In the past, obtaining all of the simulation capabilities needed for complex and demanding modeling scenarios frequently meant combining several different software packages. ANSYS Multiphysics provides the analysis industry's most comprehensive coupled physics tool combining structural, thermal, CFD, acoustic and electromagnetic simulation capabilities into a single software product. With ANSYS Multiphysics, you are getting the entire ANSYS simulation suite in one convenient package!

Figure 1: Example of Multiphysics contact, where the current and resultant Joule heating in a switch contact is modeled as the switch is actuated. Mechanical, thermal and current flow are modeled using direct coupled field elements.

ANSYS Multiphysics integrates the power of direct (matrix) and sequential (load vector) coupling to combine the appropriate "physical fields" required for accurate, reliable simulation results in applications ranging from cooling systems, power generation, to biotechnology and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). The software easily simulates complex thermal-mechanical, fluid-structural and electrostatic-structural interactions, and includes the complete range of powerful ANSYS iterative, direct and eigenvalue matrix solvers.

	Figure 2: Example of Multi-filed solver analysis of a radiation heat transfer between a rolling cylinder and base plate.

The ANSYS Multiphysics solution provides the analysis industry's most advanced coupled physics technology. Within a single unified simulation environment, the ANSYS Multiphysics solution combines structural mechanics, heat transfer, fluid flow, acoustics and electromagnetic simulation capabilities. ANSYS Multiphysics allows engineers and designers to simulate the interaction between multiple physics and to create virtual prototypes of their designs. Applications involve everything from electronic components, sensors and actuators, electric motors, solenoids, power generators and transformer systems, to micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS).

Figure 3: ANSYS Multiphysics example: This model of a MEMS thermoelectric generator includes fluid-flow with combustion and a thermoelectric (Peltier) effect.

Coupled Physics Solutions

The ANSYS Multiphysics solution delivers two proven solution techniques for solving coupled-physics problems - the directly coupled-field elements and the ANSYS Multi-field Solver.  The two solution techniques contained in ANSYS Multiphysics provide the appropriate technology to solve an extremely broad range of industry applications.  Coupled-field problems such as induction heating, electrostatic actuation, Joule heating or fluid-structure interaction are all readily solved with the ANSYS Multiphysics solution. 

Directly Coupled-field Elements

The directly coupled-field elements allow a user to solve a coupled physics problem by employing a single finite element model with the appropriate coupled-physics options set within the element itself. The coupled-field elements account for physics coupling by calculating the appropriate element matrices or load vectors to account for the interaction between different physics disciplines. The directly coupled-field elements simplify the modeling of coupled-field problems by allowing a user to create, solve and postprocess a single analysis model for a wide variety of coupled-field problems.

Figures 4 and 5: Coupled-field element example: Piezoresistive pressure transducer, equivalent stress in the diaphragm and electric potential in the piezoresistive resistors are shown.

ANSYS Multi-field Solver

The ANSYS Multi-field solver allows a user to solve a coupled physics problem by using implicit sequential coupling.  The ANSYS Multi-field solver employs robust, iterative coupling where each physics discipline is solved sequentially, and convergence is obtained between the individual disciplines at each time point during the solution.  The multi-field coupling is based on customized inter-process communication technology, and no third party coupling software is required.

The ANSYS Multi-field Solver also supports a dissimilar mesh interface.  A dissimilar mesh interface allows a user to optimize the finite element mesh for each individual physics discipline.  It also allows independent users to set up their specific disciplines, which allows for the collaboration between physics experts.

Figures 6 and 7: Multi-field solver example: Electrostatic actuation of a MEMS micro-mirror, structural deformations and electric potential for the mirror are shown. (The electrostatic mesh automatically morphs based on the structural deformations.)

ANSYS Multiphysics Solution Benefits

The ANSYS Multiphysics solution is a unique offering with robust solver technology that reliably meets the analysis requirements of many companies.  To summarize the benefits of the ANSYS Multiphysics solution -

• The greatest breadth and technical depth of physics in an integrated package
• Best in class solver technology for single physics and Multiphysics solutions
• Enables virtual prototyping and reduced engineering assumptions
• Fewer analysis software tools to purchase, learn and maintain
• Allows for design optimization, design of experiments and probabilistic design for Multiphysics solutions
• One unified Multiphysics simulation environment

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