Experimental data interpolation in COMSOL

[grumpymrgruff]

Here's a question for the COMSOL whizzes:

I'm using the COMSOL 3.5a Diffusion Toolbox. I have a 1D reaction-diffusion model that is controlled by a catalyst.

The spatial distribution of catalyst along the 1D space is independent of the other chemical species and I have data for the catalyst distribution over time and space. Right now, I am fitting this data with a Fourier approximation and using the approximation in my PDEs.

I heard from the grapevine that one can hand datasets to COMSOL. It interpolates and feeds this interpolation directly to the solver. It would be nice to hand COMSOL my catalyst data and let it do the interpolation. In general, this would allow me to cut out the middle Fourier fitting step and save some time.

As usual, the COMSOL documentation isn't that useful. Can anyone point me toward the COMSOL features that handle this? (If this feature actually exists.)

Thanks much!

 

[mmwave]

Yes, there is a feature in COMSOL that allows you to input your own data directly into the solver. It is called the "Interpolation" feature and it can be found under the "Global Definitions" section in the Model Builder. Here, you can define your own interpolation function using your catalyst data and use it in your PDEs instead of the Fourier approximation. This will save you time and give you more accurate results.

To use this feature, you will need to have your data in a tabular format, with the spatial coordinates in one column and the corresponding catalyst values in another column. You can then import this data into COMSOL and use it in your interpolation function.

For more information on how to use the Interpolation feature, you can refer to the COMSOL user manual or the online documentation. I hope this helps and good luck with your research!