Master's Thesis
The Master’s Thesis is an autonomous and individual research work that each student will have to carry out under the guidance of a supervisor. Of course, it has to include the construction of an original multiphysics model.
The specific topic of the master’s thesis may be:
- Selected by the student among the proposals of the teaching staff.
- Proposed by the student within his/her field of interest.
The student will have the possibility to complement the modeling work by creating an application built from the generated multiphysics model. This additional task is recommended and appreciated, but is not mandatory.
Master's Thesis by Alumni
Quantum vs classical thermal model for resistive random access memories
Academic year: 2021/2022
Student: Enrique Moreno Pérez
Supervisor: Emilio Ruiz Reina
The computational complexity and time consumed have proven to be really effective in modeling the quantum thermal transport of a nanometer resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell. This is because classical and semiclassical approaches lead to results considerably far from quantum ones. In this work, a methodology for the characterization of the properties of the conducting filament has been introduced. For this purpose, simulation results have been combined with measurable data in the cell, as well as with the properties of the materials used in its construction.
Dye Lasers in COMSOL
Academic year: 2021/2022
Student: Nicolás Pasarelli
Supervisor: Emilio Ruiz Reina
In this Master Thesis, the computational implementation, in COMSOL Multiphysics software, for the physics of dye lasers was addressed. This physics is a semiclassical formalism in which the dye is represented as a set of discrete states, typically four, populated by electrons. Transitions between these states can be spontaneous or stimulated, and both types depend on the population of the two levels involved in the transition.
Optimization of n-PERT solar cell under Atacama Desert Solar Spectrum
Academic year: 2021/2022
Student: Pablo Ferrada Martínez
Supervisors: Benjamín Ivorra, Miriam Ruiz Ferrández and Emilio Ruiz Reina
The solar spectrum received in the Atacama Desert differs from the global standard, exhibiting very high irradiance values. In addition, the atmospheric composition leads to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Also, the response of photovoltaic solar cells to solar radiation depends on the spectrum. Therefore, it is necessary to consider local conditions to optimize PV devices, since most solar cells are designed for standard testing conditions.
Simulation of transport phenomena
in porous media to store
H2 and/or CO2 capture
Academic year: 2021/2022
Student: Héctor José González Pérez
Supervisors: Ricardo Torres Cámara, Joan Grau Barceló and Lluís Jofre Cruanyes
Understanding transport phenomena in geological porous media through pore-scale simulation models is a critical aspect for the development of new macroscopic models. It also allows to optimize operational parameters for managing hydrogen storage/production and long-term storage of carbon dioxide, all at the lowest possible cost and with the highest levels of safety.
Reactive transport at pore-scale with consideration of evolving geometry: applications to geosciences
Academic year: 2021/2022
Student: Guillermo Sánchez Guiscardo
Supervisors: Juan Manuel Paz García, Andrés Enrique Idiart and Elena Abarca
The deformation that occurs in minerals and rocks is caused by various phenomena such as sedimentation, erosion by wind or water, heating, cooling, pressure or chemical reactions. The latter is very important because it occurs continuously due to the multiple chemical elements found in the geosphere and atmosphere.
PETN Nitration Study in Continuous Reactor
Academic year: 2020/2021
Student: Héctor Mauricio Castro Estay
Supervisor: Juan Manuel Paz García
The present work studies the PETN nitration process in a continuous reactor. PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, C5H8N4O12) is a secondary high explosive substance widely used in the mining industry during the rock fragmentation process. We use COMSOL Multiphysics to study the exothermic chemical reaction that occurs in a reactor, both under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. Its subsequent implementation in a 3D model couples the fluid dynamics with the heat transfer, which is extracted from the system by means of an internal heat exchanger. The importance of the TFM lies in the relevance of the mining industry in Latin America, mainly in Chile which is the main copper producer in the world.
COMSOL model for the Capillary Breakup Extensional Electrorheometry (CaBEER) applied to functional inks
Academic year: 2020/2021
Student: Francisco Galindo Rosales
Supervisor: Emilio Ruiz Reina
Electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing is a technique based on the application of an electric field, capable of producing dots, lines and submicrometric patterns, and may represent a paradigm shift for printed electronics manufacturing. Magnetic inks are used in security document printing, which could benefit from the e-jet technique. This work contains the first attempt to develop a COMSOL Multiphysics model that contains the complete physics behind the capillary thinning process of a magnetic ink under the application of an external electric field.
Tribology Test Modeling to Obtain Material Wear Properties for Subsequent Optimization
Academic year: 2020/2021
Student: María Begoña Serrano Castillo
Supervisors: Benjamín Ivorra and Javier Gómez Sánchez.
This paper deals with the development in COMSOL Multiphysics of a standard pin-on-disk tribological test model to obtain the wear properties of the material and its subsequent optimization with MATLAB. Tribology studies are a complex task, due to the multidisciplinary and stochastic nature of these processes, such as surface topography, frictional heat, chemical reactions, etc. The model proposed for the analytical study of wear is simple in geometry. Wear is considered to occur on the part of the pin that comes in contact with the disc. The simulation and the process have been validated by means of bibliographic revision, with the objective that the set-up of the physical model can be used by the collaborating company, supervising the TFMs, once the experimental data have been collected.
Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy
Academic year: 2020/2021
Electron Beam Microscopy is a complex process based on the irradiation of an electron beam through a medium, producing molecular changes by absorbing part of the energy of the irradiated beam. The present work aims to study in COMSOL Multiphysics the physicochemical changes and processes over time by implementing the numerous kinetic-chemical equations that describe the system.
3D simulation of the spatial distribution of chemical species associated to the corrosion of the Zn-Fe couple
Academic year: 2020/2021
Student: Antonio Alexandre da Cunha Bastos
Supervisor: Juan Manuel Paz García.
This work presents a numerical simulation of the electrochemical processes and chemical species distribution that take place during the corrosion of the galvanic zinc-iron pair. Using microelectrodes, quantities such as current density in solution, pH, O2, Zn2+, Na+ and Cl- concentrations were measured. The simulation was performed with the electrochemistry tools provided by COMSOL Multiphysics within the physical interface of tertiary current distribution.
3D Simulation of Non-Linear Behavior in Low Frequency Electrodynamic Transducer
Academic year: 2020/2021
This work analyzes, by means of the finite element method with COMSOL Multiphysics, the nonlinear parameters inherent to a direct radiating loudspeaker, such as stiffness, force factor and inductance as a function of displacement. In addition, the results obtained in a 2D axisymmetric model and those obtained in a 3D model are compared, with the final objective of analyzing the computational discrepancies between the two models and establishing a set of guidelines to be followed for future simulations.
Heat Transfer Simulation in a Low-Frequency Electrodynamic Transducer
Academic year: 2020/2021
One of the most important technical parameters of a loudspeaker is the allowable electrical power. This is determined by several factors. Among them it is the temperature reached in the voice coil. This project proposes a multiphysics procedure for the evaluation of the heat transfer in the different parts of a low frequency electrodynamic loudspeaker, comparing it with laboratory experiments.
Development and experimental validation of a numerical model and optimization of VIM (Vacuum Induction Melting) technology for nickel-based superalloys
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Pablo García Michelena
Supervisor: Emilio Ruiz Reina.
We focus on the development of a numerical multiphysics modeling tool for vacuum induction heating and melting processes; and validate it experimentally in a semi-industrial scale experimental facility at Mondragon Unibertsitatea. Thanks to the developed model, it is possible to study the effect of each process parameter on the electromagnetic induction phenomenon and to identify those with greater relevance, as well as their mutual interaction.
Design and optimization of a space atmosphere simulation chamber
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Álvaro Vizcaíno de Julián
Supervisors: Ricardo Torres, Joan Grau Barceló, Alejandro Cifuentes López and Lluís Jofre Cruyanes.
Space atmosphere simulators are used to replicate different space conditions in a labaratory, such as temperature, pressure or radiation. The objective of these systems is to subject a sample to space conditions and study their effects. In the present work, the feasibility of cooling with nitrogen gas is studied, taking into account that all the elements of the cooling system connected to the sample holder must be flexible. The paper describes the sequence of the study carried out with COMSOL Multiphysics until the final solution is reached.
Simulation and optimization of an electro-dynamic loudspeaker designed for smart devices
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Lorenzo Aschieri
Supervisor: Carlos David Gómez.
In this work we simulate the set of electro-mechanical-acoustic transformations in a two-inch loudspeaker. Typically, these transducers are often used in the different smart devices available on the market, due to the performance required for small and medium-sized residential environments. An optimized compromise between cost and performance can ensure the success of these components.
Optimization of induction transfer systems
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Óscar García-Izquierdo Gango
Supervisors: Miriam Ruiz-Ferrández and Benjamín Ivorra.
The objective of this TFM is to contribute to the development of wireless load transfer systems. For this purpose, a design methodology based on the numerical simulation of the inductive system and its optimization by means of advanced algorithms is developed. This methodology allows finding the optimal solution to a specific problem. Both the function to be optimized and the control variables will be defined in such a way that it will be easy to adapt them to another problem with other particularities.
Analysis of the nonlinear behavior of a loudspeaker through an application designed in COMSOL Multiphysics
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Rafael Serra Giménez
Supervisor: Alejandro Cifuentes López.
We address the analysis of the non-linearities inherent to a direct radiating loudspeaker, through the design of an APP in COMSOL Multiphysics. This application allows to evaluate parameters such as stiffness and BI as a function of displacement, as well as the classical linear parameters evaluated in this type of transducers. We also analyze the frequency response of the loudspeaker.
Analysis of non-Newtonian fluid flow in 3D printheads
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Roberto Hernández Aguirresarobe
Supervisors: Ricardo Torres Cámara, Joan Grau Barceló, Alejandro Cifuentes López and Lluís Jofre Cruyanes.
This work uses COMSOL Multiphysics tools for the study of non-Newtonian material flows through 3D printing heads. The general configurations for the study of this type of materials are discussed. In addition, the solution of the non-Newtonian fluid flow through a direct extrusion 3D printing nozzle with pseudoplastic materials and conical geometry is shown.
Analysis of non-Newtonian fluid flow in 3D printheads
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Roberto Hernández Aguirresarobe
Supervisors: Ricardo Torres Cámara, Joan Grau Barceló, Alejandro Cifuentes López and Lluís Jofre Cruyanes.
This work uses COMSOL Multiphysics tools for the study of non-Newtonian material flows through 3D printing heads. The general configurations for the study of this type of materials are discussed. In addition, the solution of the non-Newtonian fluid flow through a direct extrusion 3D printing nozzle with pseudoplastic materials and conical geometry is shown.
Simulation of a fatigue cycle for total hip arthroplasty
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Nuno Eduardo Dias Gueiral
Supervisor: Carlos David González Gómez.
The model created is an example of numerical modeling of human joint biomechanics. In this case, we focus on the joint between the hip and the leg, which is subject to increased wear and tear throughout the human lifetime. For this purpose, we use the finite element method implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics.
Simulation of a solar panel cooling device by heat dissipation
Academic year: 2019/2020
Student: Jorge Villena García
Supervisor: Francisco Ángel Fernández Hernández.
The objective is to simulate the cooling efficiency of a solar energy installation with a heat sink device attached to the front side of the photovoltaic (PV) panels. One of the major problems of photovoltaic installations is the loss of performance due to the high temperatures reached during operation.