COMSOL Multiphysics^® 6.3 Release Highlights

For users of the Composite Materials Module, COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.3 provides new microstructure geometry parts, a material library for composite materials, and four new tutorial models. Learn more about these updates below.

New Microstructure Geometry Parts

A new microstructure geometry part for bidirectional spread-tow fiber composites is now available. This part features a unit cell with fiber strands arranged in a plain weave, embedded within a matrix. You can find it in the Part Libraries under the COMSOL Multiphysics branch, within the Unit Cells and RVEs folder. This part is showcased in the Dome Tweeter with Composite Diaphragm — Eigenfrequency Analysis tutorial model.

Additionally, a new add-in to generate geometry parts for random-particulate composites has been added under the COMSOL Multiphysics branch of the Add-in Libraries window.

Composites Material Library Folder

The new built-in folder for Composites is divided into three groups of materials: fiber constituents, matrix constituents, and laminae. This functionality makes it easier to set up models with common types of composite plies. You can view these new materials being used in the following tutorial models:

• composite_dome_tweeter_eigen (new)
• composite_cylinder_micromechanics_and_stress_analysis
• composite_multiscale
• composite_wheel_rim
• ply_drop_off_in_a_composite_panel
• layered_shell_structure_connection
• stacking_sequence_optimization
• progressive_delamination_in_a_laminated_shell
• homogenization_of_periodic_microstructures

Layered Shell Interface Improvements

There are four main improvements to the Layered Shell interface:

1. The kinematics has been improved to account for large deformations.

2. A new coordinate system, Layer Local System, has been added to several physics features.

3. Solver suggestions for multiphysics problems have been improved.

4. The Creep, Viscoplasticity, and Polymer Viscoplasticity material models can now be used together with hyperelastic material models.

   • Note that the Creep, Viscoplasticity, and Polymer Viscoplasticity material models require the Nonlinear Structural Materials Module.

New Tutorial Models

COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.3 brings several new tutorial models to the Composite Materials Module.