Piezo actuator setup generating SimElectronics error "Failed to solve using iteration matrix. Initial conditions solve failed to converge."

Hello,

I'm trying to set up a piezo actuator in SimElectronics, send a signal through it and measure the motion of the free end and I've been getting the following error:

"Nonlinear solver: Linear Algebra error. Failed to solve using iteration matrix. Initial conditions solve failed to converge."

I've experimented with the "Solver Configuration" block parameters a bit (as well as the structure of the model) and I'm not sure to try next.

Is there a good demo/example of this type of problem somewhere?

The model I'm working on is at

https://docs.google.com/a/umail.iu.edu/leaf?id=0BxxLHwte7nN4ZjQzZjVhMjEtYzllYi00YTQ4LTlmMWItNTM5ZDRkMGE1NzA5&hl=en_US&authkey=CMq80IMN

Thanks,

Caela

Answer 1

[Guy Rouleau]

The main problem is that you are using a Sensor instead of an actuator. To apply a voltage to the Piezo, I recommend using a Voltage source, for example:

http://www.mathworks.com/help/toolbox/physmod/simscape/ref/controlledvoltagesource.html

Then your motion sensor is connected wrong. Motion Sensors must be connected in parallel with the piezo to view the relative motion of the 2 masses, not in series between the piezo and a mass.

Finally, connecting together a mass and a reference is useless, because the mass will never move.

I recommend experimenting with the demos shipping with Simscape and SimElectronics.

[Caela Barry]

Thanks for all the info!