Tips & Tricks

Adaptive Meshing for CFD

Developing solutions using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) often challenges simulation engineers. These simulations may require long computational times and large amounts of computer memory. AltaSim regularly solves complex CFD problems and finds that meshing is a critical component for run-time and computer memory issues. To help you solve your CFD problems with less frustration and […]

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Temperature-Dependent Coefficients of Thermal Expansion

Making accurate physics predictions using simulations requires a knowledge of the material properties and how to implement them correctly in the software. This is particularly important in analyses involving thermal expansion when the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the materials vary significantly with temperature. For example, optical devices that operate in the vacuum of

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How to Export Plot Data in COMSOL Multiphysics

Post processing is the last of the five primary steps of simulation development. This step represents the payoff from all the hard work of the previous steps, and it drives the deeper understanding of the design that engineers obtain though simulation. A simulation engineer can significantly improve their understanding, and better communicate that understanding, when

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Solver Improvement in COMSOL Multiphysics Version 5.6

At AltaSim, we await COMSOL’s improvements to their software with great anticipation.  We take time to evaluate these changes to determine what we can use to better serve our clients.  Based on our review, we also pass on our insights via Tips & Tricks. Version 5.6 of COMSOL Multiphysics has introduced serval solver improvements that

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Data Storage Options for Dynamic Simulations

Many simulations are quasi-static, or steady state, because the results are independent of time.  Time dependent simulations introduce additional challenges over time independent cases.  The data generated during a time dependent simulation could be many gigabytes.  Thus, the simulation engineer needs to balance the volume of output data with their needs for data at critical

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Model Parameterization, Part Two: Ball, Box and Cylinder Selections

In last month’s Tips and Tricks article AltaSim introduced the topic of model parametrization, describing the process and a few of the benefits.  Effective parametrization of a model file takes time and thought to implement correctly.  This article will extend the approach discussed in Part 1 to include one important recommendation for robust geometric parametrization. 

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Model Parameterization, Part One

When learning to use a simulation software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, users typically focus on learning the fundamental tools and steps for building a model and getting results, e.g. geometry building, applying boundary conditions, defining material properties, meshing and post-processing.  These skills are crucial for developing a working and useful model, so it is a great place to start. Once a user has acquired these basic skills for getting a working model, AltaSim

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