Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation Apps

June 1, 2015

Ryan Gehm

COMSOL has released COMSOL Multiphysics software version 5.1, which the company claims is the first and only integrated simulation environment for building multiphysics models and for creating and sharing easy-to-use simulation apps. Experts can create models with COMSOL Multiphysics, build simulation apps with the Application Builder, and share these apps with non-experts via COMSOL Server. COMSOL software version 5.1 allows users to seamlessly combine model setup with application design from within a single interface. Major upgrades include full integration between the Model Builder and Application Builder, improved layout tools for app design, and LiveLink for Excel capabilities in applications. While building an app, an engineer can switch between the Model Builder and Application Builder and make updates to both the model and app simultaneously. Customers also are able to run applications on multiple computers with COMSOL Server, allowing computations to be run on a separate machine from where the app is being launched. The updated Application Library in COMSOL Server features new grid, detail, and list views with information on which add-on products are needed to create a particular application. Existing functionalities of COMSOL Multiphysics and its add-on products also were enhanced. Ready-to-use parametric geometry components are now available to use with any module, and a library of dedicated parts has been created for the Microfluidics Module, Mixer Module, Ray Optics Module, and Structural Mechanics Module. Pictured is a demo app in which a rigid-body analysis of a truck-mounted crane is performed to find the payload capacity for the specified orientation and extension of the crane. The application also provides the usage of hydraulic cylinders and highlights the limiting cylinder.