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Solve
1. Let dy = y2 y1
2. Let dx = x2 x1
3. Solve for y2 y2 = 2x1(x2 x1) + y1
Analytical
This is just one approach in a family of methods called the Finite Difference Method.
Comsol uses the Finite Element Method. That requires not only discretization of the
system but also iterative calculations in order to converge on a unique solution for your
problem.
Plot courtesy of Travis Campbell
Many physics modules combined in one software package that
allows for communication between modules.
Modules
Fluid flow, heat transfer, electrical, chemical reaction, stress analysis
No slip at wall
Ignore gravity
Isothermal conditions
Steady state
Cylindrical coordinates
2 cm water
Outlet: P=0
Building a model
1. Select relevant physics modules
2. Build geometry
3. Define materials
4. Define boundary conditions (and initial
conditions if necessary)
5. Build mesh
6. Solve!
Comsol interface
Examples:
Flow through pipe 2D
axisymmetric
Axis of rotation
This step is not necessary for our model. For other models
that involve multiple shapes, Form Union will link the
separate shapes into one object
Define materials in your system
Define the inlet condition. For this model well use laminar inflow and flow rate. Well define an entrance
length of 0.5m which should be more than sufficient for the flow to fully develop (L/D=0.6*Re)
Define the outlet
Set the sequence type to Physics-controlled mesh and keep the element size as
Normal. The mesh describes the matrix that will contain our complete solution.
Comsol computes a solution at every node of the mesh. A tighter mesh results in
higher resolution results but longer computing time.
Run the simulation
Click it.
Search comsol tutorial online. First result is a pdf that walks through
another example. It has good explanations of the interface.
There is a lot of built-in functionality that we did not cover. Click around and
explore. This is expensive software offered free by COE!