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Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:57
Abstract
This class introduces both theoretical and practical aspects related to the modeling and simulation of multiphysics systems. Students will learn how to set up multiphysics models systematically, and therefore reduce time-consuming trial-and-error. Comsol Multiphyics will be utilized to apply the concepts learned during the lectures to solve exercises.
Objective
As information technology continues its fast-paced evolution, solid-state devices and systems increase in complexity. Engineers and scientists are thus increasingly facing the need to model and simulate their problems numerically where analytic textbook solution cease to exist. Moreover, boundaries between traditional disciplines are harder to maintain, as a proper description of the system might involve phenomena from several domains. Examples include—but not limited to—mechatronics which relies on mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering, and transducers (sensors and actuators) which are by definition devices that convert signals from one physical domain to another. Simulation platforms such as Comsol Multiphysics have truly opened the way to easy multi-domain numerical simulation, offering tools that cover all operations from geometry definition, to meshing, to physics and boundary conditions setting to simulation and result post-processing and analysis in a unified, domain-independent fashion. However, this high degree of freedom has it price, as inexperienced users may face cryptic error messages, incomprehensible or even incorrect results. It is the mission of this course to show how to properly set up a problem by exposing some of the most common misconceptions and pitfalls in multiphysics modeling. Good practices will be taught that should simplify the modeling process and increase the likelihood of correct results. Examples will mainly come from the fields of mechanics (continuum solid mechanics), electromagnetism (electrostatics and conductive media), heat transfer (conductive not convective) and combinations of these domains.
Content
- Recap of ordinary and partial differential equations - The Finite Element Method (and the Method of Lines) - Numerical solvers - Geometry simplification and discretization - Continuous and discrete symmetries - Approximate and simplified formulations; domains of applicability - Boundary conditions and constraints - Solution-appropriate discretization; hp-refinement, local/global adaptive meshing - Ramping of nonlinearities and couplings - Coupling and segregation of multiphysics
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture handouts will be posted online.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Master in Micro and Nanosystems
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Doktorat Materialwissenschaft (Weitere Informationen unter: )
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