Vensim regularly crashes when implementing shadow variables

[msilver]

Hi all,

This happens consistently and unfortunately I've lost my work number times. I've used several (3, I think) versions of Vensim over the last six months, and it's been consistent across all versions. I'm now using Vensim v9.2.3 and macOS v10.15.7 (Catalina). I've saved a copy the log file provided by Apple upon the most recent crash, but I don't seem to be able to attach it here (I assume that there are restrictions on file types). Please let me know if there is a way for me to share the log file.

Admin - please let me know if there is a better venue for me to share this feedback.

Thanks,
Maxx

[Administrator]

If you can give step by step instructions that you use, plus let us know if you vare using the new or old GUI.

You can also paste the contents of the log file here in a post.

[msilver]

Not sure if using the old or new GUI - how might I tell? I believe it's the new.

---

1. Add shadow variable (Time Step) to model
2. Add connection arrow from shadow variable to auxiliary variable
3. Save
4. Open formula of auxiliary variable, edit equation
5. Click "ok"
6. Vensim crashes

7. Open recently saved file
8. Open formula of auxiliary variable, edit equation
9. Click "ok"
10. Vensim does NOT crash

---

Process: VensimPLE [74129]
Path: /Applications/VensimPLE.app/Contents/MacOS/VensimPLE
Identifier: com.vensim.VensimPLE
Version: 09020300 (VensimPLE 09020300)
Code Type: X86-64 (Native)
Parent Process: ??? [1]
Responsible: VensimPLE [74129]
User ID: 501

Date/Time: 2022-04-18 11:01:26.935 +1000
OS Version: Mac OS X 10.15.7 (19H1824)
Report Version: 12
Anonymous UUID: DBF5D6D2-5C22-2C7A-A0F4-15350FBD9FA9

Sleep/Wake UUID: 55D3C0EA-0D1A-4F7D-8F64-D79A6EB83474

Time Awake Since Boot: 570000 seconds
Time Since Wake: 1000 seconds

System Integrity Protection: enabled

Crashed Thread: 0 Dispatch queue: com.apple.main-thread

Exception Type: EXC_BAD_ACCESS (SIGSEGV)
Exception Codes: KERN_INVALID_ADDRESS at 0x0000000000000000
Exception Note: EXC_CORPSE_NOTIFY

Termination Signal: Segmentation fault: 11
Termination Reason: Namespace SIGNAL, Code 0xb
Terminating Process: exc handler [74129]

VM Regions Near 0:
-->
__TEXT 00000001074ef000-0000000108af3000 [ 22.0M] r-x/r-x SM=COW /Applications/VensimPLE.app/Contents/MacOS/VensimPLE

Thread 0 Crashed:: Dispatch queue: com.apple.main-thread
0 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001076f8293 VensimSetWindowLong + 19
1 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001076b0aa2 _check_llist_space + 130
2 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001076b077c fill_longlist + 44
3 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x000000010767770a _set_var_list + 506
4 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x000000010769ae67 _setvarlist + 295
5 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x000000010769bfad _var_match + 701
6 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x0000000107677cde variable_proc + 686
7 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001076e7893 VensimSendMessage + 163
8 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001076e7661 DispatchPostedMessages() + 161
9 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001076e7590 VensimWrappingApp__OnIdle(int) + 112
10 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x0000000107918b3d VensimApp::idle_callback(wxIdleEvent&) + 45
11 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001085a37bd wxEvtHandler::SearchDynamicEventTable(wxEvent&) + 301
12 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001085a34db wxEvtHandler::ProcessEventLocally(wxEvent&) + 59
13 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001085a3390 wxEvtHandler::ProcessEvent(wxEvent&) + 96
14 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001084a461a wxAppConsoleBase::ProcessIdle() + 74
15 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001083097e6 wxAppBase::ProcessIdle() + 22
16 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x0000000108298b6a wxApp::ProcessIdle() + 26
17 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x000000010858115c wxCFEventLoop::OSXCommonModeObserverCallBack(__CFRunLoopObserver*, int, void*) + 92
18 com.apple.CoreFoundation 0x00007fff30401c65 __CFRUNLOOP_IS_CALLING_OUT_TO_AN_OBSERVER_CALLBACK_FUNCTION__ + 23
19 com.apple.CoreFoundation 0x00007fff30401b97 __CFRunLoopDoObservers + 457
20 com.apple.CoreFoundation 0x00007fff3040125c __CFRunLoopRun + 1169
21 com.apple.CoreFoundation 0x00007fff3040076e CFRunLoopRunSpecific + 462
22 com.apple.HIToolbox 0x00007fff2f02caad RunCurrentEventLoopInMode + 292
23 com.apple.HIToolbox 0x00007fff2f02c7c5 ReceiveNextEventCommon + 584
24 com.apple.HIToolbox 0x00007fff2f02c569 _BlockUntilNextEventMatchingListInModeWithFilter + 64
25 com.apple.AppKit 0x00007fff2d675659 _DPSNextEvent + 883
26 com.apple.AppKit 0x00007fff2d673ea0 -[NSApplication(NSEvent) _nextEventMatchingEventMask:untilDate:inMode:dequeue:] + 1352
27 com.apple.AppKit 0x00007fff2d665bae -[NSApplication run] + 658
28 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001082dccba wxGUIEventLoop::OSXDoRun() + 186
29 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001085819dd wxCFEventLoop::DoRun() + 29
30 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001084d261e wxEventLoopBase::Run() + 158
31 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001084a4353 wxAppConsoleBase::MainLoop() + 99
32 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x0000000108298bba wxApp::OnRun() + 26
33 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x000000010850c0f8 wxEntry(int&, wchar_t**) + 56
34 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001079165b3 main + 35
35 libdyld.dylib 0x00007fff6a083cc9 start + 1

Thread 1:: com.apple.NSEventThread
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x00007fff6a1c4dea mach_msg_trap + 10
1 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x00007fff6a1c5160 mach_msg + 60
2 com.apple.CoreFoundation 0x00007fff30402825 __CFRunLoopServiceMachPort + 247
3 com.apple.CoreFoundation 0x00007fff304012f2 __CFRunLoopRun + 1319
4 com.apple.CoreFoundation 0x00007fff3040076e CFRunLoopRunSpecific + 462
5 com.apple.AppKit 0x00007fff2d816ea4 _NSEventThread + 132
6 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a288109 _pthread_start + 148
7 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a283b8b thread_start + 15

Thread 2:
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x00007fff6a1c7872 __psynch_cvwait + 10
1 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a288425 _pthread_cond_wait + 698
2 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x00000001076774a8 vensim_event_wait + 280
3 com.vensim.VensimPLE 0x0000000107671a01 execute_in_new_thread_worker_function + 289
4 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a288109 _pthread_start + 148
5 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a283b8b thread_start + 15

Thread 3:
0 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a283b68 start_wqthread + 0

Thread 4:
0 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a283b68 start_wqthread + 0

Thread 5:
0 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x00007fff6a283b68 start_wqthread + 0

Thread 0 crashed with X86 Thread State (64-bit):
rax: 0x0000000000000000 rbx: 0x00007ffee870f290 rcx: 0x00007f85b2cfe168 rdx: 0x00007f85b2cfe168
rdi: 0x0000000000000000 rsi: 0x0000000000000000 rbp: 0x00007ffee870ea10 rsp: 0x00007ffee870ea10
r8: 0x000000000000fa0f r9: 0x000000000000fa33 r10: 0x00000000fff80000 r11: 0x0000000108c313e0
r12: 0x00006000032edd40 r13: 0x0000000000000006 r14: 0x00007f85b2e04310 r15: 0x00006000032d5a40
rip: 0x00000001076f8293 rfl: 0x0000000000010246 cr2: 0x0000000000000000

Logical CPU: 0
Error Code: 0x00000004 (no mapping for user data read)
Trap Number: 14

[Administrator]

Not sure if using the old or new GUI - how might I tell? I believe it's the new.

Click Tools->Switch to new gui.

1. Add shadow variable (Time Step) to model
2. Add connection arrow from shadow variable to auxiliary variable
3. Save
4. Open formula of auxiliary variable, edit equation
5. Click "ok"
6. Vensim crashes

7. Open recently saved file
8. Open formula of auxiliary variable, edit equation
9. Click "ok"
10. Vensim does NOT crash

When I follow these instructions, I don't get a crash.

Can you upload your vensim settings file? It's a hidden file called .venple and located in your home folder.

[msilver]

Sure. I've tried to upload but I'm receiving an invalid filetype error. Is there an email address you'd like me to send it to?

[msilver]

nvm, realised I can just copy/paste:

[vensim]
ModelsOld0=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2021 Sem 2/CapStone/Submission Pack/Saved Research/Covid SIR Model/community corona 8.1.mdl
ModelsOld1=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v9.7.mdl
ModelsOld2=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v9.6.2.mdl
ModelsOld3=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v9.5.mdl
ModelsOld4=/Users/maxxsilver/Downloads/DELAY FIXED.mdl
ModelsOld5=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v9.4.6_SEIR_Unitless.mdl
ModelsOld6=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v9.4_Null.mdl
ModelsOld7=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v8.4.mdl
ModelsOld8=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v8.4.3.mdl
ModelsOld9=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v9.4.3_SEIR.mdl
ModelsOld=/Users/maxxsilver/Documents/School/2022_Sem_1/Capstone/PrEP Model_v9.4.3_SEIR.mdl
print_options=1,1,0,0,
size_options=0,0,0,0,
XlsOptions=82,67,0,0,
print_dimensions=10,10,,,
print_text_hndl=,,,
printer_name=,,,
ErrDim=0,0,0,0,
SelDim=0,0,0,0,
EqedDim1=0,23,1001,703,
EqedDim2=0,,,,
VarDim=0,0,0,0,
DefaultFonts=Courier|10||0-0-0,Times New Roman|12||0-0-0,Times New Roman|7||0-0-0,Helvetica|9||0-0-0,
GraphFonts=Times New Roman|48||0-0-0,Times New Roman|16||0-0-0,Times New Roman|12||0-0-0,,
GraphLegendFonts=Times New Roman|12||0-0-0,Times New Roman|10||0-0-0,Times New Roman|8||0-0-0,,
PrintFonts=Times New Roman|8||0-0-0,Times New Roman|18||0-0-0,Times New Roman|12||0-0-0,Times New Roman|10||0-0-0,
DefaultFont2=Helvetica|12||0-0-0,Courier|12||0-0-0,Helvetica|9||0-0-0,,
DefaultVariableFace=Times New Roman,,,
GraphicsOptions=1,1,1,2,
NewGui=0,0,1,0,
NewGui2=0,0,,,
ScreenOpt2=4,0,0,1,
OtherOpt=0,,,,
ShowAllWarnings=0
IconSize=1
IconLabels=1
UseOldIcons=0
Model=
Control Dlg=0-x=258,y=-1,w=519,h=343
TreatUnitsMismatchesAsErrors=0,,,,
IconLabels_NG=0,,,,
DarkMode=0,,,,
MoleculePath=//Users//Shared//Vensim//Help//HTML//Models//Molecules//
SDMDocPath=/Applications/SDM-Doc v1.4.7_x64u/SDM-Doc.command
CheckForUpdatesOnStartup=0,1,,,
LastUpdateCheck=2022,3,18,,
CustomColor 0=192-192-192
CustomColor 1=192-192-192
CustomColor 2=192-192-192
CustomColor 3=192-192-192
CustomColor 4=192-192-192
CustomColor 5=192-192-192
CustomColor 6=192-192-192
CustomColor 7=192-192-192
CustomColor 8=192-192-192
CustomColor 9=192-192-192
CustomColor10=192-192-192
CustomColor11=192-192-192
CustomColor12=192-192-192
CustomColor13=192-192-192
CustomColor14=192-192-192
CustomColor15=192-192-192
Renderer=0,,,,
NewGuiControlPanelStartup1=1,0,0,0,
NewGuiControlPanelStartup2=0,0,0,0,
NewGuiControlPanelStartup3=0,,,,
NewGuiControlPanelCoords=-1,-1,-1,-1,
DefaultIOObjectWorkbenchTool=
Units1=people, person, persons

[tomfid]

Thanks.

[msilver]

Hi Team,

I've taken a short video of the behaviour occurring repeatedly in succession. Would you like me to upload/send it somewhere?

Thanks

[msilver]

I've also now observed that the application crashes when deleting shadow variables as well.

[tomfid]

You can also .zip things - we do allow those. The easy way to share a video would be to mail us a link from dropbox/onedrive/icloud (to vensim at vensim.com). That might be helpful, as I wasn't able to get operations with shadow variables to crash on either of my Macs.

[Administrator]

I've also now observed that the application crashes when deleting shadow variables as well.

I cannot get this to happen. Can you give step by step instructions?

[msilver]

The step-by-step is literally the same as described above, except instead of clicking on the "formula" widget, I click on the "trash" widget. When I then click on the variable, it crashes.

I'm happy to share a video if that's helpful.

[Administrator]

Version 9.2.4 is now available for download, can you try that and see if it solves your issues?

[msilver]

Update: I have not observed any comparable behaviour with 9.2.4.