A comparison of model order reduction methods used in different FE software tools

Abstract

A comparison between modelling and simulation methods in regard to model order reduction (MOR) in finite element (FE) simulation tools is presented. Two main software tools are taken into consideration: ANSYS Multiphysics 11 with its extension MOR for ANSYS 2.55 and COMSOL Multiphysics 3.5a with a model order reduction interface to MATLAB/Simulink. The results achived with both software packages are compared concerning simulation time and quality. The encounterd advantages and disadvantages are named. Starting with a short review on the different numerical methods used in MOR the implemented algorithms within ANSYS and COMSOL are tested on an electro-thermal problem. The limitations and the usability concerning model setup and parameterization are listed and compared. A step-by-step procedure using both tools is given and the results are compared in detail.