COMSOL Modeling & Workflow

This course will provide students with a structured overview of the COMSOL Multiphysics environment and its core modeling workflow. The aim is to familiarize participants with the modeling interface, the creation and configuration of models, and basic numerical methods, with a focus on multiphysics applications. After taking this, you will know the basic utility and functionality of COMSOL Multiphysics for simulation in Science and Engineering. You will also be able to list, identify and use the basic modeling methods, such as model builder, component node, physics nodes, physics interface selection, model convergence and accuracy analysis, boundary conditions, etc.

Geometry generation, material selection and management and meshing process are necessary and important steps in the multiphysics modeling workflow. In this course we will use and study in depth all the tools available in COMSOL Multiphysics to perform them efficiently.

Finally, once the solutions have been calculated, it is necessary to undertake the final task of analyzing, representing, processing and extracting the required results. We will describe all the functionalities for the visualization and analysis of the results, as well as the management of datasets. We will show and practice the methods available for the extraction of derived values in tables, the generation of graphical representations, the management of graphical groups, the export of data and images and the generation of reports.

By the end of the course, students will be able to build simple and complex multiphysics models, define key physical and geometrical parameters, and visualize simulation results effectively.

    • Overview of the COMSOL interface and modeling environment.
    • Customizing the desktop: toolbars, preferences, and settings.
    • Building a basic model with COMSOL
    • Introduction to multiphysics interfaces.
    • Defining physics, equations, and boundary conditions.
    • Global and local definitions: parameters, variables, expressions.
    • Operators, constants, predefined functions, and templates.
    • Coordinate systems and coupling features.
    • Identity pairs and contact pairs.
    • Absorbing layers and infinite elements.
    • Visualization tools and graphical model control.
    • Named selections and user-defined views.
    • Extracting and processing results.
    • Introduction to numerical methods in COMSOL.
    • Finite element method (FEM) and shape function types.
    • Primitives and geometrical operations. 
    • Solid and boundary modeling.
    • Geometries in 1D, 2D y 3D. 
    • Exploration tools of geometrical properties.
    • External CAD data and parts library.
    • Material databases. 
    • Material generation.
    • Definition of properties.
    • Material functions.
    • Mesh tools.
    • Mesh operations.
    • Moving mesh.
    • Mathematical interfaces for controlling mesh deformation.
    • Visualisation and analysis of results.
    • Datasets.
    • Extraction of derived values.
    • Graphical representations.
    • Graphic groups.
    • Reports and export of data and images.

Image created using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software and courtesy of COMSOL.

COMSOL Modeling & Workflow

A structured introduction to the COMSOL Multiphysics environment, model creation workflow, meshing, materials and results analysis.

ECTS credits

5.0 ECTS

Teaching hours

15 hours

Instructors

Loyola Institute for Energy, Technology and Sustainability
Loyola University Andalusia
Department of Mechanical, Thermal and Fluids Engineering
University of Malaga
Technical Engineer
Addlink Software Científico
This course is taught as a common module in the Fundamentals program and in the Master’s Degree tracks, and can also be included in a custom program.

Course overview

This course provides students with a structured overview of the COMSOL Multiphysics environment and its core modeling workflow.

The aim is to familiarize participants with the modeling interface, the creation and configuration of models, and basic numerical methods, with a focus on multiphysics applications.

Students will learn the basic utility and functionality of COMSOL Multiphysics for simulation in science and engineering, including the Model Builder, component nodes, physics nodes, physics interface selection, convergence and accuracy analysis, and boundary conditions.

Geometry generation, material selection and management, meshing, visualization, datasets, derived values, graphical representations, data export and report generation are treated as connected steps in the modeling workflow.

Workflow areas covered

  • Model Builder and component structure.
  • Physics interface selection.
  • Definitions, variables and expressions.
  • Geometry generation.
  • Materials and property functions.
  • Meshing techniques.
  • Datasets, plots and derived values.
  • Reports, data export and image export.

Syllabus

Module 01

Introduction to COMSOL and basic modeling concepts

  • Overview of the COMSOL interface and modeling environment.
  • Customizing the desktop: toolbars, preferences, and settings.
  • Building a basic model with COMSOL.
  • Introduction to multiphysics interfaces.
  • Defining physics, equations, and boundary conditions.
Module 02

Definitions and model configuration

  • Global and local definitions: parameters, variables, expressions.
  • Operators, constants, predefined functions, and templates.
  • Coordinate systems and coupling features.
  • Identity pairs and contact pairs.
  • Absorbing layers and infinite elements.
Module 03

Visualization, selection, and numerical methods

  • Visualization tools and graphical model control.
  • Named selections and user-defined views.
  • Extracting and processing results.
  • Introduction to numerical methods in COMSOL.
  • Finite element method (FEM) and shape function types.
Module 04

Geometry, materials and mesh

  • Primitives and geometrical operations.
  • Solid and boundary modeling.
  • Geometries in 1D, 2D and 3D.
  • External CAD data and parts library.
  • Material databases, generation, properties and functions.
  • Mesh tools, mesh operations, moving mesh and mesh deformation.
Module 05

Analysis of results

  • Visualization and analysis of results.
  • Datasets.
  • Extraction of derived values.
  • Graphical representations and graphic groups.
  • Reports and export of data and images.

Learn the workflow before specializing in physics modules.

Continue reviewing the course catalog or visit the teaching team behind the program.