bearings are shown. Simulation results show the
system induces both lateral absolute vertical displacement
and torsional vibrations at the first bearing location
in the rotors. Simulation with respect to variation in the
results show von Mises frequency spectrum of the rotor
stress distribution in the and change in its angular speed
shafts. (waterfall plot).

51
 B&K 4134 CONDENSER MICROPHONE

Acoustics Module Electromechanical acoustic simulation of a pressure response

type microphone for medium and high audio levels and for
coupler measurements. Results show the sensitivity level and
membrane deformation.
The Acoustics Module is a world-class solution to your acoustics
Geometry, material parameters, and pictures courtesy of Brel & Kjr
modeling needs. This module is designed specifically for those who Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S, Nrum, Denmark.
work with devices that produce, measure, and utilize acoustic waves.
Application areas include speakers, microphones, hearing aids, and
sonar devices, as well as noise control that can address muffler design,
sound barriers, diffusers and absorbers, and building and room
acoustics applications.

Easy-to-use physics interfaces provide the tools to model acoustic

pressure wave propagation in air, water, and other fluids. Modeling
tools for thermoviscous acoustics enable highly accurate simulation
of miniaturized speakers and microphones in handheld devices.
Dedicated aeroacoustic interfaces allow the simulation of acoustic
waves propagating in moving fluids. Ray tracing and acoustic diffusion
interfaces can be used for modeling acoustics in rooms and other
large spaces. You can also model vibrations and elastic waves in solids,
piezoelectric materials, and poroelastic structures. A wide range of
predefined, easy-to-use multiphysics couplings allow the modeling of
acoustic-solid, acoustic-shell, acoustic-porous, and piezo phenomena
to bring your acoustic simulations to a new level of predictive power.

52
 HIGHLIGHTS

Acoustic diffusion equation

Acoustic-structure interaction
Biots equations and parameters
Elastic waves
Electroacoustic transducers and speakers
Hearing aids
Linearized Euler equations
Linearized Navier-Stokes equations
Linearized potential flow

STRUCTRUAL & ACOUSTICS

Loudspeakers and microphones
MEMS acoustics sensors and microphones
Mufflers and particulate filters
Noise and vibration of machinery
Noise-reducing materials and insulation
Piezoacoustics
Poroelastic waves
Ray tracing
Room acoustics
SONAR devices
Structural vibrations
Thermoacoustics and viscothermal losses

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Absorptive muffler designer

Acoustic reflection analyzer
One family house analyzer
Organ pipe design
Small concert hall analyzer

CONCERT HALL SONAR SEDAN INTERIOR

This simulation of The tonpilz piezo This model
a small concert hall transducer is used for simulates the
uses ray acoustics low-frequency, high- acoustics inside
to determine power sound emission. a sedan and includes
sound pressure and The model shows the sound sources at the ENGINE DUCT
impulse response. voltage distribution in typical loudspeaker The acoustic field in a
the piezoceramic rings, locations. Results model of an aeroengine
the deformation in the show the total acoustic duct, generated by a noise
massive ends, and the pressure field and the source at the boundary, is
pressure field underneath frequency response at computed and visualized.
the transducer. points inside the cabin.
53
 CFD Module
The CFD Module is the premier tool for sophisticated fluid flow
simulations in the COMSOL product suite. Incompressible and
compressible formulations can be combined with advanced turbulence
models for simulations of flow with heat and mass transfer. An
important characteristic of the CFD Module is its ability to accurately
capture multiphysics phenomena such as nonisothermal flow with
conjugate heat transfer and viscous dissipation, fluid-structure 10 s
interaction, non-Newtonian flow, and flow with concentration-
dependent viscosity. The porous media flow physics interfaces allow for
simulations in isotropic or anisotropic media with automatically coupled
porous and free flow domains. Tools for modeling stirred vessels with
rotating parts are also available.

Specific physics interfaces for reacting flow allows for simulations of

species transport and chemical reactions in dilute and concentrated
solutions. The modules interfaces for disperse two-phase flow include 40 s
the mixture and Euler-Euler models for fine particle suspensions, and
a bubbly flow model for macroscopic gas bubble flow. For interface
tracking of two-phase flows, formulations are provided using the level
set and phase field methods. A three-phase flow interface based on the
phase field method is also available.
POLYMER INJECTION
Simulation of a polymer as it fills a mold cavity after
10, 40, and 100 seconds. The red isosurface indicates
the boundary between the polymer mixture and the
air, the green isosurface indicates the region where the
volume fraction between the two polymers is at 50%,
100 s
and the blue isosurface indicates the region where the
second polymer has a volume fraction of 100%.
Model courtesy of Mark Yeoman, Continuum Blue Ltd., Hengoed, U.K.

54
 HIGHLIGHTS

Conjugate heat transfer

Cyclones, filters, and separation units
Electronic cooling
Fans, grills, screens, and pumps
Flow around vehicles and structures
Flows in pipes, valves, joints, and nozzles
Fluidized beds and sprays
Fluid-structure interaction (FSI)*
Gas bubble flow and multiphase flow

F LU I D & H EAT
Heat exchangers and cooling flanges
High Mach number flow
Lubrication and elastohydrodynamics
Medical/biophysical applications
Mixers and stirred vessels
Nonisothermal flow
Non-Newtonian flow
Polymer flow and viscoelastic flow
Porous media flow
Reacting flow**
Sedimentation, emulsions, and suspensions
Turbulent flow
* Together with the Structural Mechanics Module or MEMS Module
** Together with the Chemical Reaction Engineering Module

APPLICATION EXAMPLES
HVAC
Flow past a propeller in a duct. The streamlines show the
direction of the flow and its magnitude, while the color Inkjet
plot shows the pressure on the propeller vanes. NACA airfoil optimization
Water treatment basin

WATER TREATMENT
BASIN METAL FORMING
This application can be used Fluid-structure
for modeling turbulent flow interaction (FSI) in
and chemical reactions in the cast and mold
a water treatment process. of an aluminum
LUBRICATING OIL FILM
The user may change inputs extrusion process.
Tilted pad thrust bearings are used in rotating
for the desired operating The isosurfaces show
machines with high thrust loading. The picture
conditions and the geometry the dynamic viscosity
shows pressure distribution contours for the
of the basin in order to test in the non-Newtonian
lubricating engine oil together with elastic
different designs. aluminum flow.
deformation (exaggerated) and effective stress.
55
 Mixer Module
An add-on to the CFD Module, the Mixer Module allows you to
analyze fluid mixers and stirred reactors. The Mixer Module includes
a series of physics interfaces that are based on the conservation laws
for momentum, mass, and energy, in addition to species material
balances in fluids. They are applicable to laminar and turbulent flow,
incompressible and weakly compressible flow, and non-Newtonian
flow. Various physics interfaces are available for describing the effects
of temperature, reacting species, and free surface deformation in
rotating and stationary domains.

The most accurate way to simulate mixing processes is a fully time-

dependent study for fluid flow affected by rotating machinery, which
accounts for the movement of geometric parts relative to each other.
COMSOL defines one modeling domain that encompasses the impeller
or rotor and another outside of this, where walls and obstacles such as
baffles are found. Sliding mesh technology is then used to couple the
flow in the two domains.

The Mixer Module also supplies a Frozen Rotor study type for
simulating rotating flow. This study type significantly reduces the
computational resources required to simulate pseudosteady-state MIXER
The analysis of mixers equipped with axial or radial impellers is
conditions. The frozen rotor approximation is appropriate for mixers performed with this custom application. For a given geometry, the
without baffles, pipes, or other geometric entities for which the app computes the efficiency of the mixing process. The vessels, which
topology relative to the rotating part does not change or when the are available in three different shapes, can also be equipped with
baffles and any of eleven different types of impellers.
entire system rotates, such as in centrifugal separation.

56
 HIGHLIGHTS

2D and 3D stationary and

time-dependent studies
Batch stirred reactors
Continuous stirred reactors
Fluid and chemical mixing
Free fluid surfaces including the effects of
surface tension forces and contact angles
Frozen rotor approximation to simulate a
rotating impeller
Laminar, turbulent, incompressible, and weakly

F LU I D & H EAT
compressible flow
Mixing of concentrated species
Nonisothermal flow
Non-Newtonian flow
Optimization of vessel, baffle, and impeller
designs
Predefined libraries of surface tension coefficients
Reacting flow
Rotating machinery-based mixers
Sliding mesh technology for a
full rotation description
Turbulent flow simulations with the algebraic
yPlus model, LVEL model, k-epsilon model,
NONISOTHERMAL MIXER k-omega model, SST model, low Reynolds
Simulation of a batch reactor equipped with a helical ribbon impeller, number k-epsilon model, and Spalart-Allmaras
where temperature-dependent fluid properties and heat transfer in solids model
are included. The temperature distribution in the mixer is shown here in a
slice plot in addition to velocity streamlines and arrows.
APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Mixer

MIXING NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS

The frozen rotor feature is used to simulate the mixing of a
non-Newtonian fluid. The arrows represent the direction and
magnitude of flow around the impeller (left).

The power number used to predict the power draw of an impeller

design has been calculated for four different Reynolds numbers (right).

57
 NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL
Nuclear waste repositories are now being built to store
spent fuel rods for the next one hundred thousand
years or so, and modeling has been used extensively

Subsurface Flow Module

to investigate them. This model shows a hypothetical
case where a breach in the fuel bundle canister leads
to leakage through a fracture in the surrounding rock
and backfill in the tunnel above. The concentration
The Subsurface Flow Module is designed for geophysical and distribution after 20, 200, and 2000 years is shown.

environmental phenomena studies, such as the modeling of

groundwater flow, the spread of pollution through soil, and oil
and gas flow in porous media. The Richards Equation interface
describes nonlinear flow in variably saturated porous media, while
the options for saturated porous media include the Darcys Law
interface for slow flow and the Brinkman Equations interface,
where shear is nonnegligible. Free laminar Navier-Stokes flow can
easily be combined with porous media flow and even include flow
in thin fractures. The module also handles solute transport in free,
saturated, and partially saturated porous media.

For heat transfer simulations, background geotherms are available

as well as automated calculation of effective thermal properties for
multicomponent systems, including heat transfer in solids, liquids,
porous media, and fractures. Compaction and subsidence modeling
is enabled by a very powerful user interface for poroelasticity. To
apply multiphysics modeling to geophysical and environmental
applications, the Subsurface Flow Module also allows arbitrary
couplings to other physics interfaces in COMSOL Multiphysics, such
as chemical reaction kinetics and electromagnetics.

58
The model has been produced by Veli-Matti Pulkkanen, VTT HIGHLIGHTS
Technical Research Centre of Finland. The accompanying pictures
are Copyright SKB. Illustrator: Jan M Rojmar - Grafiska Estuary and riparian analysesflow, advection,
Illustrationer. Photographer: Bengt O Nordin. and diffusion
Gas storage, remediation, and sequestration
Groundwater and geothermal
system modeling
Heat transfer in fluids, solids, and
porous media
Import of the digital elevation model (DEM) file
format
Mechanical and gravity dewatering of porous

F LU I D & H EAT
and fibrous materials
Petroleum extraction analysis
Pollutant plume analyses in subsurface, surface,
and atmospheric flows
Poroelastic compaction and subsidence
Poroelastic stress and failure analysis
Radionuclide transport through bedrock
Saturated and unsaturated
porous media flow
Shallow water flows and
sediment transport
Single-phase and two-phase flow through
porous media
Water table analyses and saline intrusion into
groundwater
Well head analyses

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Perforated well
Two-phase flow column

SUBSURFACE FLOW RESERVOIR MECHANICS

Produced by scanning This model analyzes 3D
electron microscope images, compaction of an oil reservoir
the geometry can be brought about by pumping, and
imported to COMSOL where the possible failure at the junction
the velocity and pressure of an open multilateral well.
distributions are calculated. Model idea: A simulation performed by
Model courtesy of Arturo Keller, Roberto Suarez-Rivera, Schlumberger,
University of California, Santa Salt Lake City, Utah.
Barbara.

59
 Pipe Flow Module
The Pipe Flow Module is used for simulations of fluid flow, heat and
mass transfer, hydraulic transients, and acoustics in pipe and channel
networks. Pipe flow simulations yield the velocity, pressure variation,
concentrations, chemical reactions, and temperature along pipes and
channels. The module is suitable for pipes and channels that have lengths
large enough that the flow can be considered to be fully developed and
represented by a 1D approximation. Automatic tools are available to
connect pipe flow sections to 3D flow domains.

The module can be used to design and optimize complex cooling

systems in turbines; ventilation systems in buildings; geothermal heating
systems; heat exchangers; pipe systems in chemical processes; and
pipelines in the oil, gas, and mining industries. Preset piping components
such as bends, valves, T-junctions, contractions/expansions, and
pumps are available. A dedicated user interface is included for transient
simulations of the water hammer effect. Multispecies mass transport is
available when the Pipe Flow Module is combined with the CFD Module
or any of the other modules that feature multispecies transport. Acoustic
wave propagation in pipes is available when the Pipe Flow Module is
combined with the Acoustics Module.
GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP
In this application, you can evaluate an underground heat pump that
supplies heat to a house. The user can control the properties of the
heat exchanger, surrounding soil, and climate conditions in order to
analyze designs for different environments.

60
 HIGHLIGHTS

Cooling systems
Geothermal systems
Heat exchangers and cooling flanges
Heat transfer to and from pipes
Hydraulics and water hammer
Lubrication
Mass transfer and chemical reactions in
pipes
Nonisothermal pipe flow

F LU I D & H EAT
Oil refinery pipe systems
Pressure drop calculation in piping and
channels
Radiant floor heating
Ventilation and air conditioning systems

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Geothermal heat pump

Organ pipe design

INJECTION MOLDING
Cooling of a steering wheel injection mold, including
pipe flow and heat transfer in cooling channels.
The 1D cooling channels are fully coupled to the
heat transfer simulation of the 3D mold and the
polyurethane part on an imported CAD geometry.

MICROPHONES GEOTHERMAL HEATING

A probe tube is attached to Ponds and lakes can serve as
a microphone for a transient thermal reservoirs in geothermal
analysis that couples two heating applications. In this
pressure acoustics domains. example, fluid circulates
Results indicate the pressure underwater through polyethylene
at the probe tip as well as at piping in a closed system.
the microphone diaphragm.

61
 Microfluidics Module
The Microfluidics Module provides easy-to-use tools for the study of
microfluidic devices. Important applications include simulations of
lab-on-chip devices, micro total analysis systems, digital microfluidics,
electrokinetic and magnetokinetic devices, and inkjets.

In addition to enhanced interfaces for single-phase flow,

Microfluidics Module users have dedicated interfaces for two-phase
flow using the level set, phase field, and moving mesh methods. These
interfaces enable the modeling of surface tension forces, capillary forces,
and Maragoni effects. A three-phase flow interface based on the phase
field method is also available.

The general-purpose multiphysics features of COMSOL make it easy

to set up coupled electrokinetic and magnetodynamic simulations,
including electrophoresis, magnetophoresis, dielectrophoresis,
electroosmosis, and electrowetting. The chemical diffusion and
reactions for dilute species interfaces included in the module enable the
simulation of processes occurring in lab-on-chip devices. Gas flows in
microstructures can be modeled with the slip flow interface.

62
 HIGHLIGHTS

Capillary forces
Chemical and biochemical sensors
Dielectrophoresis (DEP)
DNA chips and lab-on-chips
Electrocoalescence
Electrokinetic flow
Electroosmosis
Electrophoresis
Electrowetting

F LU I D & H EAT
Fluid-structure interaction (FSI)*
Inkjets
Magnetophoresis
Marangoni effects
Micro total analysis systems (micro TAS)
Microreactors, micropumps, and micromixers
Porous media flow
Slip flow
Static mixers
Surface tension effects
Two- and three-phase flow
INKJET PRINTER
This example demonstrates how to model the fluid flow
* Together with the Structural Mechanics Module or MEMS Module
from an inkjet printer. An ink droplet is ejected through a
nozzle and travels through air until it hits the target. The
level set method is used to track the interface between air APPLICATION EXAMPLES
and ink, where the velocity magnitude in the air is shown
as the color plot surrounding the droplet. The model can
be used to understand the effect of the ink properties and Inkjet
the pressure profile at the nozzle on the drop velocity, Red blood cell separation
drop volume, and the presence of satellite drops.

RED BLOOD CELL ELECTROWETTING

SEPARATION Simulation of a variable-
This application allows users focus liquid lens for a
to calculate the trajectories of miniature camera during
MICROFLUIDICS MIXER platelets and red blood cells in the transition between
Model of pressure-driven laminar a blood sample as they travel focal lengths. The lens is
flow in the microchannels of a through a filtration device. made from the interface
lamella mixer. Simulation results Results show the electric between two fluids.
show solute concentration and potential, fluid flow distribution
velocity streamlines in the mixer. in the filtration system, and the
particle locations.

63
 FLOW TYPE KNUDSEN NUMBER

Continuum flow Kn < 0.01

Slip flow 0.01 < Kn < 0.1

Transitional flow 0.1 < Kn < 10

Free molecular flow Kn > 10

Molecular Flow Module Flow regimes categorized quantitatively via the

Knudsen number (Kn) representing the ratio of the
molecular mean free path to the flow geometry size.
The Molecular Flow Module enables the design and simulation of low-
pressure gas flow in vacuum systems. Kinetic effects become important While the Microfluidics Module and the CFD Module
are used to model slip and continuum flows, the
as the mean free path of the gas molecules becomes comparable to the Molecular Flow Module is designed for accurately
length scale of the flow. Under these conditions, conventional fluid simulating flows in the free molecular flow and
dynamics tools cannot produce an accurate model. transitional flow regimes.

The Molecular Flow Module uses a fast angular coefficient method to

simulate free molecular flows. Isothermal and nonisothermal flows
can be modeled and the heat flux contribution from the gas molecules
can also be computed. For transitional flows, an interface based on the
discrete velocity method is also included.

This module is ideal for the simulation of vacuum systems, including

those used in semiconductor processing, particle accelerators, and mass
spectrometers. Small-channel applications can also be addressed.

Processes such as chamber pump-down and film growth can be

designed and optimized through simulation by utilizing the features
for defining adsorption/desorption and deposition. Mesh generation
for complex CAD geometries is greatly simplified by the possibility of
meshing only surfaces. The functionality to recover the number density
anywhere within the flow geometry is also available.

CHARGE EXCHANGE CELL

This application computes the high-
energy collisions of ionized hydrogen
atoms as they pass through a charge
exchange cell filled with argon gas.
The user can control parameters
such as geometry and operating
conditions to evaluate pressure in the
device, particle trajectories, electric
potential distribution, efficiency, and
collision statistics.
64
 HIGHLIGHTS

Gas cells
Highly rarefied flows
Mass spectrometers
Materials processing equipment
Nanopore flow
Particle accelerators
Semiconductor processing equipment
Vacuum systems

F LU I D & H EAT
APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Charge exchange cell simulator

Ion implanter evaluator

FILM DEPOSITION
Thermally evaporated gold film thickness on both a
sample and the interior surfaces of the evaporator
chamber is shown. The thickness is computed as a
function of time with a transient simulation.

LOAD LOCK VACUUM ION-IMPLANT VACUUM

SYSTEM SYSTEM
RF COUPLER Time-dependent simulation In ion implantation,
This model of adsorption and desorption outgassing molecules interact
computes the of water in a vacuum system with the ion beam to produce
transmission at low pressures. The water undesirable species. The
probability is introduced into the system average number density of
through an RF when a gate valve to a load lock outgassing molecules along
coupler. is opened, and the subsequent the beam path is simulated
migration and pumping of the and used as a figure of merit
water are modeled. to evaluate the design.

65
 Heat Transfer Module
Almost every manufacturing process and product design must consider
thermal effects. The Heat Transfer Module provides a combination of
capabilities to model heat transfer via conduction, convection, and
radiation, as well as the ability to couple these to other physics.

The Heat Transfer Module has physics interfaces that are specifically
written for the user interested in free and forced convection, thermal
conduction, porous media, phase change modeling, radiative heat
transfer through both transparent and semitransparent participating
media, as well as couplings between all of these effects. With dedicated
features for describing convective and radiative effects, contact
resistance, and heat transfer in thin structures (shells, films, fractures,
and rods), you can simulate anything from a simple back of the
envelope model to a full model with all effects explicitly described.
Specialized formulations are also included for users who are interested
in the heating of living tissue.

Since all material properties are functions of temperature, you can

conceivably couple a thermal model to any other physical model. THERMOELECTRIC COOLER
Moreover, COMSOL allows you to include heat generation from any The design of a single-stage thermoelectric cooler can be explored
using this custom application. The user may test different
other physics into a thermal model. geometries, thermocouple configurations, and material selection in
order to determine the ideal cooler option for a specific application
or an optimized design for best performance.

66
 HIGHLIGHTS

Anisotropic heat transfer in composite structures

Bioheat treatment and tissue necrosis
Casting and thermal processing
Conjugate heat transfer
Disc brakes
Drying and freeze drying
Food processing, cooking, and sterilization
Furnace and burner design
TEMPERATURE SENSOR Heat and moisture transport

F LU I D & H EAT
Top: X-ray imaging of the device. Heat exchangers and cooling flanges
Right: Photograph and model plot
of the temperature distribution in Heat transfer in porous media
a temperature sensor and on the Laser and friction stir welding
sensing element inside the cap.
Material heat treatment
Power electronics and electronic cooling
Radiative heat transfer
Resistive, induction, and laser heating
Thermal contact and friction
Thermal performance of constructions
Thermoelectric effect (Seebeck, Peltier, Thomson)

APPLICATION EXAMPLES
Concentric tube heat exchanger
Equivalent properties of periodic microstructures
Finned pipe
Flash method
Forced air cooling with heat sink
Model courtesy of Martin Ss, Continental Corporation, Frenstat, Czech Republic. Inline induction heater
Parasol and solar irradiation
Thermoelectric cooler

CONTINUOUS CASTING POWER SUPPLY COOLING

LIGHT BULB CARBON FIBERS
Simulation of heat transport and the fluid-to-solid Simulation of the thermal behavior of an
flow in a continuous casting process, including the Temperature distribution as influenced by the Heat transfer analysis of thermally
enclosed computer power supply unit. The
phase transfer from melt to solid. radiation and the natural convection created anisotropic carbon fibers.
forced convection cooling is driven by a fan
within a light bulb. extracting air from the device. 67
 Chemical Reaction Engineering Module
The Chemical Reaction Engineering Module is intended for the modeling
of reactors, filtration and separation units, and other equipment common in
the chemical and similar industries. It is specifically designed to easily couple
fluid flow and mass and energy transport to chemical reaction kinetics.
Initially, the Chemical Reaction Engineering Module uses reaction formulas
to create models of reacting systems. It can then solve the material and
energy balances for such systems, including the reaction kinetics, where the
composition and temperature vary with time, space, or both.

The Chemical Reaction Engineering Module combines seamlessly with the

power of COMSOL Multiphysics for coupled and equation-based modeling.
This allows for the inclusion of arbitrary expressions, functions, and source
terms in the material property, transport, and reaction kinetics equations. You
can also access a variety of thermodynamic and physical property data through
the CHEMKIN file import feature and Thermodynamics interface available in
the Chemical Reaction Engineering Module.

BIOSENSOR
This application allows the user to change parameters such as grid
spacing, inlet velocity, and pillar diameter in a biosensor in order to
investigate how different designs affect the detection results.

CHEMKIN is a registered trademark of Reaction Design Corp. In the United States and other countries.
68
 HIGHLIGHTS

Adsorption, absorption, and deposition

Batch, plug-flow/tubular, and tank reactors
Biochemistry and food science
Catalytic converters and reformers
Chromatography and electrophoresis
Cyclones, separators, scrubbers, and leaching units
Exhaust after-treatment and emission control
Fermentation and crystallization devices
Filtration and sedimentation

C H EM I C A L
Laminar and turbulent flow patterns
Microfluidics and lab-on-chip devices
Multicomponent and membrane transport
Pharmaceutical synthesis
Plastics and polymer manufacturing
Preburners and internal combustion engines
Packed bed reactors
Reaction kinetics modeling
Reactor sizing and optimization
Semiconductor processing and CVD
Surface kinetics
Species transfer through diffusion, convection,
and ionic migration

DIESEL ENGINE FILTER APPLICATION EXAMPLES

A filter system for a diesel engine includes a soot layer that
builds up at the filter walls and is subsequently oxidized by
both catalytic and noncatalytic reactions in the reactor volume Biosensor design
and on a moving surface. All reaction rates are temperature Liquid chromatography
dependent and transport limited. The colors represent the
conversion of nitric oxide along the catalytic unit.
Membrane dialysis

POROUS REACTOR A MULTISCALE 3D PACKED BED

Two species enter a REACTOR
reactor from different This model efficiently solves
inlets and then undergo a combined macroscale and
a reaction in a porous microscale (multiscale) problem of a
part of the reactor. The heterogeneous system with bimodal
streamlines show flow pore distribution. Simulation results
and the isosurfaces show include both the concentration
PLATE REACTOR
the concentration for one distribution in the fluid surrounding
Flow streamlines and concentration in a plate reactor. of the reactants and the and within the pellets.
One species is included at the beginning of the reactor, The photographs of the Plate Reactor are Copyright
Alfa Laval AB, Tumba, Sweden. product species.
while another is introduced halfway through it.
69
 Batteries & Fuel Cells Module
The Batteries & Fuel Cells Module provides a full set of easy-to-use
tools for the simulation of fundamental processes in the electrodes
and electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries, nickel metal-hydride batteries,
flow batteries, solid oxide fuel cells, and proton exchange membrane
fuel cells. With this software, you can quickly and accurately investigate
the performance impact of different materials, geometric configurations,
and operating conditions.

The module features tailored interfaces to study primary, secondary,

and tertiary current distributions in electrochemical cells. Electrode
reactions, which are fully coupled to transport phenomena in the cell,
provide full descriptions of the electrode kinetics, including activation
and concentration overpotential. The cell can contain solid or porous
electrodes with dilute or concentrated electrolytes. Furthermore,
couplings of the electrochemical reactions and mass transfer in
batteries and fuel cells to other phenomena, such as heat transfer and
convective flow, can be performed through the powerful capabilities of
COMSOL Multiphysics.
LI-ION BATTERY IMPEDANCE
App users can estimate the characteristics of a lithium-ion battery.
Results such as the exchange current density and properties of the
resistive layer, determined through electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy (EIS), are computed.

70
 HIGHLIGHTS

Fuel Cells
- Alkaline
- Direct methanol
- Molten carbonate
- Proton exchange membrane
- Solid oxide
Batteries
- Lead-acid
- Lithium-air

C H EM I C A L
- Lithium-ion
- Nickel-hydride
- Solid-state lithium
Flow Batteries
- Soluble lead
- Vanadium

CAPABILITIES

Aging mechanisms due to structural,

thermal, and chemical effects
Battery load cycling, internal resistance,
and rate capability simulations
Concentrated and supporting electrolytes
Detailed electrochemical analysis of cells
Predefined impedance spectroscopy study
PEMFC
for electrode kinetics and aging
The hydrogen concentration through the channels of a bipolar plate
considering the effects of the edges is shown. investigations
Primary, secondary, and tertiary current
Model courtesy of Christian Siegel, Center for Fuel Cell Technology (ZBT GmbH), Duisburg, Germany. distributions
Short circuits in batteries
Thermal management
BATTERY PACK SOFC
Thermal runaway in batteries
The picture shows the Reactant concentrations in a
temperature field in the
cooling channels and the
solid oxide fuel cell. The model
includes full coupling between
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
batteries in a battery pack porous electrode reactions and
for automotive applications. the mass balances at the anode Cyclic voltammetry
The model includes detailed and cathode, the momentum
electrochemistry of the balances in the gas channels,
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
batteries coupled to a thermal the gas flow in the porous Li-ion battery impedance
analysis for the batteries and electrodes, the balance of the
components in the battery pack, ionic current carried by the
as well as the fluid flow in the oxide ion, and a balance of
cooling channels. electronic current. 71
 Electrodeposition Module
Modeling and simulation are cost-effective methods for understanding,
optimizing, and controlling electrodeposition processes. A typical
simulation yields the current distribution at the surface of the electrodes
and the thickness and composition of the deposited layer. They are
used to study important parameters such as cell geometry, electrolyte
composition, electrode kinetics, operating voltages and currents, as well
as temperature effects.

The Electrodeposition Module brings the power of

COMSOL Multiphysics to simulations of electrodeposition processes.
Easy-to-use physics interfaces are provided for primary, secondary, and
tertiary current distribution models, while very accurate geometric
representations of deposited layer buildup are included as model
parameters. The shape evolution of the electrode can also be simulated
with deforming geometries.

The Electrodeposition Module is applicable to a variety of diverse

applications, including metal deposition for electronics and electrical
parts, corrosion and wear protection, decorative electroplating,
ELECTRODEPOSITION
electroforming of parts with thin and complex structures, and metal
This model demonstrates the effect of a deforming geometry in the
electrowinning. application of copper electrodeposition on circuit boards. The model
is time-dependent and results clearly show that the mouth of the
trench narrows due to the nonuniform deposition of the copper.

72
INDUSTRIAL ELECTROPLATING
HIGHLIGHTS
Model of a gold electroplated contact for the automotive industry,
which would sit on the tape moving through the electroplating unit. The
3D figure shows the extent of gold deposition on the contact, which is a Anodizing
maximum at the top of the contact, and a minimum where the contact
Chrome plating
is bent. Zooming in on the region of the bend, the 2D figure indicates
flow recirculation where deposition is least, an area where secondary Chroming
reactions can take place. The graph shows a different application: the Electrochemical machining
distribution of tin thickness across a copper strip when the process uses
screens (red line) and when it does not (blue line). Electrocoating
Model and picture courtesy of Philippe Gendre, PEM, Siaugues, France. Electrocoloring
Electrodeposition for mining applications
Electrodeposition for PCB manufacturing
Electroforming

C H EM I C A L
Electroplating
Functional electroplating
Wear resistance coatings

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Cyclic voltammetry
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

DECORATIVE ELECTROPLATING
In this example, the anode is planar
and dissolves, while the cathode is a
furniture fitting that is to be decorated
by the dissolved metal. The model
assumes secondary current distribution
with full Butler-Volmer kinetics for both
INDUCTOR COIL CAR DOOR the anode and the cathode.
Simulation of the electrodeposition of an Simulation of deposited
inductor coil using a thin photoresist mask. paint thickness on an
electrocoated car door.
73
 Corrosion Module
The Corrosion Module empowers engineers to simulate the
electrochemistry of corrosion and corrosion protection of metal
structures with finite element or boundary element as a method of
choice. Models in 1D, 2D, and 3D are set up to include the relevant
corrosion and other reactions within the electrolyte and at the metal
surface interface using a series of predefined physics interfaces. These
models are solved while considering the transport of ions and neutral
species in the solution, the current conduction in the metal structure,
and other phenomena such as fluid flow and heat transfer.

Simulations using the Corrosion Module can be used to understand and

avoid corrosion situations as well as to design and optimize corrosion
protection. This can be done at the microscopic scales, such as in
crevice and pitting corrosion, where the localized concentrations can be
significant parameters in the charge-transfer reactions, or at larger scales,
where the placement of sacrificial anodes around a structure is the goal.
In some cases, linking the simulations at both of these scales is necessary
and also achievable with the Corrosion Module. SHIP HULL ICCP
This specialized application computes the impressed current cathodic
protection demand of a ship hull with a coated propeller. Results show
the electrolyte potential distribution.

74
 HIGHLIGHTS

Anodic protection
Atmospheric corrosion
Butler-Volmer equation
Cathodic protection
Corrosion
Corrosion protection
Crevice corrosion
Galvanic corrosion
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)

C H EM I C A L
Nernst-Planck equation
Passivation
Pitting corrosion
Primary current distribution
Secondary current distribution
Tafel equation
Tertiary current distribution

CAPABILITIES
CORROSION PROTECTION
An oil rig structure immersed in Boundary Element Method (BEM)
seawater is protected by 40 sacrificial
aluminum anodes. Before deploying Finite Element Method (FEM)
the anodes, simulations are used to
optimize their positions for the best
possible corrosion protection. The
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
visualization shows the electrolyte
potential on the surface of the Cyclic voltammetry
structure.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Ship hull ICCP

GALVANIC CORROSION
CREVICE The corrosion of a magnesium
CORROSION alloy (AE44) connected to mild
Concentration steel in a saltwater solution.
distribution in the The electrode material
crevice for iron in an removal is also modeled, as it
acetic acid/sodium is an important variable to be
acetate solution at considered when performing
0.844 V(SHE). such simulations.
t=0 hours t = 28 hours t = 72 hours
75
 Electrochemistry Module
The Electrochemistry Module expands the possibilities in designing,
understanding, and optimizing electrochemical systems through
accurate simulation. This module offers significant benefits to
researchers in the lab and industrial chemical engineers. Capabilities
such as modeling current density distributions, electrochemical
reactions, and mass transport enable efficient simulation for applications
including electrolysis, electrochemical sensors, electrodialysis,
electroanalysis, and electrobiochemistry.

Dedicated interfaces in the Electrochemistry Module enable

the definition of voltammetry, amperometry, potentiometry,
electrochemical impedance, and coulometry studies. Exchange current
densities and activation overpotentials can then be determined from the
combined experiment and simulation results.

The Electrochemistry Module permits modeling systems assuming

primary, secondary, or tertiary current distributions, as implemented via
IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY
the Nernst-Planck and Butler-Volmer equations. The
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a common
Electrochemistry Module covers a wide range of applications. This technique for electrochemical analysis. During the simulation,
is accomplished through interfaces for electric currents, flow in free the frequency of the alternating part of the electrode potential
is varied, while the electrode current density is recorded. Results
and porous media, heat transfer, surface and homogeneous chemical provide information about the electrode-electrolyte interface and
reactions, and material transport in dilute and porous media. the mass transport properties of the electrolyte.

76
 HIGHLIGHTS

Bioelectrochemistry
Chlor-alkali electrolysis
Control of electrochemical reactions in
biomedical implants
Desalination of seawater
Electroanalysis
Electrochemical sensors
Electrodialysis
Electrolysis

C H EM I C A L
Electrolyte waste treatment
Gas sensors
Glucose sensors
Hydrogen and oxygen production
pH control of liquid foods
Ultra-pure water production

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Cyclic voltammetry
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRY
This application simulates the cyclic voltammetry technique
used to determine information about chemical processes.

ELECTRODIALYSIS CHLOR-ALKALI MEMBRANE CELL

Simulation of the removal of sodium Advances in membrane cell design by increased internal convection, decreased ohmic
chloride from a water solution (diluate) losses, and better membranes have allowed for large increases in current density
into another stream (concentrate). with small increases in cell voltage. One of the important parameters in the design of
Such an application can be found in modern membrane cells is the current-density distribution on the electrode surfaces.
desalination of process streams, food This model describes the current-density distribution in a realistic structure for the
and juice products, and biomedical anodes and cathodes in a chlor-alkali membrane cell.
engineering.

77
 Optimization Module
No matter the engineering discipline, once you have a model of a
product or process, you want to improve upon it. The
Optimization Module can be used throughout the
COMSOL Multiphysics product family; it is a general interface for
computing optimal solutions to engineering problems. Any model input,
be it geometric dimensions, part shapes, material properties, or material
distribution, can be treated as a design variable, and any model output
can be an objective function.

Both derivative-based and derivative-free methods are available in

order to cover a wide range of optimization problems. Derivative-
based methods include SNOPT, MMA, and Levenberg-Marquardt,
while derivative-free methods include coordinate search, Nelder-Mead,
COBYLA, and BOBYQA.

The Optimization Module can be used to solve shape, size, and topology
optimization problems; inverse problems such as parameter estimation; HEAT SINK OPTIMIZER
and time-dependent and stationary optimization problems. With a very The channel structure in a planar heat sink, equipped with a centrally
positioned inlet pipe for coolant, is optimized with this specialized
general interface, the capabilities of the Optimization Module can be application. The channel topology is optimized for a given pressure drop
used in conjunction with any combination of other COMSOL products. and the maximum allowed temperature for the device being cooled.

78
 CRANE ARM OPTIMIZATION
Model of a truck crane used for
handling large loads. The simulation
analyzes rigid body movement and
predicts forces on the cranes axles
and hydraulic cylinders. Results are
used to optimize the position of link
mechanisms in the base.

M U LTIP U R P OS E
SHAPE OPTIMIZATION OF A HORN REACTOR OPTIMIZATION
A horn has the initial shape of an In this model, the reaction
axisymmetric cone with a straight rate for a given total pressure
boundary. This design is optimized with difference across the bed
respect to the far-field sound pressure is maximized by finding an
level. Shown is the new shape of the optimal catalyst distribution.
internal boundary and the optimized far-
field sound pressure level in comparison
to the initial reference design.

79
 Material Library
COMSOL Multiphysics gives you complete control over definitions
and use of your material properties through the Model Builder and
Material Browser. The Material Browser allows you to manage all of
your models materials in one place and can be complemented by the
Material Library.

The Material Library contains data for more than 2700 materials,
including the elements, minerals, metal alloys, thermal insulators,
semiconductors, and piezoelectric materials. Each material is
represented by referenced property functions for as many as 31 key
properties, dependent on some variable, typically temperature. You
can plot and inspect these function definitions, as well as change and
add to them. They can then be used in any coupling to other physics
simulations that also depend on the property function variable in your
multiphysics modeling.
SOLDER JOINTS
This example studies viscoplastic creep in solder joints under thermal
loading used to mount two chips to a cellular phone circuit board.
The circuit board consists of two layers: a thin layer of copper and a
thicker layer of FR4 material, while the chips are made of silicon. The
Material Library is utilized to provide temperature-dependent material
properties for the model. The plot shows that plastic flow clearly
appears after about 40 seconds of loading. The model results show a
close-up of the temperature distribution in the circuit board and the
plastic strain in the solder joints.

80
 AVAILABLE MATERIALS

Acetal, PVDF, and EVA

Al and Cu alloys
Carbides, cermets, and tool steels
Carbons and thermal insulation
Cast irons and mold materials
Controlled expansion and thermocouple
alloys
Elastomers and epoxies
Elements
Fe and Ni alloys
Glasses, metallic glasses, nitrides, and
beryllides
Intermetallics, TBC, and refractory metals
Metal and ceramic matrix composites
Mg and Ti alloys
Minerals, rock, soil, and wood
Miscellaneous polymers and polymer
composites
Oxides
Polyamides and polyesters
Polypropylenes and PET

M U LTIP U R P OS E
Resistance and magnetic alloys
Salts, fuel cells, batteries, and electro-
ceramics
Semiconductors, optical, and related
materials
Silicides and borides
Solders, dental, and Co alloys

81
 CVD CHAMBER
The Particle Tracing Module offers many ways to specify the initial position
and velocity of particles. They can be released from selected domains,
surfaces, or edges, and their distribution can be based on a user-defined
expression or on the underlying finite element mesh. Particles can be
released at specific locations by selecting points in the geometry, entering
a list of coordinates, or importing initial positions from a file. The particle
velocity can be initialized with a user-defined expression, by sampling from
a Maxwellian distribution, or by releasing particles uniformly in a sphere,
hemisphere, or cone. In this example, sprays of particles entering a CVD
chamber are modeled by releasing the particles in cones from a set of points.
The color of the particle trajectory represents the particle velocity. While the
particles initially move in nearly linear trajectories according to their initial

Particle Tracing Module

velocity vectors, they gradually lose momentum, causing their motion to be
determined by the drag force exerted by the surrounding fluid.

The Particle Tracing Module extends the functionality of the

COMSOL Multiphysics environment for computing the trajectory of
particles in a fluid or electromagnetic field, including particle-particle
and particle-field interactions. Any application-specific module combines
seamlessly with the Particle Tracing Module and gives you access to
additional modeling tools and fields to drive the particle motion.

Built-in equations for particle mass and temperature can be added to

allow particles to exchange mass or energy with their surroundings.
Other quantities, such as particle spin, can be defined using auxiliary
variables. A variety of wall conditions can be used to make particles
stop moving, disappear, reflect specularly or diffusely, or change
trajectory according to a user-defined expression when they hit a wall.
Particle-wall interactions can be conditional, specified using a logical
expression or a sticking probability. Secondary emission of particles is
included as an option, where the emission may depend on incident
velocity and energy. Particles can be massless or have mass, where the
movement is governed by Newtonian, Lagrangian, or Hamiltonian
formulations from classical mechanics. Particles can be released
within each mesh element with a uniform distribution via a grid or
using a user-defined expression. Low-level access to the mathematical
PARTICLE-FIELD INTERACTIONS
formalism is available for highly customized simulations.
The Charged Particle Tracing interface can be used
to model a beam of electrons diverging due to its
own space charge. An iterative procedure allows the
particle trajectories and the beam potential to be
computed in a self-consistent manner. In this image,
the particle trajectories are colored according
to each particles radial displacement from its
initial position. The slice plot represents the beam
potential and the vector field represents the force
acting on an electron due to the beam potential.

82
 HIGHLIGHTS

Acoustophoresis
Aerosol dynamics
Beam physics
Brownian motion
Classical mechanics
Dielectrophoresis and magnetophoresis
Electric propulsion
Erosion
Etching
Fluid flow visualization
Fluid-particle interactions
Geometrical optics in continuous media
Ion energy distribution function visualization
Ion mobility spectrometry
Ion optics
Mass spectrometry
Mixers
Multipaction
Particle accelerators
Rarefied gas dynamics

M U LTIP U R P OS E
Secondary emission
Sprays
Separation and filtration

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Charge exchange cell simulator

Laminar static particle mixer designer
Red blood cell separation

LAMINAR STATIC PARTICLE MIXER MASS SPECTROMETRY

DESIGNER Trajectories of argon ions are
The performance of a static mixer is modeled in a quadrupole mass
studied in this specialized application. spectrometer. The electric fields,
The user can change particle which exert forces on the ions,
properties and mixer geometry have both AC and DC components.
to analyze the effects of different The combination of the two is
essential for the function of the
configurations on the mixing process.
spectrometer. The graph shows the
ion energy distribution function at
the spectrometers collector.

83
 CAD Import Module
Collaboration within design teams is made easy with the CAD SUPPORTED CAD FILE FORMATS
interoperability tools for COMSOL. The CAD Import Module allows for all ACIS (.sat, .sab, .asat, .asab)
major CAD file formats to be brought directly into the COMSOL Desktop, AutoCAD (.dwg, .dxf)
where you can simulate your design accurately using real-world multiphysics CATIA V5 (.CATPart, .CATProduct) *
simulations. By including the Parasolid software geometry engine, the IGES (.iges, .igs)
CAD Import Module allows more advanced geometry operations to be Inventor (.ipt, .iam)
performed on complex CAD models within the COMSOL Desktop. NX (.prt)
The interactive repair feature assures that imported geometries are Parasolid (.x_t, .xmt_txt, .x_b, .xmt_bin)
mathematically correct for simulation and includes defeaturing tools that
PTC Creo Parametric (.prt, .asm)
remove fillets, small faces, sliver faces, as well as spikes and short edges.
PTC Creo Elements/Pro (.prt, .asm)
PTC Pro/ENGINEER (.prt, .asm)

LiveLink Products for CAD Revit and Revit Architecture (.rvt)

SOLIDWORKS (.sldprt, .sldasm)
STEP (.step, .stp)
All of the capabilities of the CAD Import Module are also available in the
LiveLink products for SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk STL (.stl)
AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, PTC Creo Parametric, PTC VRML, v1 (.vrml, .wrl)
Pro/ENGINEER, and Solid Edge CAD systems, all of which deliver
further seamless integration between your CAD designs and multiphysics * Requires File Import for CATIA V5.
simulations. With these products, changing a feature in the CAD and BIM
design automatically updates the geometry in COMSOL Multiphysics, while
SUPPORTED OPERATIONS
retaining the physics settings. This enables simulations that involve sweeps
of the geometric parameters, and allows you to optimize your designs Repair and defeaturing
directly from within COMSOL Multiphysics. Cap faces

84
DEFEATURING
Zooming in on the area around the spoke reveals a
sliver face. Such a geometric entity can be defeatured
by collapsing it into an edge. Defeatured geometry is
shown to the right.

IN TER FA C ING
85
 Design Module
The preparation of geometry for simulation is made easy by the SUPPORTED CAD FILE FORMATS
Design Module, which provides tools for creating geometry and See CAD Import Module
importing a variety of CAD file formats. You can create lofted objects
SUPPORTED OPERATIONS
based on cross-sectional profiles and use operations such as fillet,
chamfer, midsurface, and thicken. For example, by using the loft tool, it Repair and defeaturing 3D chamfer
is possible to create geometries from slices or contours, such as from an Cap faces Thicken
MRI scan. Loft Midsurface
3D fillet
The Design Module is built on the proven parametric framework for
generating geometries in COMSOL Multiphysics and on the industry
standard Parasolid software geometric kernel. Thereby, the module enables
modifying or constructing designs from the ground up and sharing them with
other tools.

All of the capabilities of the CAD Import Module are also available with the
Design Module.

IMPELLER
The loft capabilities in the Design Module allow the
creation of blades like the ones in this model of an impeller.
Parasolid is a trademark or registered trademark of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management
Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries.

86
LiveLink
for SOLIDWORKS

ONE WINDOW INTERFACE

The LiveLink interface for the
SOLIDWORKS software CAD system
has been extended with a One Window
interface. SOLIDWORKS software users
can stay inside its environment and perform
their multiphysics analysis directly from
it. All of the COMSOL Multiphysics
modeling tools are available through the
One Window interface, while changes
in geometry are synchronously updated
between the two packages.

HIGH-VOLTAGE GENERATOR
Simulation of the electromagnetic field in a high-voltage
generator in an X-ray device. The design is created in the
SOLIDWORKS software CAD system and brought into
COMSOL Multiphysics using the LiveLink interface. From
here, you can select different parts, define physical properties,
and solve the model.

IN TER FA C ING
Model courtesy of Comet AG, Flamatt, Switzerland.

SOLIDWORKS is a registered trademark of Dassault Systmes SolidWorks Corp.

87
 LiveLink
for Inventor

ONE WINDOW INTERFACE

The LiveLink interface for the Autodesk
Inventor software CAD system has been
extended with a One Window interface.
Autodesk Inventor software users can
stay inside its environment and perform
their multiphysics analysis directly from
it. All of the COMSOL Multiphysics
modeling tools are available through the
One Window interface, while changes
in geometry are synchronously updated
between the two packages.

ACOUSTICS ANALYSIS
Simulation results show the isosurfaces of the acoustic pressure
in a car interior. The geometry is created in the Autodesk
Inventor software CAD system, while the simulation is set up
and performed using COMSOL Multiphysics.

Authorized Developer

Autodesk and Inventor are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its
subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

88
LiveLink FOIL WIRE CONDUCTOR
for AutoCAD Electric current simulation of a
foil wire from a solar collector
based on a surface geometry in
the Autodesk AutoCAD software
system. An Electric Currents,
Shell physics interface from the
AC/DC Module is applied to the
synchronized geometry.

IN TER FA C ING
Authorized Developer

Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its
subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

89
 LiveLink
for Revit

ROOM ACOUSTICS SIMULATION

Simulation showing the acoustic pressure levels in a room due to a
loudspeaker system. The model geometry was created in the Autodesk
Revit software and synchronized with COMSOL Multiphysics using the
bidirectional interface included with the add-on product LiveLink for Revit.

Authorized Developer

Autodesk and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries
and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

90
LiveLink
for PTC Creo Parametric

BURNER VENTILATION FAN

In a high-power burner, up to 40% of the energy
required to run the system is consumed by the fan. This
model shows the velocity vector (streamline ribbons)
and pressure drop (color scale) of the flow into the
impeller and housing of a burner ventilation fan. The
positioning and size of the vanes can be updated
through the LiveLink interface, while associativity
between the simulation geometry and the CAD design
assures that physics settings are retained.

Model courtesy of Gianluca Argentini, Riello S.p.A, Italy.

IN TER FA C ING
PTC and Creo are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other countries.

91
 LiveLink
for PTC Pro/ENGINEER

CORROSION MITIGATION
Using the LiveLink interface for the
PTC Pro/ENGINEER software CAD
system, engineers are able to include
geometries, such as the one shown here,
in the COMSOL Multiphysics workspace.
From here, meshing and solving a model of
impressed current cathodic protection on
a ship hull is straightforward. Results show
electrolyte potential for a coated propeller.

PTC and Pro/ENGINEER are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC Inc. or its
subsidiaries in the USA and in other countries.

92
LiveLink
for Solid Edge

CORROSION PROTECTION
A corrosion simulation of an oil rig
structure immersed in seawater is used to
optimize the positions of the 40 sacrificial
aluminum anodes for the best possible
corrosion protection. The LiveLink
interface for the Solid Edge software
CAD system is used to position the anodes
by providing control over dimensional
parameters in the CAD design.

IN TER FA C ING
Solid Edge is a trademark or registered trademark of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries
in the USA and in other countries. Siemens and the Siemens Logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.

93
 ECAD Import Module
Using the ECAD Import Module, you can bring your ECAD files SUPPORTED ECAD FILE FORMATS
into COMSOL Multiphysics, where the 2D layouts are automatically DXF (.dxf)*
converted to 3D CAD models. This opens up the world of modeling for GDSII (.gds)
simulating, among other applications, the components in integrated ODB++ (.zip, .tar, .tgz, .tar.gz)
circuits, systems of connected MEMS devices, and electronics cooling. ODB++(X) (.xml)
NETEX-G (.asc)
The ECAD Import Module supports the popular GDSII, ODB++,
ODB++(X), and NETEX-G file formats. As part of the import process, *Included in COMSOL Multiphysics; extended functionality is
you can select which subset of cells, nets, and layers to import. You can available with the CAD Import Module
also edit layer thicknesses, control the geometric representation of bond
wires, and include selected dielectric regions prior to or after importing.

The layout is automatically extruded and converted to a 3D CAD model

for use in any kind of COMSOL Multiphysics simulations with any
combination of add-on products. The 3D geometry model can further
take part in general solid modeling operations in COMSOL Multiphysics.
When combined with the CAD Import Module, Design Module, or
one of the LiveLink products, the 3D model can be exported to the
Parasolid (.x_b, .x_t) or ACIS (.sat) file formats, for use in other software.

POWER ELECTRONICS
The simulation results show the electric potential on the
surface of a planar transformer. The layout is imported from
an ODB++(X) file and converted to a 3D geometry model.

Support for implementation of the ODB++ Format was provided by Mentor Graphics Corporation pursuant
to the ODB++ Solutions Development Partnership General Terms and Conditions (www.odb-sa.com).

94
LiveLink
for MATLAB
LiveLink for MATLAB allows the user to control a model from
MATLAB software code to streamline workflow. You can use
MATLAB software as a scripting language for making changes
to parameters and other model settings, solve the model, and
extract graphical or numerical results from the model.

Enhance your in-house MATLAB software code with

powerful multiphysics simulations
Create geometries using MATLAB software scripts and extract
properties of exisiting geometries, which may be imported
from a CAD program
Perform arbitrary statistical analysis on simulation results
Use multiphysics models together with your own optimization
procedures, such as genetic or simulated annealing algorithms
HEAT TRANSFER
Export COMSOL models as state-space matrices A transient heat transfer model is modified using the LiveLink interface
for the MATLAB computation environment. State-space matrices, mesh,
Call MATLAB software functions from the COMSOL Desktop and solution data from COMSOL Multiphysics are made available in the
MATLAB software workspace, where the state-space model has been run in
Interface to external libraries and use MATLAB software to the MATLAB software environment. The figures show temperature change

IN TER FA C ING
read and write data in external sources such as the web, files, over time, the finite element mesh, and the sparsity pattern of the stiffness
and databases matrix.

MathWorks and MATLAB are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc.

95
 LiveLink
for Excel
Extend your modeling capacity by running COMSOL Multiphysics
simulations from a spreadsheet with LiveLink for Excel.

LiveLink for Excel adds a COMSOL Multiphysics tab to the Excel

ribbon for controlling parameters, variables, and other model settings.
After having solved a model, results can easily be embedded as images
or numerical data into an Excel spreadsheet for reporting and further
analysis.

The COMSOL API (Application Programming Interface) gives access to

all aspects of modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics. The COMSOL API
is available for use with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), which is the PARAMETERIZED STUDY
programming language built into Excel spreadsheet software. Using VBA LiveLink for Excel is used for a parameterized
you can change parameters and settings, solve the model, and extract multiphysics simulation of a heating circuit including
DC-induced Joule heating, heat transfer, and structural
numerical data from the solved model. behavior of a thin resistive layer covered on a solid
glass plate. The parameters controlling the geometric
LiveLink for Excel adds the capability to import/export Excel files dimensions as well as the boundary conditions are
edited in an Excel spreadsheet and synchronized to the
for parameters, variables, and more. This is available on all platforms underlying COMSOL Multiphysics model. A dedicated
(Windows, Linux, and OS X) in COMSOL Multiphysics and ribbon tab is added to the Excel program for easy
COMSOL Server. access to parameters, variables, functions, geometry,
mesh, solvers, and results.
The COMSOL Multiphysics tab and support for VBA is only available on the
Windows operating system and requires Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, or 2016.
SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS
Microsoft Excel workbook (.xlsx)
Microsoft Excel workbook code (.xlsm)
Microsoft, Excel and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and/or other countries.

96
User Support
Software Subscription Video Tutorials and Webinars
With your purchase of a perpetual COMSOL software license, you will The COMSOL Video Gallery provides a convenient way of learning from
automatically receive access to software updates and technical support for worked models, where how-to videos will guide you step-by-step through
12 months. Product updates ensure that your software stays current with the modeling process. Webinars offer live online demonstrations on how
new functionality and operating systems. Additionally, the subscription to apply COMSOL software to specific physics or applications. Videos and
program provides license administration services to install COMSOL archived webinars are available at comsol.com/videos.
software on a new computer, change named users, and more.
Online Community and COMSOL Blog
Rapid Response Technical Support The online COMSOL Community lets you network and share modeling
COMSOL technical support is available directly from our highly skilled tips and tricks with thousands of users across all scientific and engineering
support engineers. We are easy to reach by telephone or email. Plus, disciplines via the Discussion Forum (comsol.com/community/forums).
our highly respected online Knowledge Base provides a comprehensive Check out the COMSOL Blog (comsol.com/blogs) for posts on
database of answers to just about any multiphysics modeling question simulation topics including the electrical, mechanical, fluid, and chemical
you may have, 24/7. disciplines.

Specification Charts Certified Consultants

The specification charts will guide you in finding the product COMSOL Certified Consultants provide analysis projects and custom
combination that best suits your engineering and scientific applications. applications. COMSOL Certified Consultants are renowned for their
You can use the charts to find products for a specific application area, domain expertise and for their extensive experience using COMSOL
discover the simulation capabilities available through combining multiple Multiphysics.
modules (comsol.com/products/specifications), or integrate with CAD
software (comsol.com/products/specifications/cad). COMSOL Conference and COMSOL Days
Industry analysts have described the COMSOL Conference as the
Continuous Training premier multiphysics event. Held in leading centers of science and
Training courses are offered frequently at locations worldwide. Available technology worldwide, the annual user conference is a must-attend event
training covers everything from an introduction to for new as well as experienced COMSOL users. Here, you will learn
COMSOL software to specific focus areas covering electrical, about the latest multiphysics tools and solvers, receive training, and learn
mechanical, fluid, chemical, optimization, particle tracing, and from hundreds of user presentations, papers, and posters. COMSOL Days
interfacing applications. offers a one-day digest of everything new and inspiring with multiphysics
modeling and app design. Attendees can learn from minicourses, invited
speakers, and opportunities to meet with the COMSOL community.

97
 License Options - COMSOL Multiphysics
Named Single User License (NSL): One physical person designated to
COMSOL by name can run the software. Not for use over a network. Usage NSL CPU FNL

CPU-Locked Single User License (CPU): You can install the software on
one computer and different users can take turns using COMSOL on that Multiple Computers
computer, one person at a time. Not for use over a network.
Multiple Platforms
Floating Network License (FNL): Licensed per concurrent user, you can
install the software on as many machines on your network as you want. Multiple Users
COMSOL can run on local computers with the network being used only
for license authentication. Alternatively, you can run COMSOL on a remote Client/Server
computer over your network.
Clusters
Class Kit License (CKL): As many as 30 students can simultaneously use
the software for a class over a network. Teachers can also use it to prepare class Cloud Computing
materials.
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Floating Network License

Multiple Users

License Manager Servers, Clusters, or Clouds

*Diagram depicts a Floating Network License enabled for 3 concurrent users.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) support is included for all license options with no limit on the number of cores.

98
License Options - COMSOL Server
COMSOL Server License (CSL): Licensed on a concurrent user basis. Each concurrent
user may run up to four simultaneous applications. The CSL version of the software Usage CSL
enables you to run apps built with COMSOL Multiphysics. The CSL allows you to locally
host and run apps within your organization and also to those outside your organization
Multiple Computers
who time-share your concurrent user slots, worldwide.
Multiple Platforms
Academic Server License (ASL): Licensed on a 300-concurrent-user basis. Each
concurrent user may run up to four simultaneous applications. The ASL version of the Multiple Users
software enables you to run apps built with COMSOL Multiphysics. The ASL allows you to
locally host and run apps for students, faculty, and staff of your academic institution or of Client/Server
any other academic institution, worldwide.
Clusters
Applications can be accessed through a major web browser on a variety of operating
systems or a COMSOL Client for the Windows operating system. Cloud Computing

SUPPORTED PLATFORMS: Windows, Linux, OS X, iOS, Android. Worldwide Use

COMSOL Server License

Multiple Users

License Manager Servers, Clusters, or Clouds

*Diagram depicts a COMSOL Server License enabled for 5 concurrent users;

each concurrent user can run up to 4 simultaneous simulation applications.

For detailed license conditions and more information, please refer to the COMSOL Software License Agreement.

99
www.comsol.com