FAST in a 64-bit computer

Wind & Water Computer-Aided Engineering Software Tools
1

Would it be possible to use FAST in a 64-bit computer?

2

Hi,
do you mean 64bit OS ?
A very fast answer is yes. Then depends on what you mean with with “use FAST”…

Cheers,
Stefano

3

You can run 32-bit FAST on a 64-bit computer running a 64-bit OS. There is no reason to compile a 64-bit version of FAST–it doesn’t use much memory. Certainly no more than the 2 GB allowed on 32-bit Windows.

4

Thanks for your answers,
I’ve got a 64-bit computer running a 64-bit OS, but works with Windows 7; is there any problem?

5

No problem whatsoever.

6

Hi all. I am new to this forum so please forgive any errors.
I recently succeeded in building a FAST_Sfunc.mexw64 file in 64 bit Windows 7 OS running 64 bit MATLAB R2009a wind Visual Studio 2005 and Intel Parallel Studio XE 2011 Fortran.
The code compiled with no errors (after a week of trying) but produces a fatal internal (possibly segmentation) error when run. Have tried various remedies posted in Mathwork’s site but with no success.
Any ideas or similar experiences?
I think this is quite useful, since 64 bit systems are spreading.

P.S. The system does not allow me to upload the file or relevant “.m” files. I could upload with different extension if needed.

7

Good afternoon,
I,m working with FAST and the controllers are introduced by Simulink. When I run my .mdl model a error occurs:

                              S-Function 'FAST_SFunc' does not exist

The S-Function ‘FAST_SFunc’ comes from the OpenLoop.mdl model which you get it by downloading the FAST code in NREL Web.
Does anybody know what that means? How I can solve it?

Thank you

8

Dear Ana,

Have you added the folder where the file FAST_SFunc.mexw32 is stored to the MATLAB path? As explained in the FAST User’s Guide, you can do this by choosing “Set Path…” from the File menu, clicking “Add Folder…”, selecting the folder, and pressing Save and Close.

Best regards,

9

If you are working in a 64 bit environment (both OS AND Matlab) Matlab is looking for a mexw64 file. So even if the 32 bit version is there MATLAB needs the 64 bit one.

10

Hi Jason, Tasos

Thanks for answering so quicly.
I tried to add the folder where the file FAST_SFunc.mexw32 is stored to the MATLAB path two months ago. I got the following error message:

“Matlab cannot save changes to the path.
The path file, pathdef.m, might be read-only or might be in a directory for which you do not have write access.
You can save pathdef.m to a different location.
In order for Matlab to use that pathdef.m in future sessions, you need to save it in your MATLAB startup directory (the directory from which you start MATLAB)”

I did it, but I got the same error message again. Hence, I think (I’m working in a 64 bit environment) that MATLAB needs a 64 bit version of FAST_SFunc.mexw32 as Tasos said.
And now, the question is: how I can get this version?

Best regards

11

OK.
The quick answer is there isn’t a working mexw64. If you read my previous post, you’ll see that I’m stuck.
The quick solution is to install the 32 bit version of MATLAB (keeping the 64 bit OS) and you should be allright until a mexw64 is produced.

12

Thanks Tasos, I’ll try it.

I have found in this forum a topic related to the FAST_SFunc.mexw32 working in a 64 bit computer and a 64 bit OS.
Maybe the link can help you. I haven’t had time for a paused reading yet.

Best regards

13

I have seen this post. There is nothing useful regarding mexw64 there unfortunately.

14

Dear Ana and Tasos,

Just to clarify, you can install a 32-bit version of MATLAB on a 64-bit machine and still use the *.mexw32 file. If you’ve installed a 64-bit version of MATLAB, then you’ll have to recompile the S-Function in 64 bit to create a *.mexw64 file. While I know several people who have successfully done this, I don’t have experience myself. I suggest you start with the files in the “Simulink\Source” folder of the FAST archive.

I hope that helps.

Best regards,

15

As I said, I have succesfully compiled a mexw64 file but does not run. Do you know of a version that runs?

16

Dear Tasos,

Sorry, but I don’t have a FAST S-Function compiled as a *.mexw64 file. If someone else does, please share.

Best regards,

17

Repeating what Jason said, “Just to clarify, you can install a 32-bit version of MATLAB on a 64-bit machine and still use the *.mexw32 file. If you’ve installed a 64-bit version of MATLAB, then you’ll have to recompile the S-Function in 64 bit to create a *.mexw64 file.”

I have successfully compiled the .mexw64 file for FAST, but I also have not been successful in using it. I keep both 32 and 64-bit versions of Matlab/Simulink on my computer so that I can use the .mexw32 FAST file, instead. It works great (memory leakage issues have been fixed).

Brian