Notes:COMSOL Flow Field Visualization

Tags: COMSOL, Visualization, CFD

📌 Arrow Plot Notes

What Is an Arrow Plot and Why Use It?

Arrow plots in COMSOL are a way to visualize vector fields (e.g., velocity, magnetic field, temperature gradient). They show both direction and magnitude, and help reveal local flow structures.

Types of Arrow Plots

| Type || Description | |---||---| | Arrow Line || Arrows along a line | | Arrow Surface || Arrows distributed on a 2D surface | | Arrow Volume || Arrows distributed throughout a 3D volume |

How to Set Up an Arrow Plot

1. Go to `Results > 3D Plot Group`
2. Add `Arrow Volume`, `Arrow Surface`, or `Arrow Line`
3. Choose vector variables like `u, v, w` or `spf.U`

Visual Tips

• Use high-contrast colors (e.g., magenta or by velocity magnitude)
• For clarity:

    - Limit number of arrows
    - Use single layer or slice if using volume arrows
    - Adjust arrow density (e.g., 35 × 35)

• Set one component (e.g., `y = 0`) to focus on in-plane structure
• Arrow length scaling:

    - Proportional
    - Normalized
    - Logarithmic

Additional Suggestions

• Use XY view to highlight planar flow
• Export `.gif` or `.avi` animation for reports

COMSOL Arrow Plot Tutorial Blog: Using Arrow Plots

📌 Streamline Plot Notes

What Is a Streamline Plot and Why Use It?

Streamline plots show curves tangent to vector fields — ideal for visualizing flow directions and pathlines. They’re used to identify flow patterns, vortices, and recirculation zones.

Types of Streamlines

| Type || Description | |---||---| | Line || Basic pathline | | Tube || 3D tube version | | Ribbon || Flat band with variable width | | Arrow-enhanced || With directional arrows |

How to Set Up a Streamline Plot

1. Go to `Results > 3D (or 2D) Plot Group`
2. Add `Streamline`
3. Set vector field (e.g., `spf.U`, `u, v, w`)

Streamline Source Positioning

| Method || Description | |---||---| | On selected boundaries || Start from a surface (e.g., inlet) | | Starting-point controlled || Manual coordinates or count | | Uniform density || Evenly across domain | | Magnitude controlled || More lines in stronger flow regions |

Style & Optimization Tips

• Reduce clutter: lower streamline count or increase spacing
• Use ribbon/tube for clearer 3D visuals
• Color by velocity magnitude or pressure
• For ribbons: `Width expression = k2` (e.g., turbulent kinetic energy)
• Add arrows for direction:

    - `Arrow` or `Interactive arrow`  
    - Length scaling: Proportional / Normalized / Logarithmic

COMSOL Streamline Plot Tutorial Blog: Streamline Visualization