How Magnetic Simulation with COMSOL Multiphysics Works: Benefits for the Project

Guide - 17 Sep , 2026

In today’s industrial landscape, the design of electromechanical components, sensors, electric motors, and biomedical devices requires a level of precision that goes beyond the limitations of traditional analytical calculation methods. Reducing development times, minimizing physical prototyping costs, and optimizing energy performance are essential priorities for any competitive company.

In this context, magnetic simulation with COMSOL Multiphysics represents a benchmark solution. Thanks to its advanced numerical approach and native ability to couple different physical phenomena, this software enables engineers to accurately predict the behavior of magnetic fields under real-world operating conditions.

To learn more about custom magnets, it is also essential to consider advanced analysis tools such as COMSOL magnetic simulation, which allows the behavior of magnetic components to be evaluated virtually before building a physical prototype.

What Is Magnetic Simulation and Why Is It Crucial?

Magnetic simulation is the computer-based analysis of magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets, electric currents, or time-varying electric fields. By solving the fundamental equations of electromagnetism, the software makes it possible to visualize and quantify otherwise invisible quantities that are difficult to measure experimentally, such as magnetic flux density, Lorentz forces, eddy currents, and core losses.

Without simulation, developing a magnetic device would require numerous trial-and-error cycles based on the construction and testing of costly physical prototypes. Virtual simulation removes these barriers, transforming the design process into a predictive and targeted workflow.

The COMSOL Multiphysics Architecture for Electromagnetics

COMSOL Multiphysics stands out from other finite element analysis (FEA) software thanks to its modular structure and, above all, its “multiphysics” approach. For magnetic applications, the core of the software is the AC/DC Module, specifically designed to simulate electric and magnetic fields in static, low-frequency, and transient applications.

Key Modules for Magnetic Analysis

AC/DC Module: Ideal for motors, transformers, inductors, magnetic shielding, and sensors. It handles material nonlinearities, such as B-H curves for ferromagnetic materials.
RF Module and Wave Optics Module: Used when frequencies reach levels at which wave propagation effects become dominant, such as in high-frequency applications, microwaves, and waveguides.
Optimization Module: Enables topological and parametric optimization algorithms to be used to identify the most suitable shape or geometric configuration for maximizing magnetic performance.

How Magnetic Simulation with COMSOL Multiphysics Works: Operational Steps

The process of creating a magnetic simulation model with COMSOL Multiphysics follows a logical and rigorous workflow divided into five main stages.

1. Geometry Definition (2D, 2D Axisymmetric, 3D)

The first step is to define the computational domain. COMSOL provides advanced integrated CAD tools and also allows geometry files to be imported from external software.

2D / 2D Axisymmetric Models: Ideal for geometries with strong symmetry, such as cylindrical solenoids or linear motors. They significantly reduce computational time while maintaining high accuracy.
3D Models: Necessary when the magnetic field exhibits significant three-dimensional variations, such as in axial-flux motors or Hall-effect sensors positioned in complex environments.

2. Material Characterization

The behavior of the magnetic field depends heavily on the properties of the materials through which it passes. In COMSOL, it is possible to define:

Magnetic permeability (µ): Constant for linear materials such as air, copper, and aluminum, or expressed through nonlinear B-H curves for ferromagnetic materials such as electrical steel and soft iron.
Remanent magnetization (Br): Used to define the behavior of permanent magnets such as Neodymium-Iron-Boron and Samarium-Cobalt.
Electrical conductivity (σ): Essential for calculating eddy currents induced in conductors.

3. Application of Boundary Conditions and Sources

At this stage, the field sources and the boundaries of the computational domain are defined:

Coils: COMSOL provides dedicated features for modeling multi-turn coils or solid conductors, with total current, voltage, or power supplied by an external electrical circuit.
Magnetic Insulation / Continuity: Conditions that define how magnetic flux behaves at the boundaries of the domain, such as forcing the magnetic flux to remain confined or simulating an infinite domain using Perfectly Matched Layers (PML).

4. Mesh Generation (Discretization)

The finite element method (FEM) requires the geometry to be divided into smaller elements, such as tetrahedra, hexahedra, and triangles. Mesh quality determines the accuracy of the results:

In areas where the field gradient is high, such as a motor air gap or sharp edges, the mesh must be finer.
In homogeneous regions, such as the surrounding air, a coarser mesh can be used to save computational resources.
COMSOL provides adaptive mesh refinement algorithms that automatically refine the grid where the software detects the greatest numerical errors.

5. Solution and Post-Processing

Once the solver is launched—whether stationary, frequency-domain, or time-dependent—COMSOL solves Maxwell’s equations. The results can then be extracted using powerful visualization tools:

Surface plots showing magnetic flux density (B).
Field lines to visualize the behavior of the magnetic field.
Numerical integrations to instantly calculate total force, torque, inductance, or Joule losses.

Do you need to verify the magnetic behavior of your project?
Contact our team to analyze your application specifications together and identify the magnetic solution best suited to your requirements.

The True Power of COMSOL: Native Multiphysics

The term “Multiphysics” represents the fundamental competitive advantage of this software. In reality, a magnetic field never exists in isolation. When current flows through a coil, it generates heat through the Joule effect. This heat changes the temperature of the material, which in turn can affect its electrical conductivity and magnetic properties.

COMSOL Multiphysics makes it possible to couple magnetic simulation with virtually any other physical phenomenon in a bidirectional manner.

Magneto-Thermal Coupling (Induction Heating & Joule Heating)

Used to design induction heating systems, industrial transformers, and high-voltage cables. The software calculates magnetic losses and uses them as a heat source for thermal analysis, updating electromagnetic properties as they vary with temperature.

Magneto-Mechanical Coupling (Forces and Deformations)

Magnetic forces generate mechanical stresses. Examples include the magnets used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and electric motor stators. COMSOL calculates Maxwell and Lorentz forces and transfers them to the structural mechanics module to evaluate deformation, mechanical stress, vibrations, and resulting acoustic noise.

Coupling with Electrical Circuits (SPICE)

The 2D or 3D geometric model can be connected to an external circuit schematic, including diode bridges, inverters, and control systems. This makes it possible to simulate the behavior of the magnetic component within its actual electronic power supply circuit.

Strategic Benefits for Industrial Projects

Integrating COMSOL Multiphysics magnetic simulation into the design workflow provides tangible benefits:

Cost Reduction: It can significantly reduce the number of physical prototypes required and minimize waste of valuable and costly materials.
Accelerated Time-to-Market: It allows dozens of design variants and alternatives to be virtually validated within hours rather than weeks.
Advanced Optimization: It provides the opportunity to optimize materials and geometries based on their physical performance and operating limits.
Failure Analysis: It provides a deeper understanding of the physical causes behind breakdowns or malfunctions.

Want to discover how magnetic simulation can improve your product?
Contact us. Our team will analyze your technical specifications and show you the practical benefits that magnetic simulation can bring to your business.