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COMSOL Multiphysics (simulation software)

COMSOL Multiphysics is a simulation platform used to model designs, devices and processes, across engineering, manufacturing and scientific research. It's capable of fully coupled multiphysics and single-physics modelling.

Key features

  • Specialist add-ons: Add extra tools for specific physics areas (like electrical or mechanical), which plug directly into the main platform.
  • Flexible modelling: Control every part of your model. This is useful when you need to combine different physics to represent how something behaves in the real world. 
  • Model Builder: Provides a complete simulation environment and a consistent step-by-step process for any type of analysis or design.
  • Model Manager: Organise, track, and share your work. This tool simplifies team collaboration by managing simulation data, tracking all changes with version control and letting you control access permissions for different users.
  • Application Builder: Turn complex models into easy-to-use apps with custom interfaces, so you can share them with others.

Access instructions

1) Request set up (first-time only):

2) Book your session: you must book an appointment to use this software. 

Book a COMSOL appointment

3) Access the software: you need a server connection to access the software. For full instructions on how to set this up, see COMSOL access instructions (wiki).

Available to students and staff (restrictions apply)

You can use this service on devices connected to the University network or VPN.

App-based

Compatible with Windows and Linux.

Funded by the University

This service is free to use.

Guides and help

How-to guides and set up

Contact for support

If you're experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.

Service commitments

Your responsibilities and policies

This service information applies to the use of the COMSOL software accessed through the COMSOL module on the managed Linux servers.

To use this service, you must agree to the following rules.

Booking and timing rules

  1. Only use it when booked: You must agree to use the booking system and only access the software during your confirmed appointment slot.
  2. End your session: You must exit/close the COMSOL program once your booked slot is over to free it up for the next user.
  3. One user limit: The University's COMSOL licence is for one user per session. If one user is running it, another user trying to start COMSOL will get a license error.
  4. Risk of termination: If you run over your booked time, your COMSOL session can be terminated (shut down) at any point by another user who has a booking.

Usage and licencing rules

  • Only for University work: You must only use COMSOL to support teaching and research activities at the University.
  • Do not use it for: Governmental, commercial, or contractual work.

If you're unsure of if your work is allowed, please contact IT Services using the enquiry form – include "FAO COMSOL" in the subject line and explain what you plan to use the software for.

The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.

Service performance

Availability

  • This is a live service, available 24/7.

This is a live service, available 24/7 but you must book an appointment to use it. See the access instructions for details.

Support

  • This service is managed by IT Services.
  • We are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults.
  • Support is available during our opening hours.

Page last reviewed: 18 November 2025