VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:39
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.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- no supporting information allowed during exam.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
| exercise | Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
-
Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
-