Multiphysics Uncertainty Quantification

Category: 解析 | Integrated 2026-04-06
CAE visualization for uncertainty multiphysics theory - technical simulation diagram
マルチフィジックスの不確かさ定量化

Theory and Physics

Overview

🧑‍🎓

Teacher! Today's topic is about uncertainty quantification in multiphysics, right? What is it all about?


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Uncertainty propagation in multiphysics fields. Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE). Latin Hypercube Sampling. Robust Design.




Governing Equations




$$ \hat{Y} = \sum_{\alpha} c_\alpha \Psi_\alpha(\xi) $$
$$ P(Y > Y_{cr}) = \int_{Y > Y_{cr}} f_Y(y)dy $$



🧑‍🎓

I see. So, if the multiphysics part is done, we're basically good to go for now?


Discretization Methods

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How do we actually solve these equations on a computer?


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We use spatial discretization by the Finite Element Method (FEM). We assemble the element stiffness matrix and construct the global stiffness equation.


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We perform transformation to the Weak Form (variational form) and use formulation by the Galerkin method using test functions and shape functions. The choice of element type (low-order elements vs. higher-order elements, full integration vs. reduced integration) directly affects the trade-off between solution accuracy and computational cost.




Matrix Solution Algorithms

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What exactly are matrix solution algorithms?


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We solve the system of equations using direct methods (LU Decomposition, Cholesky Decomposition) or iterative methods (CG Method, GMRES Method). For large-scale problems, preconditioned iterative methods are effective.



SolverClassificationMemory UsageApplicable Scale
LU DecompositionDirect MethodO(n²)Small to Medium Scale
Cholesky DecompositionDirect Method (Symmetric Positive Definite)O(n²)Small to Medium Scale
PCG MethodIterative MethodO(n)Large Scale
GMRES MethodIterative MethodO(n·m)Large Scale / Non-symmetric
AMG PreconditionerPreprocessingO(n)Very Large Scale
🧑‍🎓

So, if we cut corners on the finite element method part, we'll pay for it later. I'll keep that in mind!


Implementation in Commercial Tools

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So, what software can be used to do multiphysics uncertainty quantification?


Tool NameDeveloper/CurrentMain File Format
COMSOL MultiphysicsCOMSOL AB.mph
Ansys Mechanical (formerly ANSYS Structural)Ansys Inc..cdb, .rst, .db, .ans, .mac
Abaqus FEA (SIMULIA)Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA.inp, .odb, .cae, .sta, .msg
Simcenter STAR-CCM+Siemens Digital Industries Software.sim, .java, .csv

Vendor Lineage and Product Integration History

🧑‍🎓

Do the origins of each software have some dramatic stories?



COMSOL Multiphysics

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Tell me about "COMSOL Multiphysics"!


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Founded in Sweden in 1986. Started as FEMLAB with MATLAB integration, later renamed to COMSOL. Strong in multiphysics.

Current Affiliation: COMSOL AB



Ansys Mechanical (formerly ANSYS Structural)

🧑‍🎓

Tell me about "Ansys Mechanical"!


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Developed in 1970 by Swanson Analysis Systems Inc. (SASI). APDL (Ansys Parametric Design Language) based.

Current Affiliation: Ansys Inc.




Abaqus FEA (SIMULIA)

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What exactly is Abaqus FEA?


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Developed in 1978 by HKS (Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen). Acquired by Dassault Systèmes in 2005 and integrated into the SIMULIA brand.

Current Affiliation: Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA


🧑‍🎓

Ah, I see! So that's how it was, founded in Sweden in that year.


File Formats and Interoperability

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Are there any points to note when transferring data between different software?


FormatExtensionTypeOverview
STEP.stp/.stepNeutral CAD3D CAD data exchange format compliant with ISO 10303. Supports geometry + PMI.
IGES.igs/.igesNeutral CADEarly CAD data exchange standard. Has issues with surface data compatibility. Transition to STEP is progressing.
VTK.vtk/.vtuVisualizationVisualization Toolkit format. Used by ParaView, etc.
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When converting models between different solvers, attention is needed to the correspondence of element types, compatibility of material models, and differences in the representation of loads and boundary conditions. Especially, higher-order elements and special elements (cohesive elements, user-defined elements, etc.) often cannot be directly converted between solvers.

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