MeshPerturb: MATLAB codes for mesh perturbation and automated pre and post processing of post-bifurcation analyses via COMSOL

Abstract

Recently, there has been an interest in designing systems that employ buckling bifurcation as a desired mechanism to generate motion and/or form. As buckling has traditionally been considered a failure mode to be avoided, computational tools for predicting the state of the system after buckling are not well developed. For example, modules for post-bifurcation studies are not available in most of the commercial finite element software packages. Herein, we provide MATLAB codes that add the ability to perform post-bifurcation studies to the commercially available COMSOL finite element package. This is achieved by implementing mesh perturbations as a scheme to introduce geometric imperfections to the system. Additionally, we provide codes to automate pre/post processing the studies. These codes enable performing (i) post-bifurcation analysis, (ii) studies on sensitivity to mesh imperfections, and (iii) unattended parametric studies that require re-meshing the geometry.