“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” –Albert Einstein A passionate and curious intellectual, Albert Einstein is considered one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century. The German-born mathematician and physicist made numerous discoveries throughout his lifetime. Most notably, he developed the special and general theories of relativity. For discovering the law of the photoelectric effect, he earned a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

Many types of analyses benefit from running the COMSOL Multiphysics® software on high-performance computing (HPC) hardware. This is one of the main reasons behind the Cluster Computing node, which helps seamlessly integrate the COMSOL® software with any kind of HPC infrastructure, while maintaining the convenience of a graphical user interface. In this blog post, learn how to run large simulations remotely on HPC hardware directly from the COMSOL Desktop® graphical environment.

Additive manufacturing has a wide array of applications, such as creating custom medical devices, aerospace components, and artwork. With the list of potential uses continuing to grow, it’s important that this type of manufacturing can keep up with the demand. However, analyzing and optimizing this complex process can be difficult. What can engineers do to overcome this challenge?

The foundation of a tunnel, dam, building, or other structure can be analyzed with a method called triaxial testing. Performing triaxial tests before, during, and after construction helps to ensure that structures are safe and reliable. To better understand the mechanics of soil and improve a structure’s stability, you can model the loading and unloading curves for a triaxial testing apparatus and test the soil’s model parameters in the COMSOL Multiphysics® software.

Today, guest blogger René Christensen of GN Hearing discusses including thermoviscous losses in the topology optimization of microacoustic devices. Topology optimization helps engineers design applications in an optimized manner with respect to certain a priori objectives. Mainly used in structural mechanics, topology optimization is also used for thermal, electromagnetics, and acoustics applications. One physics that was missing from this list until last year is microacoustics. This blog post describes a new method for including thermoviscous losses for microacoustics topology optimization.

Guest blogger Mandar Gadgil of Noumenon Multiphysics discusses modeling phase change in a thermosiphon. Thermosiphons have been used for keeping houses warm since the 1800s. These devices use central heaters and pipe networks that carry water and steam to different rooms. The cool part (figuratively) is that no pump is needed for fluid transport — convective currents induced by the heater located at the bottom of an installation are enough. Let’s discuss modeling thermosiphons using a “pseudofluid” with temperature-dependent properties.

Each year, the COMSOL Conference brings the simulation community together to advance modeling skills and discuss innovations in science and engineering. Attendees come to the conference from a wide range of technical backgrounds and industries, and the event offers something for everyone. Keep reading for four reasons why you should attend the COMSOL Conference this year.

In 1801, the building around a glassmaker apprentice named Joseph von Fraunhofer collapsed, trapping him in rubble. While he didn’t know it at the time, this dramatic event (and resulting encounter with a prince-elector and politician) set him on the path toward improving the field of optics…

Frances Spence was an American mathematician and one of the first computer programmers in history. She is best known for her work as a programmer of the first digital computer, Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC). Although she helped program the computer during WWII, her contributions to computer programming have only recently been recognized.

Due to their small size and efficiency, compact heat exchangers are used in many application areas, including HVAC, nuclear power, and electronics. To help increase heat transfer rates and reduce pressure drops in these devices, a large number of studies have been performed, exploring concepts such as incorporating a deforming wall into the design. Using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software, you can evaluate a dynamic wall heat exchanger design.