DYNAMIC VALIDATION – FREE - FREE DYNAMICS WITH STIFFNESS EQUILIBRIUM CHECK
The free – free modal analysis (SOL 103) with equilibrium check to be performed to identify any badly connected or
illegally connected or grounded structures and mechanisms. This can be done in the following way:
1) Create a separate set of run files for dynamic validation from the original model with the following
modifications.
2) Ensure all the MATx cards have densities specified in them. If any dummy densities need be used, you so
only for test purpose.
3) Delete all the Single Point Constraints and applied loads in the mode.
4) Only the MPC’s from the linear gap file to be included in the run, if they exist.
5) GROUNDCHECK case control card is set i.e., GROUNDCHECK (SET=ALL) =YES.
Idea is to determine that six and only six rigid body modes exist for the model in free/free condition. Report
and mitigate if more than 6 rigid body modes exist.
Also, the Equilibrium check gives information on possible grounding in the model. In the output file look for G-set, N-
set, F-set, and A-set. The maximum strain energy for each DOF shown as well as whether or not it passes or fails.
G-set
G-set represents the KGG matrix. This G-set check has to be performed to verify the CELAS problems, non-coincident
grids and bad Nastran elements in the DFEM.
N-set
N-set represents the KNN matrix. This N-set check has to be performed to verify incorrect or imprecise MPC
equations.
F-set
F-set represents the KFF matrix. This check has to be performed to verify the incorrect SPCs.
A-set
A-set represents the KAA1 matrix. This check has to be performed to verify the model is constrained to ground
(and not intended to be Free-Free).
Purpose
The Free-Free Dynamics with a Stiffness Equilibrium check verifies that the model will act as a
rigid body when it is unconstrained. It also checks the stiffness matrix to verify that it doesn't
contain any grounding effects, such as illegally specified SPC or rigid elements. To perform this
check, remove all external constraints (usually SPCs) and perform a standard normal modes run
recovering at least the first six modes.
Output Results
The model should obtain a minimum of six rigid body modes. These modes should have
frequencies less than or equal to 1.0E-04 Hz. The GROUNDCHECK case control card should
be used as a stiffness equilibrium. Strain energy filters are set by the THRESH parameter in the
card. By default, the threshold is calculated by dividing the largest term in the stiffness matrix by
1.0e+10. The output will indicate whether the check is passed or failed.
The equilibrium check gives possible grounding in the model. In the output file look G-SET, N-
SET, F-SET, and A-SET. The maximum strain energy for each DOF will be shown in these tables
as well as whether or not it passes or fails. The following descriptions give possible problems from
a particular table. Note that an error in a given set will cause errors to appear in subsequent sets,
regardless if any exist.
G-set
CELAS problems. Non-coincident grids or misaligned output coordinate systems (most common).
DMIG or DMAP inserted matrices associated with GRIDs. For the latter they should obviously be
inserted before the check.
Bad NASTRAN elements. This is rare but possible. Also small errors from a lot of elements will
eventually add up, so very large models often have relatively poor equilibrium.
N-set
Incorrect or imprecise MPC equations. Usually similar to CELAS problems. NASTRAN runs with
improperly inserted Craig-Bampton models will show errors in this table if the boundary, as well as
modes, were placed at SPOINTs. This is because this is the first set where geometry is
associated with the boundary.
F-set
Incorrect SPC's. Note that a constrained model will obviously show grounding.
A-set
The model is constrained to ground (and not intended to be Free-Free).
The reference GRID point in the GROUNDCHECK command is located too far from the model CG.
The GRID parameter is optional.
PARAM, AUTOSPC, YES constrains near-singular DOF.