Check it out: COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2

By Anthony J. Lockwood

Dear Desktop Engineering Reader:

Disclaimer: I frequently perform contract editing and writing services for COMSOL. They are not paying me for this. DE is paying me as a freelance editor, since I am an independent contractor. Neither COMSOL nor DE suggested one word that I write. In fact, both left me completely alone.

That said, today's Check It Out concerns a web page for version 4.2 of the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation environment for designers, engineers, and scientists. Do not let that dot-2 fool you. This is a major release. Most companies would have named such a sweeping release version 5 or the 2012 edition.

First, three new application modules extend the core multiple physics functionality of COMSOL for the unique analysis imperatives of its discipline -- Microfluidics, Geomechanics, and Electrodeposition. The Microfluidics module is for studying microfluidic devices and rarefied gas flows. Think simulations of lab-on-a-chip do-dads, electrokinetic and magnetokinetic devices, inkjets, and vacuum systems. The Electrodeposition Module helps you understand, optimize, and control electrodeposition processes. That means it's for electrochemical processes like chrome plating, and applications like e-coating and electroforming of parts with thin and complex structures.

The Geomechanics Module is a specialized add-on to the Structural Mechanics Module, which itself has been extended. It helps you simulate geotechnical applications such as tunnels, excavations, slope stability, and retaining structures. It has interfaces for studying plasticity, deformation, and failure of soils and rocks, as well as their interaction with concrete and human-made structures.

Next, two new bidirectional CAD interface modules -- LiveLink for AutoCAD and LiveLink for SpaceClaim -- broaden the list of widely used CAD systems integrated with COMSOL. COMSOL's interface with the LiveLink for SolidWorks has been made tighter too. After that, geez, I really have no idea how many upgrades, new features, and improved or new functions there are. A lot.

COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2 offers new features, upgrades, and expansions throughout its specialized physics modules: AC/DC, Acoustics, Batteries & Fuel Cells, CFD, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Heat Transfer, Plasma, and RF. Mesh refinements, new plotting capabilities, a new report generator, some new solvers, new tools for the materials library, and general interface enhancements are some of the other areas spiffied up in this release.

Hit the link to see more about COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2. Hint: A click on most images will enlarge them. And way down on the bottom of the page you find a link to Workshops and Webinars. Trying COMSOL Multiphysics hands-on and watching it in action are recommended. It might surprise you how easy COMSOL Multiphysics makes it to do complex coupled physics analyses.

Thanks, pal. -- Lockwood

Anthony J. Lockwood
Editor at Large, Desktop Engineering