Discussion Forum

Hi all,

I have made a 3D model in COMSOL vs 5.2a of a microfluidics channel and am attempting to model the DEP response of cells in the channel to the presence of an electric field created by electrodes on the channel floor. In an effort to to now cut down the computation time, I have made a 2D geometry component by following this example (briefly: I made a workplane in my 3D model then made a new component whose 2D geometry is defined as the cross section of the 3D geometry along that workplane. www.comsol.com/blogs/creating-2d-models-from-3d-geometries-in-comsol-multiphysics/). The 2D geometry looks great but my questions now are:

1. Is there a fast or automatic way to transfer all the physics from the 3D model to the 2D cross section or do I need to redefine all the physics modules for the 2D geometry? (for example: the inlet and outlet of fluid flow, the electric potential applied to various electrodes, the materials within the interior of the channel, etc).

2. How do I make a study that will compute the solution only for the 2D geometry and not the 3D geometry so I can achieve faster simulation times? When I add a study I don't see any way to specify the study to operate only one geometry. or is the answer to make a new program that only has the 2D model to begin with?

I am new to COMSOL so I may not be phrasing this question very clearly, but please let me know if you have any answers, suggestions, or could use some clarification.

Thanks so much for your help!!
Shari