Hi Swymmers! 

We have the latest technical instalment from Oliver Rhodes in our UK SIMULIA Team.

It begins by introducing typical solution methods for a linear-algebra problem using Gaussian elimination and pivoting. The implications of a zero pivot term are then discussed, along with how they can be generated by different types of engineering problem through over/under-constraining and numerical ill-conditioning. Finally, some specific case studies are investigated looking at common causes of zero pivots in Abaqus: contact and connectors. Models which fail to solve due to zero pivots are presented, and the steps taken to remove the problems and enable the model to run to completion are given.

This is rather a long post with helpful equations, images and a very cool animation so we have put it into a PDF for you to download and play.

If you have any questions or thoughts please comment below!

Happy hunting through those message files!

Thanks

Jess!