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COMSOL Multiphysics® 6.0 Release Highlights

Pipe Flow Module Updates

For users of the Pipe Flow Module, COMSOL Multiphysics® version 6.0 brings a new predefined friction coefficient for non-Newtonian flow in pipes and a new option for modeling T-junctions. Read more about these features below.

Non-Newtonian Flow in Pipes

A new Herschel-Bulkley fluid model is now available for the Pipe Flow interface. This model is often used to describe the rheological behavior of non-Newtonian fluids and is a generalization of the Bingham and Power law models. The Herschel-Bulkley model allows you to simulate flow of fluids exhibiting viscoplastic behavior. Practical examples of such materials are greases, colloidal suspensions, starch pastes, toothpaste, paints, and drilling fluids.

A slurry transport model showing the pressure distribution in the Rainbow color table.
Pressure distribution in a pipe network model.

View screenshot

Improved Model for T-Junctions

The Pipe Flow interface now includes an additional option for the T-junction specification called Loss coefficient with respect to common branch, available in the T-junction node. This option automatically calculates the dimensionless loss coefficients accounting for a particular flow situation, for example, if the flow in the junction is joining or separating.

The COMSOL Multiphysics UI showing the Model Builder with the T-junction node highlighted, the corresponding Settings window, and a pipe network model in the Graphics window.
Velocity and pressure distribution in the pipe network with one joining and one separating junction.

New and Updated Tutorial Models

COMSOL Multiphysics® version 6.0 brings new and updated models to the Pipe Flow Module.

Topology Optimization of a District Heating Network

A rectangular pipe network with two heat producers shown in the Rainbow color table.
The optimal pipe network is plotted for a rectangular consumer layout with two heat producers. The optimization minimizes the cost of establishing and running the network, while ensuring that none of the household inhabitants freeze. Note that this model requires the Optimization Module.

Application Gallery Entry:
district_heating_optimization
Download from the Application Gallery

Stress in Cooling Pipeline Network

A pipeline network model showing the temperature distribution in the Heat Transfer color table.
Coupled analysis of flow, heat transfer, and structural deformation and stress in a pipeline network. The plot shows the temperature distribution in the pipeline.

Application Gallery Entry:
cooling_pipeline
Download from the Application Gallery