Ch. 1: Introduction To Patran Patran Reference Manual

Ch.
1: Introduction to Patran
Patran Reference Manual
Introduction to Patran
HTML Based Online Help
Patran Framework
Using Patran for Engineering Analysis
3
6

Introducing Patran
1.1
Introducing Patran
Patran is an open software system, used primarily in mechanical engineering analysis. It is comprised of
the following components:
Engineering Modeling Functionalities
Extensive engineering capabilities, including:
Full set of geometric tools for creating, modifying, and parameterizing model geometry.
Extensive finite element modeling tools for creating and modifying analysis models. Automatic
meshing techniques for one-, two-, and three-dimensional (solid) geometries.

Loads, boundary conditions (LBCs), and material properties associated directly with geometry
models as well as FEM models.

Direct Geometry Access
CAD geometry access without transformation, associativity with corresponding Patran FEM entities,
inclusion of standard data exchange formats (e.g., IGES).
Analysis Modules
Integrated analysis capabilities for structural, thermal, fatigue, and other types of mechanical analysis.
Analysis Preferences
Linkage to commercial analysis solvers and proprietary in-house codes, all functions, definitions,
properties, and code forms adapted to solvers.
Result Visualization and Reporting
Deformed shape, fringe plot, and X-Y plot displays, ability to filter output data by selected properties
(e.g., material), facility of combining, scaling, or sorting result information by time step, frequency,
temperature or spatial location, sophisticated reporting capabilities in user-defined format and sorting
sequence.
PATRAN Command Language (PCL)
Scripting language for customization, task automation, and variance and design sensitivity studies.
MSC.Mvision
Integrated materials database.
Online Help/Documentation
Topical and context-sensitive help for all interactive features, functions, and applications, hypertext links
throughout the online system for instant information retrieval.
Ch. 1: Introduction to Patran 3

Patran Framework
1.2
Patran Framework
The open architecture of Patran calls for a number of special features to help you acquire input data,
manage models, and export analysis models and results. Among the most significant of these are:
CAD interfaces
File and group definitions
Viewport and display options
Patran Command Language (PCL) development
User Customization capabilities
Some of these features are activated through menu keywords, icons, and application windows. Others,
such as PCL development, utilize some more advanced programming know-how.
How Patran Imports Data
Patran accepts data from CAD system user files, Patran neutral files, and IGES files. Using one of
Patrans CAD Access Modules, you can import CAD geometry and topology directly into your database.
Once in your database, you can build upon or modify CAD geometry.
Managing Large Models in Patran
All project-related information is stored in files of various types and formats. The major file types that
are created or accessed during Patran operations are:
Database file (.db extension). Contains a complete record of all geometric entities, finite
element entities, properties, and analysis results associated with an Patran model.
Session file (.ses extension). Contains all database related commands and corresponding
comments executed during a work session.

Journal file ( .jou extension). Contains all database related commands executed to create a
specific database.
Miscellaneous files. Hardcopy files, Patran neutral files, IGES files, and others.
File management options include creating new databases, opening, saving, and closing existing
databases, and accessing external files.
Groups
A group is a collection of selected geometric or finite element entities brought together to simplify
working with a number of entities simultaneously. Groups can be created and dissolved, displayed or
hidden, transformed (e.g., rotated, mirrored), and have entities added or removed.
A special benefit of groups is evident in the design of symmetrical parts or assemblies. As an example,
if in the design of the front suspension system of an automobile the entities of the left front suspension
assembly are identified as a group, then the identical right front suspension assembly can be modeled by

Patran Framework
a simple mirror transformation. Both groups can then be used in a complete vibration analysis to predict
dynamic response, stress, and fatigue life of the suspension components.
Viewports
A viewport is a named graphics window through which you look at a model.You may utilize a number
of viewports to visualize different phases of the project. For example, in one viewport you can show the
entire geometric model, in another you can magnify a small detail. Additional viewports may contain a
finite element model or annotated result displays.
Viewports are especially useful for presenting before and after pictures simultaneously. For
example, following a thermoelastic stress analysis you may choose to post three viewports to the screen,
the first to show the geometric model, the second the meshed model with applied thermal loads, and the
third to display a plot of the resulting stresses.
You can control how the model appears in a view, its orientation, scale, rendering style, the presence of
labels, the position and intensity of the light source, and other display features.
How Patran Exports Models
Patran can prepare input data in specific formats that comply with the requirements of a number of finite
element analysis codes. In addition to
MSC-provided codes (including the default, MSC Nastran), you can pick among several others
commercial codes as well as in-house proprietary analysis programs. While different analysis codes may
define components of a finite element model differently, Patran is capable to simply change the database
definitions of these components to suit the code you opt for.
Selectable analysis types include structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics.
Patran Command Language
Patran provides an environment into which proprietary in-house developed codes can be easily integrated
with the PCL.
User Customization
PCL enables you to automate repetitive tasks, establish individualized startup configurations, and create
new menus, icons, and forms. With PCL, you can readily integrate proprietary analysis codes developed
at your site into the Patran environment with the following results:
New analysis code names, as well as code-specific properties and functional assignments, will
appear on appropriate forms.

Finite element models created in an Patran database can be extracted and transferred to a
proprietary program for analysis. Conversely, finite element models and analysis results created
with an in-house program can be loaded directly into the Patran database.
Database templates can be customized to suit individual requirements.
Ch. 1: Introduction to Patran 5

Patran Framework
Mouse communication. Click on menu keywords, icons, and buttons to identify selections. Pick
and manipulate objects in viewports; resize, reposition, and iconify (make into an icon)
viewports; copy and paste text.
Keyboard communication. Use shortcuts to open menus and to accelerate keyword selections,
edit history list commands, enter special comments and commands on the command line.
1.3

The major steps of modeling and analysis involve the following Patran application processes:
Geometry
Patran provides a complete set of tools to build, modify, and parameterize geometric entities of a model.
In addition, Patran can operate directly on geometry you created in various CAD systems or imported via
IGES geometry files.
Finite Element Modeling
Patrans mapped or automatic meshing algorithms generate both uniform and non-uniform finite element
meshes. Mesh control parameters are applied to edges of surfaces, solids, or curves, as well as to interior
points and curves.
Functional Assignments
Functional assignments is a collective term for applied loads, boundary conditions, element properties,
and material properties. These can be applied either to the finite element model or directly to the
geometric model. The advantage of being able to associate functional assignments, for example loads,
with a geometric model is that you can experiment with any number of meshing configurations without
the need to reapply loads each time you change the mesh.
Analysis
Patran provides flexibility and tight integration with a number of finite element analysis codes.
Postprocessing
Postprocessing capabilities include visualization of the deformed model, various color plot displays, XY curve outputs, and results animation. Numerical results data can be combined, scaled, and sorted by
time step, frequency, temperature or spatial location. For example, you can request the display of the
resulting von Mises stresses between 15,000 psi and 30,000 psi at 154 Hz in the second mode of
vibration. The Insight application condenses raw numerical data into extensive sophisticated graphical
tools and displays for complete accurate interpretation of results.
Help>... 7
1.4

Patran employs a HTML based system in which Help topics are displayed through your web browser.
Help>...
Use the Help>... command to acquire the following help.
Contents and Index
Opens a new Browser window and displays the entire contents of the
Help system.
PCL
Accesses all PCL Help with a separate contents list and index.
On Help
Provides additional details on using Patran Help and navigating the

contents.
Technical Support
Directs you in obtaining the technical support you might need.
Whats New in Patran
Reports the key highlights and describes all the new features for
Patran.
About Patran
Contains the version and legal notices for the Patran product software.
via WWW
Links you to the MSC Software website for information on key topics.
Context-Sensitive Help
To quickly access Help on any topic (form) from within Patran, simply press the F1 key. The appropriate
Help topic will appear in a new Browser window on your screen.
Help>...

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Ch.

Patran Reference Manual

HTML Based Online Help

Using Patran for Engineering Analysis

Patran Reference Manual

meshing techniques for one-, two-, and three-dimensional (solid) geometries.

models as well as FEM models.

Ch. 1: Introduction to Patran 3

comments executed during a work session.

Patran Reference Manual

appear on appropriate forms.

Ch. 1: Introduction to Patran 5

Patran Reference Manual

Using Patran for Engineering Analysis

Using Patran for Engineering Analysis

HTML Based Online Help

Contents and Index

Provides additional details on using Patran Help and navigating the

Directs you in obtaining the technical support you might need.

Whats New in Patran

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