Troubleshooting

Main Sources of Error

Almost all problems the user will experience derive from files not being in the correct location. Either MATLAB or ANSYS are looking in the wrong place. To avoid this situation it is highly recommended that after each simulation, the output folder not be relocated. For example, if the user is going to perform a complete analysis (Structural, Thermal, and ANSYS Verification) then the user should not move the folder containing the structural data. ANSYS has a maximum string length for input file names and if folders are relocated then path names may become too long.

Furthermore, if ANSYS is exited prematurely, the next time ANSYS is run it will not properly load. Everytime ANSYS exits prematurely the user must locate the "file.lock" file and delete it. When ANSYS is run from Windows the user will be allerted of the presence of the lock file. However, since ANSYS run from DOS, no such allert will be issued. The user will then not understand why the Ansys Truss Analysis Tool defaults without warning.

Error Messages

1. "Error using ==> fgetl Invalid file identifier."
   This error is a result of a path name being too long or containing spaces.
2. "Please select either octagonal or hexagonal mirror shape."
   This error is a result of NEITHER 'hexagonal' nor 'octagonal' options being selected in the GUI.
3. "You must enter a numeric value."
   This error is a result of entering letters or punctuation in a numeric field"
4. "You must enter a whole number value greater than zero."
   This error is a result of entering fractions or negative values within a numeric field.
5. "Current version supports structures between a 2 meter dia. and a football field."
   This error message occurs if the user enters a mirror diameter of less than 2 meters.
6. "Enter a value between 1 and 5."
   This error message occurs if the user specifies a mirror F-number outside the 1-5 bounds.
7. "Path name is too long. Must be less than 33 characters. Please reselect."
   This error occurs when the user specifies an output director of more than 32 characters.
8. "Value must be between 10-200%. Reset to default."
   This error results from a truss height set outside the 10-200% range.
9. "Check your file and directory selections (see Ansys Runtime Parameters)"
   This error message is a result of either a sublibrary file or output directory not being specified before the "Launch" button has been pressed.
10. "Please set a temperature profile."
    This error message occurs if the user selects a Thermal Analysis without loading the Thermal Constraints Toolbox.
11. "Please set material properties."
    This error message occurs if the user selects a Structural Analysis without loading the loading the Material Properties Toolbox.
12. "Model type (new/existing) not selected."
    This error message occurs if the user does not specify either a new or existing model.
13. "Actuation type not set."
    This error message occurs if the user does not specify SPA, SNA, or both.

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