Changing dimension, geometry and meshing in joule heating module

Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam

Hi,

I have a model where I need to add a function of Temperature to change dimensions of sides of an octagonal shape. In my case, let's say side 1,3,5,7 will increase length and to maintain the shape side 2,4,6,8 will contract from both ends. The change of length dimension will be a function of temperature. Can someone please guide me how to do it? Thank you. I guess moving mesh is an option, but this is a unique case for me. Thank you.


2 Replies Last Post 27 gen 2025, 08:39 GMT-5

Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam

Posted: 3 days ago 24 gen 2025, 18:38 GMT-5

I think you want to model thermal expansion due to temperature variation. This is a built-in multiphysics coupling using Solid Mechanics and Heat Transfer in Solids. No need for moving mesh.

I think you want to model thermal expansion due to temperature variation. This is a built-in multiphysics coupling using Solid Mechanics and Heat Transfer in Solids. No need for moving mesh.

Jeff Hiller COMSOL Employee

Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam

Posted: 3 hours ago 27 gen 2025, 08:39 GMT-5
Updated: 3 hours ago 27 gen 2025, 08:44 GMT-5

Hello Rayian,

As David pointed out, thermal expansion in solids is pre-implemented in the software. Note that this is a feature found in the optional Structural Mechanics Module and in the optional MEMS Module. To see if your license includes either of these two products, go to File > Licensed and Used Products.

It is also possible to add thermal expansion without either of those modules by adding terms to the equations, as illustrated in this tutorial.

Best regards,

Jeff

-------------------
Jeff Hiller
Hello Rayian, As David pointed out, thermal expansion in solids is pre-implemented in the software. Note that this is a feature found in the optional Structural Mechanics Module and in the optional MEMS Module. To see if your license includes either of these two products, go to File > Licensed and Used Products. It is also possible to add thermal expansion without either of those modules by adding terms to the equations, as illustrated in [this tutorial](https://www.comsol.com/model/thermal-microactuator-simplified-16357). Best regards, Jeff

Reply

Please read the discussion forum rules before posting.

Please log in to post a reply.

Note that while COMSOL employees may participate in the discussion forum, COMSOL® software users who are on-subscription should submit their questions via the Support Center for a more comprehensive response from the Technical Support team.