FEATool 1.9 - Multi-Physics Simulation in MATLAB
Tags: physics, multiphysics, cae, simulation
Published: 2018-12-04 09:24:29

---
title: FEATool 1.9 - Multi-Physics Simulation in MATLAB
published: true
description: FEATool Multiphysics 1.9 - Dedicated and Easy to Use Physics Simulation for MATLAB 
tags: physics, Multiphysics, cae, simulation
---

[FEATool Multiphysics](https://www.featool.com) version 1.9 has
now been updated and released as a dedicated MATLAB Add-On
and self-contained Toolbox. Available directly from the MATLAB
Add-Ons Toolbar, FEATool now features easy and convenient
one-click installation and Toolbox accessibility.

![FEATool Multiphysics Toolbox available as MATLAB Add-On](https://www.featool.com/images/featool-multiphysics-matlab-toolbox-installation.jpg)


Improved OpenFOAM GUI
---------------------

Introduced with FEATool 1.8, the
[OpenFOAM CFD solver interface](https://www.featool.com/doc/solver.html#openfoam) has been
significantly enhanced and improved with the following enhancements

  - Support for non-constant and general initial and boundary
    condition expressions (automatic interpolation of non-constant
    expressions to OpenFOAM boundary case files, such as parabolic
    flow profiles)

  - Support for axisymmetry and swirl flows (automatic conversion of
    2D grids to 3D periodic wedge grid slices compatible with
    axisymmetric OpenFOAM case files)

  - Support for inviscid compressible flows with the _rhoCentralFoam_
    solver

  - Improved k-epsilon and k-omega turbulence modeling interface with
    automatic calculation of turbulence inlet quantities via given
    turbulence intensity and length scale

  - Real-time convergence curves plots. Convergence curves are now
    displayed during the solution process for easier and more
    convenient solution process monitoring

![FEATool 1.8 - OpenFOAM MATLAB CFD Solver GUI Interface](https://www.featool.com/images/openfoam-matlab-cfd-toolbox-gui.jpg)

The MATLAB CFD interface for the OpenFOAM CFD solver allows users to
conveniently model both laminar and fully turbulent incompressible and
compressible flow problems all within an easy to use fully integrated
Graphical User Interface (GUI).

The modeling and simulation steps can optionally be saved from the
FEATool GUI and exported as editable m-file script files. This allows
for programmatic modeling and custom scripting with support for all
MATLAB toolboxes and functions.


New Physics Modes for Flow Simulation
-------------------------------------

FEATool 1.9 features two new pre-defined physics modes for flow
simulations. The new _compressible Euler equations_ physics mode
allows for modeling of inviscid and supersonic fluid flows with
shock-waves. In addition, the built-in CAD tools now also feature
built-in and pre-defined wing shapes for NACA 4-series wing profiles.
Moreover, a dedicated axisymmetric physics mode for flows with _swirl_
effects is now also available (modeling axisymmetric flows with
non-zero azimuthal velocity).

![FEATool Multiphysics with Compressible and Swirl Flow Simulation](https://www.featool.com/images/cfdtool-with-openfoam-cfd-solver.jpg)


Solver Improvements
-------------------

Along with the new pre-defined flow equations the built-in solvers
have been significantly improved to better handle more challenging
flow regimes. Incompressible flows are now per-default discretized
with linear P<sub>1</sub> FEM elements and stabilized with a Pressure
Stabilized Petrov-Galerkin (PSPG) formulation. In contrast to the
previously employed P<sub>2</sub>P<sub>1</sub> FEM elements this new
approach leads to a more cost effective discretization and faster time
to solution. Furthermore, incompressible flow problems can now be
initialized with inviscid _Potential flow_ solutions for better
initial guesses and improved solver convergence.

In addition, for high Reynolds number and convection dominated
problems a new discrete TVD type upwinding approach is employed which,
in contrast to traditional FEM artificial (SUPG) stabilization, can
eliminate unphysical under and over-shoots and also efficiently
capture discontinuous phenomena such as shocks. This type of
stabilization also improves general convection-diffusion type
problems, such as heat transfer problems involving advection and
chemical reaction problems.


Additional New Features
-----------------------

- Improved grid generation interface with support for boundary layer meshing
- More accurate parametrization and meshing of curved boundaries
- Built-in automated tutorial models and examples
- Direct point evaluation for 2D surface plots (by clicking in the plot)
- GUI and user interface (UI) improvements
- Extended backwards compatibility to MATLAB 2009b

Visit the [FEATool Multiphysics 1.9 Release Announcement](https://www.featool.com/news/2018/11/30/featool-v1p9-cfd-fluid-dynamics-in-matlab)
for more information and toolbox download.