multiphysicssamenwerkingen

Multiphysics is a field of study and a computational approach that deals with systems where multiple physical phenomena interact and influence each other. These phenomena can include a wide range of physical principles such as structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, electromagnetism, acoustics, and chemical reactions. In a multiphysics problem, the governing equations for each individual physical phenomenon are coupled, meaning that the solution to one phenomenon depends on the solution to others, and vice versa. This coupling can be direct or indirect.

For example, consider the problem of a vibrating beam that is also heated. The mechanical vibrations might cause stress and strain, which in turn could affect the material's thermal conductivity. Simultaneously, the heat distribution within the beam will cause thermal expansion and potentially alter the material's stiffness, thereby influencing its vibrational behavior. This is a coupled thermal-structural multiphysics problem.

Solving multiphysics problems often requires specialized numerical simulation techniques, such as the finite element method (FEM) or finite volume method (FVM), which can handle the complex interactions between different physical domains. Software packages are available that provide tools for defining the geometry, material properties, boundary conditions, and governing equations for each physical domain, and then solving the coupled system. Applications of multiphysics simulations are found in numerous engineering and scientific disciplines, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical engineering, energy, and materials science, enabling engineers to design and optimize complex products and processes.