COMSOL Multiphysics^® 6.3 Release Highlights

Nonlinear Structural Materials Module Updates

For users of the Nonlinear Structural Materials Module, COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.3 provides performance improvements, new material models for pressure-dependent plasticity, and several new tutorial models. Learn more about these updates below.

Performance Improvements

The computational cost of assembly operations for creep, plasticity, shape memory alloys, and viscoplasticity has been significantly reduced.

The COMSOL Multiphysics UI showing the Model Builder with the Creep node highlighted, the corresponding Settings window, and two turbine stator models in the Graphics window.

The Settings window for the Creep feature and models of the equivalent creep strain and temperature in a turbine stator blade.

Plasticity Improvements

A new Backward Euler, damped algorithm is available for the Plasticity feature. The new method is intended to improve robustness for highly nonlinear plasticity models. In addition, a new Modified Johnson–Cook isotropic hardening model is available.

The COMSOL Multiphysics UI showing the Model Builder with the Plasticity node highlighted, the corresponding Settings window, and a stent model in the Graphics window.

The Settings window for the Plasticity feature and a model of the stress in a biomedical stent.

Pressure-Dependent Plasticity

A new Pressure-Dependent Plasticity subnode has been added to the Linear Elastic Material, Nonlinear Elastic Material, and Hyperelastic Material nodes in the Solid Mechanics interface. This new class of material models can handle large compressive strains and is enhanced with compression cap and tension cutoff models.

The Settings window for the Pressure-Dependent Plasticity subnode and the equivalent plastic strain of a battery.

New Tutorial Models

COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.3 brings the following new tutorial models to the Nonlinear Structural Materials Module.

Diaphragm Accumulator

Displacement of the rubber membrane in a diaphragm accumulator.

Application Library Title:
diaphragm_accumulator
Download from the Application Gallery

Phase-Field Modeling of Dynamic Crack Branching

A 2D tension test model showing the first principal stress and crack path.

First principal stress and crack path in a dynamic mode I tension test.

Application Library Title:
dynamic_crack_branching
Download from the Application Gallery

Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite Actuators in a Robotic Manta Ray

Two ionic polymer–metal composite beams control the fin motion in a robotic manta ray.

Application Library Title:
mantarayIPMC
Download from the Application Gallery

COMSOL Multiphysics® 6.3 Release Highlights