COMSOL Multiphysics^® 6.2 Release Highlights

CFD Module Updates

For users of the CFD Module, COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.2 provides large eddy simulation (LES) functionality for compressible flow, new RANS turbulence models for the High Mach Number Flow interface, and a new Incompressible Potential Flow interface for flow initialization. Read more about the updates below.

Large Eddy Simulation for Compressible Flow

The Large Eddy Simulation (LES) interfaces now include functionality for compressible flow that allows accurate modeling of the flow of gases at Mach numbers below 0.3. Typical applications include aerodynamics, for example, when modeling details in high-speed trains and airplane details during liftoff and landing.

LES can be used for nonisothermal and compressible flow up to Ma = 0.3. The plot shows the results from a wall jet benchmark model.

New Turbulence Models for High-Mach-Number Flow

Under the High Mach Number Flow section in the Fluid Flow branch, there are seven new turbulent flow interfaces for RANS models:Algebraic yPlus, L-VEL, Realizable k-ε, k-ω, SST, Low Re k-ε, and v2-f. These additions allow the CFD Module to now offer a wide range of turbulence models for the modeling of jets, nozzles, and airfoils operating at transonic and supersonic speeds.

High-Mach-number flow in a nozzle with rectangular cross section computed using the High Mach Number Flow, SST interface.

New Potential Flow Interface for Flow Initialization

In order to obtain faster solutions for flow problems, a new Incompressible Potential Flow interface has been introduced for flow initialization. This can be used to initialize more complex turbulence models and large eddy simulations and to model irrotational flow. You can see this new interface in use in the Large Eddy Simulation of a 3D Hill Geometry tutorial model.

The new Incompressible Potential Flow interface can be used for initialization of more advanced turbulence models and LES.

New and Updated Tutorial Models

COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.2 brings several new and updated tutorial models to the CFD Module.

Eppler Airfoil Transition

The flow around the Eppler 387 airfoil is computed using the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model both with and without the transition model. The results are compared with experimental values.

Application Library Title:
eppler_airfoil_transition
Download from the Application Gallery

FDA Benchmark Blood Pump

This benchmark model computes the turbulent flow field in a centrifugal blood pump. The computed wall shear stress can be used to predict damage that might occur to the blood passing through the pump.

Application Library Title:
fda_blood_pump_frozen_rotor
Download from the Application Gallery

Self-Lubricating Journal Bearing

A porous bushing is press-fitted to a bearing and saturated with a lubricant. It acts as a reservoir for the redistribution of the thin film of lubricant between regions of differing pressure.

Application Library Title:
self_lubricating_bearing
Download from the Application Gallery

Turbulent Flow Around a Factory Chimney

Turbulent flow around a factory chimney. The tutorial model studies the influence on the flow pattern of helical strakes used to reduce massive shedding of vortices during high winds.

Application Library Title:
chimney
Download from the Application Gallery

Squeeze Film Between Rectangular Porous and Nonporous Plates

Flow of a thin film of fluid in the gap between two rectangular plates, one of them with a porous layer. The flow is caused by the relative motion between the plates squeezing the liquid film.

Application Library Title:
squeeze_film_porous
Download from the Application Gallery