New Simulation Functionalities in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1

Improvements for those simulating fluid-mechanics, acoustics, electrification and more.

With the release of COMSOL’s Multiphysics 6.1, the simulation company focused on improving its ability to simulate fluid-mechanical, acoustics and vehicle electrification problems.

“This version provides our users with powerful multiphysics simulation tools in areas of highly competitive R&D, like audio technology and vehicle electrification,” says Bjorn Sjodin, VP of product management at COMSOL. “We have also strengthened the software’s foundation with new capabilities for optimization and the modeling of turbulent flow and mechanical contact.”

Stress and deformation simulation of two metal tubes using the new mechanical contact in Multiphysics 6.1. (Image courtesy of COMSOL.)

Stress and deformation simulation of two metal tubes using the new mechanical contact in Multiphysics 6.1. (Image courtesy of COMSOL.)

For fluid-mechanics, the CFD module has added a high-fidelity turbulent flow model in the form of detached eddy simulation (DES). The aim of this model is to give the accuracy of large eddy simulations (LES) with less computational loads. There is also a new method to assign mechanical contact in the Structural Mechanics and MEMS modules. This contact functionality for solids, shells and membranes enables the user to assign self-contacting surfaces. Finally, there is a new way to assign materials to thin structures making the assessments of gaskets, adhesives and claddings easier.

Engineers that model speakers and microphones might be interested in the new thermoviscous acoustics tools. These tools are targeting the growing user base in the smartphone speaker, earbud and hearing aid businesses.

“The functionality in this release completes the Acoustics Module simulation environment for analyzing electrovibroacoustics of microtransducers and microacoustic systems,” says Mads Herring Jensen, acoustics technology manager at COMSOL.

A thermoviscous acoustics simulation of the radiated intensity from a smartphone microspeaker. (Image courtesy of COMSOL.)

A thermoviscous acoustics simulation of the radiated intensity from a smartphone microspeaker. (Image courtesy of COMSOL.)

For simulation users working on vehicle electrification, COMSOL has added various functionalities to its Battery Design Module including the ability to assess thermal runaway propagation simulations. As for those that use the AC/DC module, they will now be able to rapidly lay out motor windings and magnetic arrays to improve the design and assessments of electric motors.

New functionalities improve the workflow to assess electric motors. (Image courtesy of COMSOL.)

New functionalities improve the workflow to assess electric motors. (Image courtesy of COMSOL.)

“I am excited about our new user interface for battery packs,” says Henrik Ekstrom, electrochemistry technology director at COMSOL. “It will be very practical for battery developers interested in charge–discharge dynamics and thermal management simulations.”

As the name suggests, COMSOL Multiphysics has a lot of tools and functionalities under its belt, so consider the above-mentioned improvements to be a short list of highlights. For other improvements that might catch the eyes of simulation users, consider this list provided by the version 6.1 press release:

  • Reports and CAD assembly version control in the Model Manager
  • Automated ECAD simplification during imports
  • Milling manufacturing constraints for topology optimizations
  • Inverse uncertainty quantification and multidimensional interpolation
  • Magnetohydrodynamics simulations and a companion library of liquid metals
  • Flowmeter analysis (coupled piezoelectric, structural, acoustics and fluid flow effects)
  • Ultrasound-induced fluid motion simulations for acoustic streaming applications
  • Fuel impurity effects on fuel cell performance analysis
  • Lightning-induced damage to electronic components via electrostatic discharge (ESD) simulation
  • Thermal analysis of orbiting satellites

Written by

Shawn Wasserman

For over 10 years, Shawn Wasserman has informed, inspired and engaged the engineering community through online content. As a senior writer at WTWH media, he produces branded content to help engineers streamline their operations via new tools, technologies and software. While a senior editor at Engineering.com, Shawn wrote stories about CAE, simulation, PLM, CAD, IoT, AI and more. During his time as the blog manager at Ansys, Shawn produced content featuring stories, tips, tricks and interesting use cases for CAE technologies. Shawn holds a master’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Guelph and an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.