singlephysics

Single-physics refers to computational modeling and simulation that focuses on a single type of physical phenomenon, such as structural mechanics, fluid flow, heat transfer, or electromagnetics, while ignoring or simplifying interactions with other physics. In this approach, the governing equations for one domain are solved independently, often with assumptions that external influences are negligible or treated as boundary conditions only.

The single-physics methodology is common in engineering analyses where a straightforward, fast solution is required, or where the coupling between physics is weak enough that a decoupled solution is sufficiently accurate. For example, a structural engineer may analyze the stress distribution in a beam using linear elasticity alone, while a thermal engineer may model heat conduction without accounting for fluid convection. Software platforms such as ANSYS Mechanical, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, and COMSOL Multiphysics offer single-physics modules that provide tailored solvers and simplified meshing strategies for each discipline.

Compared with multiphysics coupling, single-physics models demand less computational resources, simpler preprocessing, and clearer convergence behavior. However, they cannot capture interaction effects (e.g., fluid–structure interaction, thermo‑electrical coupling) that may be critical in some designs. Consequently, the decision to use single‑physics or multiphysics simulations depends on the required fidelity, available computational capacity, and the specific engineering question being addressed.