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How to define anisotropic thermal expansion coefficient tensor

Posted 2026/01/19 1:51 GMT-5 Materials, Structural Mechanics, Material Models Version 5.5 2 Replies

Aditya Udgaonkar
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Hello,

For a custom material I am defining, I wanted to know how to define the anisotropic thermal expansion coefficient tensor. More specifically, how to define the anisotropic thermal expansion coefficient tensor in cylindrical coordinates. For my project, I seek to have my material only expand radially upon an increase in temperature and I was wondering how to do that.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Best, AU

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2 Replies Last Post 2026/01/20 12:32 GMT-5
Henrik Sönnerlind COMSOL Employee

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Posted: 10 hours ago 2026/01/20 5:58 GMT-5

You need to do the following:

  1. Add a cylindrical coordinate system under Definitions.
  2. Select the cylindrical coordinate system in the material model (Linear Elastic Material in this case).
  3. In the material model under Materials, go to the Thermal expansion node. Select the property (Tangent coefficient of thermal expansion). Then click the Edit icon, and enter the data in the popup dialog.
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Henrik Sönnerlind
COMSOL
You need to do the following: 1. Add a cylindrical coordinate system under *Definitions*. 2. Select the cylindrical coordinate system in the material model (*Linear Elastic Material* in this case). 3. In the material model under *Materials*, go to the *Thermal expansion* node. Select the property (*Tangent coefficient of thermal expansion*). Then click the *Edit* icon, and enter the data in the popup dialog.
Aditya Udgaonkar
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Posted: 3 hours ago 2026/01/20 12:32 GMT-5

Thank you for your response Henrik, my question was answered.

I had two more follow up questions:

  1. I could configure my Linear Elastic Material model to cylindrical coordinates only when the frame was material (X, Y, Z), not spatial (x,y,z). I understand the material and spatial frames are equivalent in the reference state - in this case no deformation. But since my model involves deformation, should I be vary of the material (X, Y, Z) frame used in this case?

  2. When trying to plot the radial and hoop (circumferential) stress. I went to Results > Stress > Surface 1 > Solid Mechanics > Stress tensor, local coordinate system.

For example if I wanted to plot the radial stress, I ensured that my coordinate system is selected in my linear elastic material model and my expression to plot is solid.sl11.

Similarly, if I wanted to plot the hoop stress I would write solid.sl22?

Any input would be appreciated.

Best, AU

Thank you for your response Henrik, my question was answered. I had two more follow up questions: 1. I could configure my Linear Elastic Material model to cylindrical coordinates only when the frame was material (X, Y, Z), not spatial (x,y,z). I understand the material and spatial frames are equivalent in the reference state - in this case no deformation. But since my model involves deformation, should I be vary of the material (X, Y, Z) frame used in this case? 2. When trying to plot the radial and hoop (circumferential) stress. I went to Results > Stress > Surface 1 > Solid Mechanics > Stress tensor, local coordinate system. For example if I wanted to plot the radial stress, I ensured that my coordinate system is selected in my linear elastic material model and my expression to plot is solid.sl11. Similarly, if I wanted to plot the hoop stress I would write solid.sl22? Any input would be appreciated. Best, AU

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