The COMSOL Multiphysics® software offers several different formulations for solving turbulent flow problems: the L-VEL, algebraic yPlus, Spalart-Allmaras, k-ε, k-ω, low Reynolds number k-ε, SST, and v2-f turbulence models. These formulations are available in the CFD Module, and the L-VEL, algebraic yPlus, k-ε, and low Reynolds number k-ε models are also available in the Heat Transfer Module. In this blog post, learn why to use these various turbulence models, how to choose between them, and how to use them efficiently.

Many manufacturing processes already benefit from selective laser melting. The potential for combining this technique with high-melting materials is clear, but there are challenges to consider. For instance, these materials have a much narrower processing window. To better understand their behavior in selective laser melting, one research group built a model to analyze the thermal and fluid dynamics of laser beam-matter interaction. Their results generated further momentum in extending the use of this technique to process refractory metals.

Creating the geometry for your model is one of the first steps of setting up a simulation. In the COMSOL Multiphysics® software, there are many geometry operations, tools, and functionality that enable you to do this. These include geometric primitives; Boolean, partition, and transformation operations; work plane operations; and other CAD tools. Here, we highlight all of this functionality and, near the end, link to a video tutorial series that shows how to use them while building your model geometry.

When looking for a cost-effective feed network, engineers can turn to the Butler matrix as a potential solution. This passive beamforming feed network is used with phased array antennas, which have applications in upcoming technologies like 5G. To efficiently analyze and design Butler matrix feed networks, we can turn to the COMSOL Multiphysics® software and the add-on RF Module.

Do you ever find yourself performing the same modeling operations over and over again in each new model file that you work with? Or do you work with colleagues who send you model files that you have to manually add physics and features to? If so, you can greatly accelerate your workflow by using model methods, new in version 5.3 of the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. Let’s find out how.

Plasma modeling normally requires knowing the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) as well as transport properties like electron mobility and diffusivity. To accurately calculate these quantities with the Boltzmann equation, we must also know the electron density (and possibly the density of all species subject to electron impact reactions). However, the electron (and species densities) are outputs of a plasma model, resulting in a catch-22. Let’s take a look at how to overcome this challenge using an example app.

Have you ever wondered how to import the geometry of a printed circuit board (PCB) into the COMSOL Multiphysics® software and prepare it for meshing and analysis? Version 5.3 of the COMSOL® software has the tools to generate geometric objects from the 2D layouts of ECAD files, group them into easy-to-use selections for simulation setup, and automatically take care of the geometric complexity inherent to ECAD formats before meshing. We also have a new tutorial model to demonstrate this functionality.

You solved a model under certain assumptions. When you analyze the results, you find out that those assumptions do not hold. Now, you have to amend your analysis by incorporating new physics features or changing the study type. What if you could automate such processes? Today, we will discuss how to do so easily using the Model Method feature introduced in version 5.3 of the COMSOL Multiphysics® software.

Wall-bounded turbulent flows display extreme gradient close to the walls. The most accurate way to treat these gradients is to resolve them using a low Reynolds number model, which is computationally expensive. Industrial applications use wall functions, which model the flow closest to the wall rather than resolving it. Wall functions are robust and efficient, but not particularly accurate. New automatic wall treatment functionality in the COMSOL® software combines the benefits of wall functions and the low Reynolds number model.

Little-known functionality of the Study node is its ability to perform a programmatic sequence of operations, including solving; saving the model to file; and generating and exporting plot groups, results, and images. In this blog post, we take a closer look at this capability. If you use the COMSOL Multiphysics® software, there is a good chance you will find this information useful in your modeling work.