Model Manager Databases

From the COMSOL Desktop^®, you can create a new local database on your own computer to stay organized and keep track of your models and auxiliary data files. Alternatively, you and your colleagues may share models and files by uploading them to a server database accessed via a Model Manager server. The capability to use a local Model Manager database is included with all licenses except the class kit license. You can connect to a Model Manager server with either the floating network or single-user licenses. With a floating network license, you can also install and run a central Model Manager server.

Efficient Data Storage

A Model Manager database is tailor-made for the storage needs of a model built in COMSOL Multiphysics^®. The Model Manager makes sure to never store duplicates of simulation data when saving multiple versions of the same model. You can also delete built, computed, and plotted data that may instead be reproduced from the model as needed. This can greatly reduce disk storage, especially for large transient simulations or parametric sweeps.

You can easily manage auxiliary data files such as CAD files or experimental data files. In the Auxiliary Data window, you get an overview of all the auxiliary data used in a model and can quickly see where in the model an auxiliary data file is used. You will automatically be notified if an auxiliary data file is available in a more recent version and prompted if you would like to use the most recent file in the database.

Comparing Model Contents

Any time you are interested in comparing two COMSOL Multiphysics^® model files stored in a Model Manager database, or in your file system, you can use the Compare tool. The results from the comparison show the differences between the models and are displayed in a separate Comparison Result window.

By comparing model files, you can identify and correct errors in the current model, document and check differences between two versions of a model under development, and provide the differences between the two model files as an XML file for further processing.

Version Control

The Model Manager comes with standard version control tools, such as viewing the version history of models and auxiliary data files, automatically detecting version conflicts when saving, and comparing versions with each other. You can, for example, open an older version to create a completely new model with its own split-off version history, or see all the changes made to a model from one version to the next.

When working on an existing model in a database, you can create a draft of the model that is version-controlled in its own right, enabling you to experiment with various simulation ideas without polluting the version history of the original model. Once you have finished your draft work, you may choose to either keep it as a new version of the original model or discard it. More advanced version control tools such as branching, merging, and reverting are also available. Branching enables you to work on an entire collection of models and auxiliary data files in isolation, while at the same time postponing the decision of whether or not your changes are worth preserving. Reverting enables you to restore models and auxiliary data files that you have previously deleted, perhaps by accident.

Powerful Search Functionality

The Model Manager search syntax enables you to search deep into models based on their properties, features, settings, and other metadata. You may, for example, perform search queries answering:

• Which models use a Time Dependent study step?
• Which models have a Length parameter between 5 cm and 15 cm?
• Which models were last modified by me?

Additionally, you can search for tags that you have used to organize your model files.