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Copyright & 2009 - 2013
All rights reserved.Gridgen - Pointwise's Legacy Meshing Software
Gridgen is Pointwise's legacy software, used
by engineers and scientists worldwide since 1984 to reliably generate
high quality grids for CFD.
Learn More
Flexible CAD Interoperability
Interoperability of computer aided design (CAD) models (or the lack
thereof) poses significant challenges to the CFD practitioner.
meshing software forces analysts to interface directly with the CAD
system, tying up a valuable software asset and requiring significant
software training.
Gridgen provides a flexible suite of CAD data
access methods, allowing the analyst to select the optimum approach.
Solid Meshing Recovers Engineering Topology
One approach to working with complex geometry models in Gridgen
is Solid Meshing.
This technique involves recovering the
&engineering topology& from the rather arbitrary CAD topology.
The engineering topology reduces a geometry model to major components
relevant to meshing like wings, blades, and sidewalls. This is
accomplished using tools that provide solid model import and creation.
Once a solid model of the geometry has been created, all the seams
between adjacent surfaces are closed and meshing can proceed without
having to deal with special issues related to gaps and overlaps.
about how solid modeling simplifies the geometry
and makes it easier to mesh.
Fault-Tolerant Meshing Eliminates CAD Healing
Another problem with CAD model interoperability is sloppy geometry
such as gaps between adjacent surfaces, overlapping surfaces, and
missing features.
An analyst must be able to mesh a less than perfect
Even though other software attempts to "heal" the CAD model
through a variety of manipulations, healing is an ill-defined problem
since design intent is usually unknown.
Using a technique called
Fault Tolerant Meshing, Gridgen is able to create a fully closed mesh
on a sloppy CAD model.
Merging automatically identifies adjacent surface
meshes, joins them across CAD model gaps, and uses the mesh solver
CAD artifacts such as topology and sliver surfaces from the mesh.
Geometry Modeling
Gridgen does not require the use of a CAD model for meshing - the
mesh can be created directly in 3D without having to create geometry
This feature lessens dependence on the CAD system, allowing
the analyst to use CAD geometry only where necessary.
Furthermore,
Gridgen's geometry modeler may be used to supplement the CAD model and
create new models from scratch:
points and lines
Catmull-Rom and Akima splines,
offsets, conics, circles,
intersections,
ruled, revolution, linear sweep, polyconic,
coons, and fit surfaces
trimmed surfaces
Also, Gridgen's
hybrid geometry kernel allows models to be imported in de facto
standard formats such as PLOT3D wireframes and STL triangular
faceted data.
When meshing complex CAD models, Gridgen can create meshes that are
independent of the CAD topology.
A mesh may span an entire CAD
surface, only a portion of a surface, or multiple surfaces.
about how Gridgen ensures your geometry is analysis ready
whether it is analytic or faceted.
Direct CAD Access
Through a partnership with CADNexus, a direct method
for obtaining CAD data without translation is available for Gridgen
CAPRI2NMB is a CAPRI CAE Gateway application that works
directly with a CAD system's native kernel.
Gridgen's native NMB
geometry file is produced automatically by direct queries into the CAD
The NMB file is then simply imported into Gridgen.
CAPRI2NMB works directly with the CAD software, it has the potential
to provide more robust geometry transfer.
CADNexus supports CATIA V5,
Pro/E, UG NX, SolidsWorks, Parasolid, and OpenCASCADE.
For more information about CAPRI2NMB including licensing information,
please contact CADNexus directly.
Contact information is available at
Structured Hex Grids
Structured grids containing mapped hexahedra or quadrilaterals are
initialized using transfinite interpolation (TFI) algebraic techniques
and adhere automatically to the CAD model wherever possible using
standard, linear, polar, and orthogonal TFI, and parametric and
parametric fit TFI.
The quality of structured grids can be significantly improved by
applying Gridgen's elliptic PDE methods.
These methods iteratively
solve Poisson's equation.
While the defaults have been set to provide
the nominal grid, the control functions can be fine tuned at any time
using the following techniques:
Laplace (smoothness)
Thomas-Middlecoff (clustering)
Fixed Grid (smoothness)
von Lavante-Hilgenstock-White, and
Steger-Sorenson (orthogonality).
Structured grids with high degrees of orthogonality and clustering
control can also be created using Gridgen's hyperbolic PDE and
algebraic extrusion methods. All of the extrusion methods can be
applied to 2D grids, surface grids constrained to CAD surfaces, and
volume grids.
The hyperbolic method is especially well suited for CFD
solvers that use overlapping grids but contains features to extrude
multi-block abutting grids as well.
Overset Grid Assembly Integration
Gridgen interfaces directly with overset grid assembly (OGA) software
packages PEGASUS5 and SUGGAR including customized interfaces for
hole-cutting setup and launch.
The OGA results are imported as IBLANK
data including fringe, hole, and orphan objects.
You can then control
the display of all these objects throughout the gridding process in
order to ensure that your overset grid will result in an accurate CFD
Unstructured & Hybrid Meshes
Unstructured and hybrid mesh generation offer fast, highly automated
methods for generating a CFD mesh.
Gridgen provides several methods from
which you can choose the one most appropriate to your analysis.
Anisotropic Tetrahedral Extrusion
Anisotropic tetrahedral extrusion, otherwise known as T-Rex,
is a technique for extruding regular layers of high-quality tetrahedra
from boundaries.
The tetrahedra can be recombined into prisms if you
The mesh adjusts to convex and concave regions and colliding
extrusion fronts.
An optional post-processing step combines a stack of three anisotropic
tetrahedra into a single prism, reducing cell count and providing an
even higher quality cell in the near-wall region.
Here are more resources for learning about T-Rex.
This technical paper describes the mathematics behind T-Rex in
great detail:
by John P. Steinbrenner
and J.P. Abelanet, AIAA paper no. .
this brief video to see how T-Rex generates hybrid meshes.
about how T-Rex generates high quality meshes that give
accurate CFD solutions.
Direct Prism Extrusion
Prism layers are created by the extrusion of triangular surface grids
following normal, linear, rotational, or user-defined paths with
control over extrusion step size or aspect ratio.
Tet Generation with Delaunay Methods
Unstructured grids consisting of triangles and tetrahedra are
generated by a modified Delaunay method.
Like structured grids,
unstructured surface grids can span multiple entities in the geometry
model and adhere to the CAD model automatically.
The unstructured
solver may be re-applied at any time, giving you control over minimum
and maximum cell size, maximum cell-to-cell turning angle, maximum
surface deviation, and boundary decay.
These attributes may also be set in advance to result in a good grid
automatically.
Edge swapping and Laplace smoothing may also further
improve unstructured surface grids.
Automate & Customize Meshing
Gridgen's Tcl-based scripting language, Glyph, provides customization
capabilities for both the experienced analyst and the &design
engineer&.
The experienced analyst will find that Glyph's commands
cover the entire range of functionality available in Gridgen's GUI,
allowing tricks and special techniques to be captured and made part of
the organization's intellectual property.
Designing engineers will
appreciate the fact that Glyph may be used to create customized
meshing applications for specific configurations, allowing them to
automatically generate a mesh and apply CFD.
Journal Your Session for Editing Playback
Glyph scripting is complemented with a journaling capability.
Gridgen exports the Glyph form of each GUI command to a file for
later editing and playback.
Journaling is further complemented with
variables, name-value pairs that may be defined and utilized in
the GUI so that a journaled Glyph script can be easily edited for
parametric variation of a baseline mesh.
Share Scripts with the Community
is a forum for sharing
Glyph scripts with the entire Gridgen community.
Dozens of scripts
are available for download that add unique capabilities to Gridgen.
Your scripts can be uploaded for everyone to enjoy.
more about Gridgen's Glyph scripting in this article.
Supported Platforms
Using the industry-standard
OpenGL& graphics API,
Gridgen's interactivity and 3D graphics are available on a variety of
Windows& (Intel& and AMD&),
Linux& (Intel& and AMD&),
workstations,
all with the same look and feel and
transportable Gridgen native file.
Gridgen's graphical user
interface (GUI) guides engineers through preprocessing, eliminates
extraneous menus, and uses a consistent menu system and nomenclature
for the entire process, from CAD model import/creation through volume
grid generation and analysis software file export.
When combined
these features make Gridgen easy to learn, easy to use, and easy to
remember how to use.
Microsoft Windows
Sun Solaris
Other features of the GUI are:
mouse or keyboard operation
&mode-less& image pan, zoom, and rotate
PostScript&, PNG, BMP and
SGI RGB output
HTML-based on-line, context-sensitive help
Heterogeneous license management,
allowing &license once, run anywhere&
Common GUI and Gridgen native files across all
All Platforms
Minimum Requirements:
128 Mbytes RAM
100 Mbytes disk space
OpenGL capable color display
Ethernet card
CD-ROM drive
Recommended Requirements:
3D hardware accelerated OpenGL graphics
double-buffered overlay planes or 24-bit RGB double buffered
Gridgen supports Windows on both AMD and Intel.
Intel IA-32 Architecture
Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP
(Gridgen may operate properly on Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, and 2000 but
this operation is unsupported.)
resolution in High
Color (16 bit) Display Mode
Compatible Graphics Accelerators*
NVIDIA GeForce and Quadro
ATI Radeon
Graphics Accelerators with Known Problems
NVIDIA Quadro FX4600 - The NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-180.22-pkg2.run
driver and RedHat 5.3 have incompatibilities which cause significant
issues with Gridgen's display.
Older NVIDIA drivers do not exhibit
this problem.
Gridgen supports Linux on both AMD and
Intel for both 32-bit and 64-bit.
Linux installations must include:
libstdc++ libraries
glibc v2.3.4 libraries
GNU c++ runtime libraries (v3.4.6+)
X11R6.8.2 (X.Org or XFree86)
OpenGL 1.4
Under RedHat Enterprise Linux 5 (32 and 64 bit) the specific libraries
and the package from which they may be installed are listed below.
(For other Linux distributions, we recommend using rpmfind.net to
determine which packages to install.):
libg2c.so.0
libf2c 3.4.6
libgcc_s.so.1
libgcc 3.4.6
libstdc++.so.6
libstdc++ 3.4.6
libpthread.so.0
glibc 2.3.4
glibc 2.3.4
glibc 2.3.4
libdl.so.2
glibc 2.3.4
/lib/ld-linux.so.2
glibc 2.3.4
libGLU.so.1
xorg-X11R6.8.2 OpenGL driver (1.4)
libGL.so.1
xorg-X11R6.8.2 OpenGL driver (1.4)
libGLcore.so.1
xorg-X11R6.8.2 OpenGL driver (1.4)
libXaw.so.7
xorg-X11R6.8.2
libXmu.so.6
xorg-X11R6.8.2
libXt.so.6
xorg-X11R6.8.2
libSM.so.6
xorg-X11R6.8.2
libICE.so.6
xorg-X11R6.8.2
libXpm.so.4
xorg-X11R6.8.2
libXext.so.6
xorg-X11R6.8.2
libX11.so.6
xorg-X11R6.8.2
A recommended minimum platform configuration is:
RedHat Enterprise Linux 5 with version 1.0-9631 of the
NVidia X.Org binary drivers for NVidia-based graphics cards
To configure overlays and other graphics options for your graphics card,
please refer to your card vendor's documentation.
Gridgen may run on Linux platforms other than the one recommended above
if the required libraries are installed. For users of OpenSuse 10.2 and
10.3, the additional package, compat-f77, may be necessary for
Gridgen to run properly.
workstations
Only Intel-based Macs are supported.
Mac OS X V10.4 and higher
NVidia GeForce Graphics Accelerator
Hewlett-Packard
HP-UX 11.11 on PA-RISC
Visualize b-, c-, and j-class Unix Workstations
Series 700 Workstations
Visualize fx2, fx4, fx5, fx6, fx10 Graphics
Note: Gridgen V15.18 will be the last version built for HP. See the details .
Prism, Fuel, Onyx2, Onyx, Octane2, Octane, O2, Indigo2, Indy
All Graphics
Note: Gridgen V15.18 will be the last version built for SGI. See the details .
UltraSPARC Workstations
Creator3D, Elite3D, and Expert3D Graphics Accelerators
Note: Gridgen V15.18 will be the last version built for Sun. See the details .
*Up-to-date graphic accelerator driver software is essential for
proper operation of Gridgen.
CFD Solver Interfaces
Gridgen supports neutral, native, and de facto standard interfaces to
CFD solvers (including the specification of solver boundary conditions),
grid files, and geometry formats to ensure that Gridgen fits into your
CFD process.
Grid and Flow Solver Data Export
Grids and flow solver data (e.g. boundary conditions) can be
exported from Gridgen to the following formats.
ANSYS CFX (incl. V4)
CFDSHIP-IOWA
FieldView Boundary File
INCA V2 and V3
SCRYU/Tetra
VSAEROhybrid
Grid Import and Export
Just the grids themselves can be imported and exported to and from
a variety of formats.
FIELDVIEW Unstructured
Gridgen style structured grids
PLOT3D structured grids
FIELDVIEW Unstructured
Gridgen style structured grids
PLOT3D structured grids
Geometry Import and Export
Geometry on which the grid will be generated (database in Gridgen's
vernacular) can be imported from and exported to a variety of formats.
Gridgen style wireframe
Gridgen segments/points
Gridgen composite
Gridgen NMB
NASTRAN (triangular facets)
PLOT3D wireframe
STL (triangular facets)
VRML 1.0 (triangular facets)
Gridgen style wireframe
Gridgen segments/points
Gridgen composite
PLOT3D wireframe
more about Gridgen's interoperability in this article.
Special Notice
If you have never used Gridgen before, you will
Gridgen is included with every Pointwise license to provide greater
utility to existing Gridgen users when they make the transition
to Pointwise.
Call to Action
Better, faster meshes start with a free trial. Request one today
and begin putting Pointwise to use.
213 South Jennings Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, , USA,
800-4PTWISE, 817-377-2807
Copyright & 1996 -
Pointwise, Inc. - All rights reserved.
14 May 2015COMSOL 4.3a Release Highlights
Released October 1st, 2012
COMSOL Multiphysics Version 4.3a brings powerful new
simulation tools for designing and optimizing the next generation of technology innovations.
Major news in Version 4.3a
LiveLink& for Excel&
Run COMSOL Multiphysics(R) simulations directly from a spreadsheet with LiveLink& for Excel&. Parameters and
variables used in COMSOL Multiphysics are instantly available in Microsoft(R) Excel and automatically synchronized
to your physics model.
LiveLink& for Excel& allows for a simplified workflow where you only need to display and edit the most important
simulation parameters. Interactive 3D visualizations are presented in a separate dedicated canvas. Using LiveLink& for Excel& automatically adds a COMSOL(R) tab to the Excel ribbon for controlling the mesh or running a simulation.
You can also import/export Excel files for parameter and variable lists in the COMSOL Desktop GUI. LiveLink& for Excel&
currently requires Excel 2007 or 2010 for Windows&.
Here, LiveLink& for Excel& is used for a parameterized high-power direct current simulation of a bus bar.
The parameters controlling the geometric dimensions as well as the applied voltage are edited in an Excel
spreadsheet and synchronized to the underlying COMSOL Multiphysics model. A dedicated ribbon tab is added
to Excel for easy access to parameters, variables, functions, geometry, mesh, solvers, and results.
Fatigue Module
The Fatigue Module enables structural fatigue life computations in the COMSOL
Multiphysics environment. Both high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue methods are available,
based on stress and strain, respectively.
For stress-based fatigue, the Fatigue Module provides the methods of Findley, Matake, and Normal Stress.
For strain-based fatigue, the available methods are Smith-Watson-Topper, Wang-Brown, and Fatemi-Socie.
The Fatigue Module features Neuber's rule and the Hoffmann Seeger method for an approximate elastoplastic solution.
In addition, a full elastoplastic fatigue evaluation is available when combining the Fatigue Module with the
Nonlinear Structural Materials Module. Results include visualization of fatigue life based on the number of cycles
until failure as well as fatigue usage factor. The Fatigue Module is available as an add-on to the Structural Mechanics Module.
Elastoplastic low cycle fatigue (LCF) analysis of a cylinder with a
hole. The last of two load cycles is used for the fatigue analysis to
make sure that the state is representative for repeated loadings.
ECAD Import Module
You can now create 3D geometry models from ECAD layouts using the ECAD Import Module.
Using any of the ODB++(X), GDS-II, and NETEX-G file formats, you can select which subset
of cells, nets and layers to import, edit layer thickness, control the geometric
representation of bond wires, and include selected dielectric regions.
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.
Capacitance and inductance extraction for a planar transformer model imported as an ECAD file.
This type of device is used in power supplies and DC/DC converters where a slim high-power design
is crucial. The entire layout, including the footprint of the transformer ferrite core, is
imported from an ODB++(X) file. The ECAD Import Module is used to read the layout and automatically
create a 3D geometry model of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and the ferrite core.
LiveLink& for Solid Edge&
LiveLink& for Solid Edge& delivers a seamless integration of CAD and simulation. By
establishing an associative connection between the two applications, a change of a feature
in the CAD model automatically updates the geometry in COMSOL Multiphysics, while retaining
physics settings. All parameters specified in Solid Edge(R) can be interactively linked with
your simulation geometry. This enables multiphysics simulation involving parametric sweeps
and design optimization directly from within the CAD program.
LiveLink& for Solid Edge& includes all the capabilities of the CAD Import Module. This
lets you import and defeature files from all major CAD packages.
An oil rig structure immersed in seawater is protected by 52 sacrificial
aluminum anodes. Before deploying the anodes, the Corrosion Module is used
to optimize their positions for the best possible corrosion protection.
Visualized is the electrolyte potential on the surface of the structure.
The geometry model in Solid Edge is synchronized to COMSOL Multiphysics
through LiveLink& for Solid Edge&.
Export of Reduced Order System Matrices
When using the Modal Solver, you can now export the reduced-order system matrices and vectors
including stiffness matrix, mass matrix, and load vector. Under Derived Values in Results, you can
add a System Matrix node where you specify which of the computed system matrices to output and whether
to output them using a sparse or full format.
Importing System Matrices using the Java API
Input of system matrices generated outside of the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation environment
is made possible using a new Input Matrix subnode to a solver node. Specify which system
matrices and vectors should use external data from the Java API. The saved Model Java-file
contains program code for inputting the selected matrices and vectors.
Get Initial Value and Compute Selected Study Steps
Get Initial Value is available as an option on the Study level and for each study step.
Use this to evaluate the solution and variables using the initial values. This makes it
possible to plot and evaluate the solution and any solution-dependent variables using the
initial values as the solution. It can also be used as a quick way to get access to the
visualization and postprocessing tools of the Results node.
Run Your Models in the Cloud
You can now run COMSOL Multiphysics simulations in the cloud, through Amazon Elastic
Compute Cloud(TM) (Amazon EC2(TM)). Cloud computing is used to access high-end virtual
computers and clusters on a pay-per-use basis. Cloud computing is available in version
4.3a for any COMSOL Multiphysics user with a floating network license.
Running COMSOL Multiphysics in the cloud gives you access to three types of computations:
Multicore Computing on one single fast virtual computer with large amounts of memory.
Cluster Sweep for parallel parametric studies.
Cluster Computing for large distributed memory simulations.
Cloud computing is made possible by new remote and cloud access tools which minimize the
amount of data transferred when uploading or downloading model information to or from the
cloud. A new dial-back utility connects to your on-premise license manager-- using your existing
floating networks licenses. Cloud computing is available from the COMSOL Desktop GUI as well as from batch mode.
A 2D geometry used to illustrate the new tool for automatic mesh refinement of reentrant corners as well as
boundary-layer meshing of interior boundaries. These features are also available for 3D meshing.
Tailored Mesh Settings for CFD
Version 4.3a introduces new automatic meshing tools tailored for CFD. Automatic corner refinement finds
all of the reentrant corners in a user-selected group of boundaries and applies mesh refinement.
Trimming is now applied at sharp corners for boundary-layer mesh creation. This feature is integrated
with the default geometric multigrid solver for CFD and is both robust and accurate for larger geometry models.
Interior boundaries are often used to represent very thin objects such as membranes or shells. Boundary-layer
meshing is now also available for interior boundaries in such cases.
A boundary layer mesh in 3D with automatic corner refinement and new handling of sharp edges.
Mesh Selection Tools for Imported Mesh
Additional tools are available for mesh selections used to subdivide an imported mesh. A mesh which
was not created with COMSOL's native mesh generator but imported from other software may not have the desired
domain and boundary partitioning. COMSOL Multiphysics features a series of selection operations which allow
grouping of existing mesh elements and make it easy to assign boundary conditions and material properties where desired.
A selection tool has been added which allows you to use the x, y, and z coordinates in a logical expressions such
as (y2.5) to partition an imported mesh into new domains or boundaries. The previously available
coordinate-based Ball and Box selections now give visual feedback in the form of a wireframe plot representing the
size and position of the Ball and Box, respectively.
Partitioning a mesh based on a logical expression in terms of coordinate variables x, y, and z.
Geometry Selection Tools
You can select all adjacent boundaries and edges in a geometry model with a continuous tangent by
using the Explicit, Ball, Box, and Cylinder selection features. By just selecting a single face,
the selection is propagated to all adjacent boundaries with a continuous tangent within a user-defined angular tolerance.
The new Cylinder selection makes it possible to use a coordinate-based cylinder for selecting
objects in a geometry. This selection type is similar to the Box and Ball selection features and
can simplify selection of geometric entities in suitable geometries.
Selection of boundaries in geometry models such as this exhaust manifold is made easier by the new continuous tangent selection.
Import of Contour Plots for use in Geometry Modeling
The Interpolation Curve feature can now read curve coordinates from file on the Sectionwise
data format in addition to the spreadsheet data format. You can also specify the curves as vectors
of x, y, and z coordinates. This makes it possible to export contour plots of a solution or
mathematical expression in Sectionwise data format, which in turn allows them to be imported and
reused as an interpolation curve in a geometry model. In this way, contour plots can be used to
create curves in 2D, or extruded, revolved, or swept to surfaces in 3D.
An isothermal contour line is exported and then imported as an interpolation curve, extruded,
and used to partition this geometry of a power transistor on a circuit board.
Fast Parallel Computing
Version 4.3a offers more efficient parallel computing for both shared-memory/multicore and distributed systems.
For multicore computing, handling of constraint boundary conditions is greatly improved.
This includes boundary conditions such as fixed temperature, electric
potential, and displacement. It also speeds in computations for most physics.
New constraint elimination algorithms are the primary reason for this increase in performance.
For distributed computing, the solvers have been optimized by the introduction of a very efficient sparse matrix
reordering algorithm for direct solvers. In addition, communication for matrix-vector data has been optimized.
The Intel(R) Concurrency Checker used to benchmark a COMSOL Multiphysics simulation on an Intel multicore
processor. Read more about this type of benchmark
Visualization and Animation News
A new transparent background option for images exported on the PNG format makes it easier to integrate
COMSOL images into your documents and combine them with other graphics.
Placement and display of labels on logarithmic x- and y-axes have been improved. Legend positioning
now also comes with a Middle Left and Middle Right option.
Animation default settings have been improved with better support for animating parametric solutions
and the ability to specify the number of frames in the generated movie.
The new transparent background option for image export makes it easy to quickly
combine visualizations in documents. The pictures show a microfluidics simulation.
Parameter Optimization
Parameter optimization can now be applied to any COMSOL Multiphysics model thanks to the addition of
three new gradient-free optimization methods: Nelder-Mead, Coordinate Search, and Monte Carlo. These
gradient-free methods make it possible to optimize one or more geometric dimensions for a CAD
model created directly in COMSOL Multiphysics or via the LiveLink(TM) products.
You can implement the new optimization methods from a new Optimization study type for general
gradient-free optimization. Control parameters are not limited to geometric dimensions but can
represent nearly any quantity in a model including parameters controlling the mesh.
A tunable MEMS capacitor where a target capacitance of 0.1&pF is found by optimizing with respect
to the distance between capacitor plates. The pictures show three different configuration for
different offset distances of the lower capacitor plate. The target capacitance is found for
the offset value of 12.5&µm.
Diffuse Reflection, General Reflection, and Pass Through Boundary Conditions
New boundary conditions are available for Diffuse and General Reflection. You can supply
user-defined expressions for the particle velocity after collision with a wall.
A new Pass Through boundary condition can be used on interior boundaries in conjunction with a sticking probability or expression.
New Variables for Particle Release Time, Stop Time, and Status
In the Particle Tracing Module, new variables have been added for: particle release time, particle stop time, and particle status.
This makes it easier to work with particle tracing in cases where automatic remeshing is used. To activate, set the Store Particle
Status Data to On. The new variables make it easier to compute residence time.
New Version Support and Removal of Redundant Data
For CAD import, you can now select a check box to remove non-essential and redundant edge and vertex
information when importing a geometry model. By default this option is not selected and all edges and vertices are kept.
For the file-based CAD import in the CAD Import Module and all LiveLinks for CAD products, the
following updated file formats are now supported:
Catia& V5 R 22
Parasolid V 25
LiveLink& for AutoCAD&
AutoCAD 2013 is now supported by LiveLink& for AutoCAD&
LiveLink& for Inventor&
Associativity is now maintained without writing information to the CAD file.
LiveLink& for Pro/ENGINEER&
Parameters and user-defined parameters are now transferred together with their units to COMSOL.
LiveLink& for Creo& Parametric
Creo Parametric 2.0 is now supported. Parameters and user-defined parameters are now transferred together with their units to COMSOL.
LiveLink& for MATLAB&
You can now use the function mphinputmatrix to add a linear system matrix to a model. The function arguments are the model object,
a MATLAB structure, and solver information. It supports the solver types Stationary, Eigenvalue, and Time.
A new tutorial for LiveLink& for MATLAB& showing how to modify the system matrices
of a COMSOL model by directly manipulating the sparse matrix information.
TEAM 7 Benchmark Model and Wire Gauge for Multi-Turn Coils
The new benchmark example Multi-Turn Coil Above an Asymmetric Conductor Plate solves the
Testing Electromagnetic Analysis Methods (TEAM) problem 7. The original TEAM name of this
benchmark is “Asymmetrical Conductor with a Hole”. The objective is to calculate the eddy
currents and magnetic fields produced when an aluminum conductor is placed asymmetrically
above a multi-turn coil carrying an AC current. The simulation results at specified
positions in space agree with measured data from given literature references.
For the Multi-Turn Coil Domain feature, a new set of wire gauge options are now available:
Standard wire gauge, American wire gauge, From round wire diameter, and User defined.
New Tutorial and Benchmark Models
Three new tutorial models illustrate induced currents in an iron sphere at different
frequencies: 60 Hz, 20 kHz, and 13 MHz. Depending on the frequency, different modeling
approaches are applied. For the 13 MHz case, for instance, the skin depth is thin enough
that only the surface of the iron sphere needs to be considered.
In a new tutorial, a sphere of relative permeability greater than unity is exposed
to a spatially uniform, static, background magnetic field. The field strength inside
the sphere is computed and benchmarked against an analytic solution.
Periodic Ports
A new port boundary condition for modeling of periodic structures is available
for the 2D Electromagnetic Waves user interfaces. Periodic ports make it easier
to model excitation of structures with Floquet periodicity and include automatic
setup of diffraction orders.
The Plasmonic Wire Grating tutorial has been updated and now utilizes the new periodic ports.
In this example, a plane wave is incident on a wire grating on a dielectric substrate.
Coefficients for refraction, specular reflection, and first-order diffraction are all
computed as functions of the angle of incidence.
Mapped Dielectric Distribution of a Metamaterial Lens
This example demonstrates how to set up a spatially varying dielectric distribution, which could
be engineered with a metamaterial. Here, a convex lens shape is defined via a known deformation of
a rectangular domain. The dielectric distribution is defined on the undeformed, original rectangular
domain and is mapped onto the deformed shape of the lens. Although the lens shape defined here is
convex, the dielectric distribution causes the incident beam to diverge.
New 2D Formulations and Volume Currents
New in-plane formulations for the in-plane 2D and axisymmetric 2D Electromagnetic Wave formulations
includes an out-of-plane wavenumber. The in-plane 2D formulation makes it easier to model 2D periodic
gratings, periodic structures with out of plane incidence, and slab waveguides. The axisymmetric 2D
formulation, (sometimes called 2.5D) is useful for disk antenna modeling, accurate scattering modeling,
Gaussian laser beam models, and cavity model analysis for accelerators.
A volumetric external current density can now be used with Electromagnetic Waves by using a new volumetric current option for domains.
Two-Arm Helical Antenna example tutorial from the Model Library of the RF Module.
Helical and Spiral Slot Antennas Models
Two new tutorials are available in the Model Library of the RF Module: Two-Arm Helical Antenna and Spiral Slot Antenna.
The RF Module now comes with 63 tutorials with model files and step-by-step PDF documentation.
The Two-Arm Helical Antenna tutorial shows an analysis of the normal and axial modes. The Spiral Slot Antenna tutorial
shows how to build a spiral geometry using parametric curves, and computes S-parameters and far-field patterns.
Spiral Slot Antenna example tutorial from the Model Library of the RF Module.
Tunable Evanescent Mode Cavity Filter Using a Piezo Actuator
In this new tutorial model, an evanescent mode cavity filter is realized by adding a structure inside of the cavity.
This structure changes the resonant frequency below that of the dominant mode of the unfilled cavity. A piezo actuator
is used to control the size of a small air gap which provides the tunability of the resonant frequency. In addition
to the RF Module, this model requires one of the following: the Acoustics Module, the MEMS Module, or the Structural Mechanics Module.
Thermoelasticity
The MEMS Module comes with a new Thermoelasticity user interface for thermoelastic damping of resonant MEMS devices.
When an elastic rod is stretched reversibly and adiabatically, thermodynamics will tell us that its temperature drops.
The theory of thermoelasticity describes this phenomenon, together with the irreversible processes that occur in a
vibrating rod. When a structure vibrates in a mode with both local compression and expansion there are always some
losses associated with the irreversible heat conduction between the expanding areas that cool and the contracting areas
that heat. These losses result in thermoelastic damping, which is covered by this new user interface.
Thin-Film Flow Updates
The Thin-Film Flow user interface and underlying functionality has been revised. The user interfaces have been improved
with easier-to-understand terminology. A new Reynolds Equation boundary condition has been added for Solid Mechanics, and
two new benchmark models are available.
Thermoelastic damping is an important factor when designing MEMS resonators.
The cyclic deformation of the resonator creates local temperature variations and thermal expansion of the material, which appears
as damping. This tutorial shows including thermoelastic damping effects in a MEMS resonator with the new Thermoelasticity user
interface in the MEMS Module.
Finite Volume Discretization
Finite volume discretization is now available for the DC Discharge and Capacitively Coupled Plasma user interfaces.
This option is available in the Advanced Properties section and is available for certain boundary conditions. Boundary
conditions not compatible with this option are Terminal, Distributed Capacitance, Thin Low Permettivity gap, and Floating potential.
Plasma Display Panel
A new model of a plasma display panel is based on the new finite volume discretization. The model illustrates
the physics of a dielectric barrier discharge which leads to generation of light in pixels used for plasma display panels.
The electric potential after 50 ns is shown in the picture.
Corona Discharge
A new 1D model of an atmospheric pressure corona discharge is based on the new finite volume discretization.
The model simulates a negative corona discharge occurring in between two coaxially fashioned conductors. The
negative electric potential is applied to the inner conductor and the exterior conductor is grounded. The modeled
discharge is simulated in argon at atmospheric pressure.
Quick Options for Circuits
An updated Electric Potential feature is available for the DC Discharge and Capacitively Coupled Plasma user interfaces.
There are quick choices for the most common external circuits: Series RC circuit, Ballast resistor, Blocking capacitor.
The DC Glow Discharge example model showcases this new functionality.
Dielectric Barrier Discharge
A new Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator model illustrates the new finite volume discretization scheme
available in the Plasma Module. In this model, the exposed electrode is supplied with a transient voltage that, at
its peak, causes the gas over the inserted electrode to ionize. The ionized gas, in the presence of the electric
field produced by the electrode geometry, results in a body force vector that acts on the ambient (neutrally charged)
gas. The body force created by the space charge distribution is the main mechanism used for active aerodynamic control.
The visualizations show the electric potential at different snapshots in time.
Membrane Load Cases and Initial Stress-Strain Harmonic Perturbations
The harmonic perturbation mechanism available in the Structural Mechanics Module, as well as in the MEMS Module,
allows you to perform eigenmode and frequency-domain analysis on prestressed structures. In all structural mechanics
user interfaces, it is now possible to give a harmonic perturbation to initial stresses and strains.
Load and constraint groups, for controlling load cases, are now supported also by the Membrane user interface.
A Campbell diagram for the six lowest modes of rotating blade.
In this benchmark model, available in the Structural Mechanics Module, the eigenfrequencies of a rotating blade are studied.
The model shows how stress stiffening and the combined effect from stress stiffening and spin softening affects the fundamental eigenfrequency.
New Hyperelastic Material Models
The Nonlinear Structural Materials Module comes with three new hyperelastic material models: Yeoh and Varga for
nearly incompressible nonlinear elastic materials such as rubber, and Blatz-Ko for highly compressible materials such as foam rubber.
This tutorial from the Nonlinear Structural Materials
Module analyzes inflation of a Spherical Rubber Balloon for four different hyperelastic material models: Neo-Hookean, Mooney-Rivlin, Ogden, and Varga.
Dilation Angle for Soil Plasticity
For soil plasticity, a new option to use dilatation angle in the plastic potential is available for the Drucker-Prager and
Mohr-Coulomb plasticity models. Using this option, the dilatation angle replaces the angle of internal friction when defining
the plastic potential.
Concrete structures almost always contain reinforcements
in the shape of steel bars ("rebars"). In COMSOL, individual rebars can be modeled by adding a Truss interface to the Solid Mechanics
user interface used for the concrete. The solid mesh for the concrete and the rebar mesh can be independent, because the displacements
are mapped from within the solids onto the rebar at a certain position. The picture is from the Concrete Beam example tutorial
in the Geomechanics Module.
New Acoustics Examples
A new example model of the Brüel & Kjaer& 4134 condenser microphone compares the simulated sensitivity level to measurements
performed on an actual microphone. The results are in good agreement. The membrane deformation, pressure, velocity, and electric
field are also computed.
A simulation of the Brüel & Kjaer 4134 condenser microphone.
Model geometry and measurement courtesy of Brüel & Kjaer Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S, Naerum, Denmark.
A time-dependent simulation of a probe tube microphone includes an external acoustic domain, the probe tube, and the cavity in front
of the microphone diaphragm. The probe tube is modeled using the Pipe Acoustics, Transient user interface and is connected to two
different pressure acoustics domains. The model requires both the Acoustics Module and the Pipe Flow Module.
For nonlinear acoustics, an example is now available that demonstrates how to model transient nonlinear propagation of finite-amplitude
acoustic waves in fluids, solving a 1D Westervelt equation.
A new tutorial showcases a spherical piezoacoustic transducer. The device is poled along the radial direction of the sphere,
demonstrating setting up of a local coordinate system.
An updated model demonstrates acoustics of a particulate-filter-like system. This example computes the acoustic transmission loss
through a particulate-filter-like system using the Poroelastic Waves user interface.
Equivalent Fluid Model News
A new equivalent fluid model called Boundary layer approximation is available for pressure acoustics. Use it for modeling thermal
and viscous losses at the boundaries of a duct as a bulk loss. You can choose between wide duct and narrow duct approximations.
For the Biot equivalent fluid models you can now enter the viscous characteristic length or viscous characteristic length
parameter directly in the equivalent fluid models.
Thermoacoustics Heat Source
A domain heat source option is now available in the Thermoacoustics user interface. Adding a heat source to a domain is
useful when modeling photoacoustics and acoustic heat exchangers.
A photoacoustic resonator and the new heat source setting for thermoacoustics.
This model shows how to model transient nonlinear propagation
of finite-amplitude acoustic waves in fluids using the Acoustics Module. A nonlinear term is added to the linear wave equation,
which makes the problem identical to solving a 2nd-order Westervelt equation. The Fourier spectra of the computed numerical
solution are compared to an analytical solution.
New Default Solvers for CFD
A revised default solver mechanism for CFD is available for all fluid flow user interfaces. It comes with reduced memory requirements for
large models and offers more automation and less manual tuning. The default geometric multigrid (GMG) solver is now automatically
adjusted based on the number of mesh elements. The mesh-building is triggered when retrieving the default solvers. A direct solver
is used for smaller models, where small is defined as 100,000 elements in 3D and 300,000 elements in 2D. Additional multigrid
levels are automatically added for large models. The first additional level is added at 600,000 elements in 3D. A maximum of 4
levels including the finest mesh is available for first-order elements. Additional levels are added when used with higher-order
elements. These improvements will be noticeable when using any of the fluid flow user interfaces of COMSOL Multiphysics and add-on modules.
This simulation examines the performance of a displacement
ventilation system. The flow is modeled using Non-Isothermal Turbulent Flow with a k-omega turbulence model.
More Robust and Easier-to-use Solver for Stationary CFD and Fluid-Structure Interaction
Pseudo-time stepping is a method used for robust convergence towards a steady-state solution for fluid flow. The new pseudo-time
stepping method is available for all stationary flow physics user interfaces as well as for fluid-structure interaction.
It is faster for simple models and more roboust for large models. The CFL number is now controlled by a PID regulator instead of
a built-in expression which makes the solver settings much easier to adjust. These improvements will be noticeable when using any of
the fluid flow user interfaces of COMSOL Multiphysics and add-on modules.
Reacting Flow
A Reacting Flow user interface for Laminar and Turbulent Mass Transport is now available in the CFD Module. It is a combination of
laminar or turbulent single-phase flow with transport of concentrated species and includes turbulent wall functions for mass transport,
turbulent reaction modeling, and reaction kinetics. Turbulent reaction modeling is based on the so-called eddy dissipation concept (EDC).
Two built-in algebraic models, Kays-Crawford and High-Schmidt number, automatically compute the Schmidt number.
One-Way Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)
Two new study types for FSI are available: Stationary, One-way Coupled and Time-dependent, One-way Coupled. These study types first
solve for the fluid flow and then for the elastic solid. Other physics can be included in either or both study steps. Previously,
two-way coupled FSI was available. Solving for One-way Coupled FSI can be more efficient when there is no coupling from the solid
back on the fluid - that is, no momentum transfer from the structure ”flexing back” on the fluid. The FSI options require one of the Structural
Mechanics or MEMS Modules. More advanced fluid flow options are available with one of the CFD or the Heat Transfer Modules.
Moist Air and Condensation
The Heat Transfer Module now has an added Moist air fluid type for Heat Transfer in Fluids,
Conjugate Heat Transfer, and Non-Isothermal Flow. This new option includes thermodynamic properties
of unsaturated humid air and adds dedicated postprocessing variables for verifying if the saturation
limit has been reached and there is risk of condensation. A typical application would be to avoid
water formation in a flow channel for preventing corrosion.
Load Cases for Heat Transfer
Load cases for heat transfer are now available using the same load and constraint group concept as
previously available for structural mechanics. Load groups are used for defining sets of heat sources
and heat fluxes. Constraint groups are used for fixed temperature conditions. Load cases with load and
constraint groups are available for all heat transfer user interfaces.
A new condensation indicator variable is used to visualize locations where there is increased risk of
condensation. In this simulation of a flow channel with a heat sink and a cold plate, the saturation
limit is reached close to the cold plate.
New Benchmark Examples
A new benchmark example computes the radial pressure distribution and flow rate through a rotating
Lab-on-a-Chip (LOAC) platform. The flow through the device is a result of centrifugal and Coriolis forces.
The results compare well with the referenced publication. Centrifugal and Coriolis forces are easily added
as user-defined volume forces by typing expressions in terms of density, angular velocity, fluid velocity,
and radial distance.
A split and recombine micromixer channel showing mixing of a tracer fluid by multi-lamination. Higher-order
finite elements are used for accurately capturing the sharp diffusion interfaces.
A second benchmark example of a split and recombine mixer channel shows a tracer fluid that is introduced and
mixed by multi-lamination. Diffusion is removed from the model using an extremely low diffusion coefficient so that
any numerical diffusion can be studied in the lamination interfaces. The results compare well with the referenced
publication in both the lamination patterns and total pressure drop across the mixer.
Streamlines visualized in a rotating Lab-On-A-Chip (LOAC) platform. Both centrifugal and
Coriolis forces are accounted for. These effects are very easy to introduce as user-defined volume forces.
SCCM Inflow, Internal Constraints, and Y-Junctions
The inflow condition for Pipe Flow now has a SCCM (standard cubic centimeter per minute) option. This makes it
possible to specify a normal-volume based flow.
Internal temperature and pressure constraints can now be set. This is needed for circulating flow and other configurations.
The previously available T-junction option now also supports Y-junctions.
Reacting Flow and User-defined Reaction and Species Settings
The Chemical Reaction Engineering Module includes a new laminar Reacting Flow user interface. It is a combination
single-phase flow with transport of concentrated species and offers a reaction feature and pseudo-time stepping for
both the species and the momentum equations. The CFD Module offers an extended turbulent version of the Reacting Flow user interface.
Several input fields in the Reaction and Species nodes in the Reaction Engineering user interface have been equipped with a new
Automatic/User Defined option. In addition, the User Defined option comes equipped with a Reset to Default button in order to generate
the default automatically available expression, which can then be manually edited.
One of the tutorials of the Chemical Reaction
Engineering Module, Isoelectric Separation, simulates a separation process in which an electric field divides a stream
containing six different ionic species into pure component streams.
Capacity Fade in a Lithium-Ion Battery and Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) Layer
The Capacity Fade in a Lithium-Ion Battery tutorial has been updated with an SEI layer computation. This 1D model
demonstrates how to use the Events interface to simulate battery capacity loss during cycling. The battery is switched
between constant voltage and constant current operation, both during charge and discharge. Cycleable lithium is lost
and the resistance of the SEI layer increases in the negative electrode due to a parasitic lithium/solvent reduction reaction.
The SEI layer potential drop of a lithium-ion battery simulation is plotted for 10 cycles.
Average Solid Particle Concentration
For porous electrodes in the Lithium-Ion Battery user interface, a new liion.cs_average variable has been introduced.
The variable represents the average solid particle concentration in the electrode particles. Similarly a variable
batbe.cs_average is available for the Battery with Binary Electrolyte user interface.
Separator Domains
For the Tertiary Current Distribution, Nernst-Planck user interface, you can now add a Separator domain node to model
electrolyte charge and mass transport in an electronically isolating porous matrix.
Film Resistance
For resistance modeling in electrochemistry due to passivation and growing oxide layers, a new Film Resistance modeling
option is available. If a resistive film forms on the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte, this will result
in additional potential losses. Film Resistance is introduced for all boundary conditions that model an interface between
an electrolyte and an electrode.
Fountain Flow Effects on a Rotating Wafer
This new modeling example explores the convective flow effects in a cell with a rotating wafer. Electrolyte enters the
cell from the bottom and flows towards the rotating wafer where copper is deposited. The laminar swirl-flow profile, the
concentration of copper, the electrolyte potential, and the electric potential of the thin wafer are computed. The geometry
is represented in two dimensions with axial symmetry. This model requires both the Electrodeposition Module and the CFD Module.
Film Resistance
For resistance modeling in electrochemistry due to passivation and growing oxide layers, a new Film Resistance modeling
option is available. If a resistive film forms on the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte, this will result
in additional potential losses. Film Resistance is introduced for all boundary conditions that model an interface between
an electrolyte and an electrode.
Crevice Corrosion, Corrosion Protection of an Oil Platform, Galvanized Nail, and Diffuse Double Layer Examples
Five new tutorial models are available in the Corrosion Module:
A new model exemplifies the basic principles of crevice corrosion and how a time-dependent study can be used to
simulate the electrode deformation.
A second example of crevice corrosion models corrosion of iron in a buffer solution of pH 4.8, formed by equal
amounts of acetic acid and sodium acetate. The model combines electrochemical dissolution of iron on the crevice
walls together with heterogenous equilibrium reactions in the electrolyte.
A new corrosion protection tutorial shows primary current distribution of a corrosion protection system of an
oil platform using sacrificial aluminum anodes.
A new 1D verification model of a diffuse double layer shows how to couple Poisson's equation for the potential
to the Nernst-Planck equations for ion transport in order to model the diffuse double layers, without charge neutrality,
in a cell with a binary (1:1) electrolyte.
A new example model of a galvanized nail shows how to first set up a galvanic corrosion cell to model a stationary
secondary current distribution problem, and then how to expand the model by adding mass transfer to model a tertiary
current distribution.
A galvanic corrosion simulation of a galvanized nail.
Film Resistance
For resistance modeling in electrochemistry due to passivation and growing oxide layers, a new Film Resistance
modeling option is available. If a resistive film forms on the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte,
this will result in additional potential losses. Film Resistance is introduced for all boundary conditions that
model an interface between an electrolyte and an electrode.}