"matrix is singular" - problem
"matrix is singular" - problem
(OP)
I am a ME "playing" with a truss freebe download.
I am constantly getting a "matrix is singular" error with some of the structures I create. What is "wrong" with the structures that I get this error. Thanks.
I am constantly getting a "matrix is singular" error with some of the structures I create. What is "wrong" with the structures that I get this error. Thanks.





RE: "matrix is singular" - problem
Best regards,
Matthew Ian Loew
"I don't grow up. In me is the small child of my early days" -- M.C. Escher
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: "matrix is singular" - problem
The software is for designing bridges.
RE: "matrix is singular" - problem
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: "matrix is singular" - problem
5. A determinant with a row or column of zeros has value 0.
6. Any determinant with two rows or columns equal has value 0.
Implication of 5 being you may have a mechanism, which would have a zero stiffness.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: "matrix is singular" - problem
If so, you can get a singular matrix if you put too many pins in your member ends. In a typical frame analysis program, every node must be rigidly attached to at least one member, even if all members are notionally pin-ended at both ends. Otherwise, the rotation at the node is undefined, and the matrix solution will fail.
Check the documentation for your program for more information.
RE: "matrix is singular" - problem
BC errors could be surface to surface contact that is incorrectly specified, too many constraints, too few constraints, etc.
Alternatively, you may have transitioned from one mesh to another locally (say, manually specifying a tighter mesh near a bolt hole) and didn't merge the nodes between the regions. Another possibility is changing mesh styles outright and not specifying how the two regions interact (bonding, for example). Often those don't give singular matricies though, just non-sensical results.
Hard to troubleshoot without seeing the problem, but these are things that come to mind offhand.
--
Joseph K. Mooney
Director, Airframe Structures - FAA DER
Delta Engineering Corporation