Problem Description

Solution

Yes, it is possible to link COMSOL Multiphysics to external functions written in other languages. Through the external API, COMSOL Multiphysics can be interfaced with shared libraries written in e.g. C, C++ or FORTRAN. This is useful if an external database is needed or a function that does not exist in COMSOL Script is available in another language.

More information about this can be found in the chapter External API in COMSOL Script User’s Guide. Below is a short overview.

An m-file must be created that describes the interface and contains the link to the external library, this is called the m-file Interface. An m-file Interface functions as a bridge between COMSOL and the external library. If no comments are added it is only one line long and could look like:

function s = sinsum{'sinsum', 'work'}(A)

This syntax links the function work from the shared library sinsum to COMSOL Multiphysics.

The function work must have a special format regarding the (input and output) parameters. Due to this it is often necessary to write a new function to match these requirements. This new function can then call the function that was originally wanted.

All the external functions must be compiled to a shared library, i.e. a DLL-file. For this reason the external API is practical to use when the source code to the external function is available, or if the function is available in a shared library.

The external API is not used to call executable files. This can be done using the DOS or SYSTEM command. For more information, see Knowledge base 1006.

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