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comsol element reference and theory manual

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Dear all,

Depending on the module that is selected, the elements are selected automatically also I guess.

I have several questions related to this proposition if that is right, namely,

+ Is there a list of all the elements that are used in COMSOL? With the node ordering and related stuff? To interface the mesh to external software?

+ For instance, I conducted a modal analysis on a shell model and it uses 2nd order quad elements by default, which I could understand from the dof and node correspondence. Is there a way to select 1st order elements?

+ Also for the structural mechanics module, is there a way to do this selection to change the order?

+ There is also no theory manual for COMSOL, right, that would also be nice to show exactly what is implemented in the software.

Best


2 Replies Last Post May 17, 2013, 10:13 a.m. EDT
Jim Freels mechanical side of nuclear engineering, multiphysics analysis, COMSOL specialist

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Posted: 1 decade ago May 17, 2013, 10:12 a.m. EDT
Yes, you can easily change the order of the finite-element basis. YOu have to first make sure you can see all the options available by choosing in the options or selecting from the top-down menu. In my case, for example, I always choose to see everything. Then, for any physics, find the "discretization" select menu. Here, you will find what the element order is presently. You can select to change it to whatever you want. I routinely select between linear & quadratic, and occasionally cubic. But most physics offer even higher-order elements. Quite powerful !
Yes, you can easily change the order of the finite-element basis. YOu have to first make sure you can see all the options available by choosing in the options or selecting from the top-down menu. In my case, for example, I always choose to see everything. Then, for any physics, find the "discretization" select menu. Here, you will find what the element order is presently. You can select to change it to whatever you want. I routinely select between linear & quadratic, and occasionally cubic. But most physics offer even higher-order elements. Quite powerful !

Jim Freels mechanical side of nuclear engineering, multiphysics analysis, COMSOL specialist

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Posted: 1 decade ago May 17, 2013, 10:13 a.m. EDT
AS far as theorty, most of the physics include enough of the theory within the users and/or reference manuals. Have you examined the manuals ?
AS far as theorty, most of the physics include enough of the theory within the users and/or reference manuals. Have you examined the manuals ?

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