Multibody Dynamics Module Updates


For users of the Multibody Dynamics Module, COMSOL Multiphysics® version 6.4 introduces capabilities for joint modeling as well as automatic contact modeling between multiple objects. Read more about these updates below.

New Joints Interface

A new Joints interface has been introduced for analyzing mechanical assemblies connected by various types of joints. The available joint types, including hinges, sliders, and ball joints, are consistent with those found in the Multibody Dynamics interface. This addition streamlines the modeling of connections within the Solid Mechanics, Shell, and Beam interfaces. It is useful when the full capabilities of the Multibody Dynamics interface are not needed. View this new functionality in the Door Slam Analysis tutorial model.

The COMSOL Multiphysics UI showing the Model Builder with a Hinge Joint node highlighted, the corresponding Settings window, and a car door model in the Graphics window.
The Joints interface being used to add hinges to a model built using the Solid Mechanics interface.

Automatic Contact Modeling with Many Objects

To easily create models with a large number of possible contact interactions, a new type of contact modeling has been introduced that automatically sets up contact conditions between many objects arbitrarily. The Objects Falling in a Box tutorial model demonstrates this new functionality and the significantly improved workflow.

A tower of wooden blocks being hit by a ball. In this simulation, there are 56 objects that may interact with each other in ways that would otherwise be difficult to predict.

New Tutorial Models

COMSOL Multiphysics® version 6.4 brings two new tutorial models to the Multibody Dynamics Module.