# COMSOL Multiphysics

> application

**Wikidata**: [Q1024008](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1024008)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMSOL_Multiphysics)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/comsol-multiphysics

## Summary
COMSOL Multiphysics is a proprietary software application designed for computer-aided engineering and finite element analysis. Developed by COMSOL, Inc., the program was first introduced in 1986 and serves as a tool for end-users to simulate and solve complex engineering and physics problems. It functions as a specialized application within the broader category of software programs designed for specific technical tasks.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** It is an instance of a software application and computer-aided engineering software.
*   **Genre:** The software utilizes the finite element method.
*   **Developer:** COMSOL Multiphysics is developed by COMSOL, Inc.
*   **Inception:** The application was first created or appeared in 1986.
*   **License:** The software is distributed under a proprietary license.
*   **Aliases:** It is also known by the aliases "FEMLAB" and "Comsol."
*   **Website:** The official website is located at `https://www.comsol.com`.
*   **Copyright Status:** The software is classified as copyrighted.
*   **File Formats:** It supports readable and writable file formats specifically for COMSOL Multiphysics mesh files (both `.txt` and `.bin`).
*   **Version History:** Notable release dates include version 5.0.1 (2014), version 5.2 (2015), version 5.5 (2019), version 6.0 (2021), and version 6.1 (2022).

## FAQs
### Q: What is COMSOL Multiphysics?
A: COMSOL Multiphysics is a software application used for computer-aided engineering. It utilizes the finite element method to perform simulations and analysis.

### Q: When was COMSOL Multiphysics first released?
A: The application was first inceptioned in 1986.

### Q: Who develops COMSOL Multiphysics?
A: The software is developed by the organization COMSOL, Inc.

### Q: What was COMSOL Multiphysics previously called?
A: The software was formerly known as FEMLAB.

### Q: What type of software license does COMSOL use?
A: COMSOL Multiphysics operates under a proprietary license.

### Q: What are the technical characteristics of the software?
A: It is a desktop application capable of reading and writing specific mesh file formats (text and binary). It is distinct from system software as it is designed for end-users to perform specific engineering tasks.

## Why It Matters
As a specialized application, COMSOL Multiphysics represents the utility of software in solving complex technical problems in engineering and physics. It serves as a primary interface through which end-users interact with computing capabilities to perform finite element analysis, a critical function in computer-aided engineering. By translating abstract physical laws into computable models, it empowers engineers and researchers to simulate real-world scenarios, enhancing productivity and innovation in design and analysis. The software's longevity—spanning back to 1986—highlights its sustained relevance and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

## Notable For
*   **Specialized Engineering Utility:** Distinguished as a tool specifically for finite element method analysis within the computer-aided engineering domain.
*   **Longevity:** A notable presence in the software market with an inception date of 1986.
*   **Global Reach:** The entity has a sitelink count of 18 and is available in numerous Wikipedia languages including English, French, German, Chinese, and others.
*   **File Specificity:** Utilizes proprietary mesh file formats (txt and bin) for data handling.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
COMSOL Multiphysics is defined as an **application**, specifically a software program designed for end-users to perform specific tasks. It is classified as a subclass of software and is an instance of **computer-aided engineering**. Its operational genre is identified as the **finite element method**. As an application, it is distinguished from system software by its focus on direct user interaction to achieve desired engineering outcomes. The Dewey Decimal Classification for applications of this nature is 005.3.

### Identity and Aliases
The software is officially labeled as **COMSOL Multiphysics**. It has been known by several aliases throughout its history, including:
*   **FEMLAB**
*   **Comsol**

It is visually represented by its logo, `Comsol_logo.svg`.

### Development and Licensing
The application is developed and maintained by **COMSOL, Inc.** It operates under a **proprietary license**, indicating that it is legally owned by the developer and restricted in its use and distribution. The software was originally inceptioned in **1986**.

### Version History
The development of COMSOL Multiphysics is documented through a series of stable releases and updates, including:
*   **Version 5.0.1:** Released around December 17, 2014.
*   **Version 5.1 Update 3:** Released September 7, 2015.
*   **Version 5.2:** Released November 16, 2015.
*   **Version 5.2a update 2:** Released October 3, 2016.
*   **Version 5.4:** Listed in release history.
*   **Version 5.5:** Released November 14, 2019.
*   **Version 5.6:** Released November 11, 2020.
*   **Version 6.0:** Released December 14, 2021.
*   **Version 6.1:** Released November 1, 2022.

### Technical Specifications
The software functions as a desktop application. It utilizes specific file formats for data storage and operations, specifically **COMSOL Multiphysics mesh (.txt)** and **COMSOL Multiphysics mesh (.bin)** for both readable and writable files. A user manual is archived at `https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-5957616`.

### Identifiers and External Links
COMSOL Multiphysics is indexed across various knowledge bases and platforms:
*   **Wikidata ID:** Q166142 (Description: application)
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/08396t
*   **Golden ID:** COMSOL_Multiphysics-8JYD64
*   **Crunchbase Organization ID:** comsol
*   **Quora Topic:** COMSOL-Multiphysics-1
*   **Zhihu Topic ID:** 19677690
*   **BabelNet ID:** 00005095n
*   **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007421140805171
*   **NL CR Aut ID:** ph381229
*   **Alternativeto Software ID:** comsol

The software is accessible via its official website at `https://www.comsol.com` and has a Wikipedia presence in 18 different languages, including Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Danish, German, English, Spanish, Finnish, French, Hebrew, Korean, Serbian, Swedish, Tamil, and Ukrainian.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.comsol.com/support/updates/)
2. [COMSOL 5.1 Update 3. 2015](https://www.comsol.com/product-update/5.1)
3. [COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2 Release Highlights](https://www.comsol.fr/release/5.2)
4. [Source](https://www.comsol.fr/release-history)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
7. Quora
8. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/COMSOL_Multiphysics-8JYD64)
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File