Image Gallery

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COMSOL Multiphysics Version 4.3b

Cross-section

Cross-section

A 2D cross-section is created from a 3D geometry of a heat exchanger using tools available in COMSOL Multiphysics. Incremental analysis of 2D cross-sections provides additional insight into the underlying physics in complex models.

Curvilinear Coordinates

Curvilinear Coordinates

A model of an anisotropic s-shaped material was generated using the automated curvilinear coordinates feature in COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulation results reveal highly directed heat conduction through the material with heat originating at the center disk. These types of materials are used as passive coolers for flat screens and smart phones.

Swept Mesh

Swept Mesh

A model of silicon ICs soldered onto a circuit board was meshed using the enhanced automatic sweeping feature available in COMSOL Multiphysics. Automated sweeping substantially reduces the amount of user interaction required to create a structured mesh.

Multibody Dynamics Module

Helicopter Swashplate Mechanism

Helicopter Swashplate Mechanism

A model of the swashplate mechanism to control orientation of helicopter rotor blades was developed using the Multibody Dynamics Module. Transient simulation with both rigid and flexible blade designs provides insight into useful performance metrics such as blade deformation and lift force.

Reciprocating Engine

Reciprocating Engine

Model of a three-cylinder reciprocating engine developed using the Multibody Dynamics Module. Simulation results show the von Mises stress in a connecting rod during crankshaft rotation.

Wave Optics Module

Directional Coupler

Directional Coupler

A model of a directional coupler formed from two interacting waveguides was developed using the Wave Optics Module. The left waveguide is excited and the simulation results reveal the optical coupling between the waveguides through visualization of the electric field.

Self-focusing

Self-focusing

A model of a self-focusing Gaussian beam was developed using the Wave Optics Module and is important in the design of high-power laser systems. The simulation demonstrates 3D nonlinear wave propagation and the distribution of the index of refraction within the lens.

Molecular Flow Module

Film Deposition

Film Deposition

A model of gold film deposition via thermal evaporation was developed using the Molecular Flow Module. Transient simulation results confirm gold film thickness on both the sample and structures within the evaporator chamber.

Vacuum Systems

Vacuum Systems

A model of the adsorption and desorption of water in a load-lock vacuum system was developed using the Molecular Flow Module. Simulation results confirm the pressure in the vacuum chamber and load lock segments.

Semiconductor Module

Semiconductor Analysis

Semiconductor Analysis

Model of the DC characteristic of a MOS transistor was developed using the Semiconductor Module. Simulation results demonstrate transistor operation where an applied gate voltage turns the device on and then determines the drain saturation current.

Heat Transfer Module

Contact Switch

Contact Switch

A model of the electrical current and heat flow in a contact switch was developed using the Heat Transfer Module along with AC/DC and Structural Mechanics Modules. In this multiphysics simulation, the thermal and electrical apparent resistances of the contacts are coupled to the mechanical contact pressure at the interface.

Power Supply Cooling

Power Supply Cooling

The thermal behavior of a computer power supply unit (PSU) is simulated. These electronic enclosures typically include cooling devices to prevent electronic components from being damaged by excessively high temperatures. An extracting fan and a perforated grille induce an air flow in the enclosure to abate internal heating.

Greenhouse Heating

Greenhouse Heating

The greenhouse effect represents a well-known case of multi-wavelength radiative heating. This and similar phenomena can be simulated with the multi-wavelength surface-to-surface heat radiation from the Heat Transfer Module. Short-wavelength infrared radiation entering the structure is re-emitted from the ground as long-wavelength infrared and is trapped within the greenhouse thereby heating the interior in combination with convection.

Legend: A) Long-wavelength infrared light is reflected by the glass. B) Visible and short-wavelength infrared pass through the glass. C) Short-wavelength infrared light is absorbed and re-emitted as long-wavelength infrared. D) Visible light is reflected. E) Reflected visible light passes through the glass. F) Long-wavelength infrared light is reflected by glass and is trapped inside the greenhouse.

Heat Exchanger

Heat Exchanger

A model of a shell and tube heat exchanger was developed using the Heat Transfer Module. Heat exchange occurs between flowing water in the inner pipes and the air-filled shell. Simulation results reveal flow velocity, temperature distribution, and pressure within the vessel.

Electrochemistry Module

Impedance Spectroscopy

Impedance Spectroscopy

A model of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was developed using the Electrochemistry Module. Simulation reveals the system impedance displayed in Bode and Nyquist plots to illustrate the transition between kinetic and transport control for a range of reaction rates.

Cyclic Voltammetry

Cyclic Voltammetry

A model of cyclic voltammetry was developed using the Electrochemistry Module. During simulation, the potential at the working electrode is swept up and down while the current is recorded. This waveform provides information about the reactivity and mass transport properties of an electrolyte.

AC/DC Module

Single-turn Coil

Single-turn Coil

A model of a thin coil can be represented by an infinitely thin single-turn coil boundary using the AC/DC Module. The use of a coil boundary greatly simplifies simulation by eliminating the need to mesh the thickness of a thin coil thereby reducing the mesh count and memory usage.

RF Module

Plasmonics

Plasmonics

A model of a wire grating on a dielectric substrate was developed using the RF Module. Simulation of an electromagnetic plane wave at different angles of incidence (AOI) relative to the wire grating provides the transmission and reflection coefficients of refraction, diffraction, and specular reflection.