Getting Started with COMSOL Multiphysics®

Learn How to Use COMSOL Multiphysics® at Your Own Pace

Introduction / The Modeling Workflow

Learn how to set up and run a simulation. Duration: 46:18

This tutorial video provides you with an in-depth introduction to setting up and running a finite element model in COMSOL Multiphysics®. This is done through completing a sequence of steps, which we refer to as the modeling workflow. This streamlined modeling workflow is described in great detail as we show you how to develop and execute a multiphysics simulation from start to finish.

Follow along with this tutorial to see how to navigate the user interface, interact with the modeling environment, and guide you through the entire model building process.

The modeling workflow consists of the following steps:

  • Setting up the model environment
  • Building the geometry
  • Specifying material properties
  • Defining physics boundary conditions
  • Creating the mesh
  • Running the simulation
  • Postprocessing the results

You will also learn how to use the Application Builder, which allows you to transform a finite element model into an easy-to-use simulation application.

To demonstrate the use of the modeling workflow, we simulate the Joule heating of a busbar. The busbar is made of copper and contains bolts made of titanium. An electric potential is applied to the single bolt on one end. A pair of bolts on the other end of the busbar are grounded, thus establishing an electrical potential difference. The temperature in the busbar rises due to resistive heating. In this model, we will couple two physics, namely electrical currents and heat conduction.