Patran is the world's most widely used pre/post-processing software for Finite Element Analysis (FEA), providing solid modeling, meshing, analysis setup and post-processing for multiple solvers including MSC Nastran, Marc, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, ANSYS, and Pam-Crash.

Patran provides a rich set of tools that streamline the creation of analysis ready models for linear, nonlinear, explicit dynamics, thermal, and other finite element solutions. From geometry cleanup tools that make it easy for engineers to deal with gaps and slivers in CAD, to solid modeling tools that enable creation of models from scratch, Patran makes it easy for anyone to create FE models. Meshes are easily created on surfaces and solids alike using fully automated meshing routines, manual methods that provide more control, or combinations of both. Finally, loads, boundary conditions, and analysis setup for most popular FE solvers is built in, minimizing the need to edit input decks.

Patran's comprehensive and industry tested capabilities ensure that your virtual prototyping efforts provide results fast so that you can evaluate product performance against requirements and optimize your designs.

Patran 2012 - Release Highlights

The current release of Patran 2012 continues to build on groundwork laid in previous releases to provide enhanced user experience with an updated, user friendly user interface. In addition, improved nonlinear solver support and MSC Fatigue capabilities enable you to improve your designs and product durability - To learn more about the new capabilities of Patran 2012 please download Patran 2012 - What's New Tech Brief.

Greater Ease of Use

Over the last few years, enhancing ease of use has been a key focus area of Patran. In this release, a modern Model Browser Tree (MBT) has been introduced for easier model navigation. New single - click options and selection options also help reduce the number of clicks and mouse travel.

Enhanced Nonlinear Modeling

Use of nonlinear analysis continues to grow rapidly in engineering community and Patran is keeping pace with new developments in solvers. Current release supports failure analysis methodologies like Cohesive Zone Modeling and Virtual Crack Closure Technique to help understand your designs better. In addition, enhancements to contact model set up and addition of new elements makes it easier to set up more complex nonlinear analyses within Patran 2012

Enhanced Durability Features

In order to help users address durability issues within the common environment of Patran, support for MSC Fatigue has been significantly enhanced. For instance, there are a variety of updated libraries available and vibration fatigue is now available.

Capabilities

Direct Access of CAD Geometry

Patran enables access to geometry from leading CAD systems for creating finite element models. Support for many industry-standard geometry exchange formats is also provided. An option is also available for direct import from and export into Parasolid format supported by several CAD systems. All finite elements, loads, boundary conditions, and material properties can be associated to the geometry.

Advanced Geometry Creation, Editing and Feature Recognition

Patran contains an advanced set of geometry creation tools in addition to the direct CAD access capabilities for generating finite element model geometry. Patran also has a sophisticated feature recognition capability that allows users to delete or edit holes, fillets, and chamfers. For 3D solid geometry, existing meshes and loads will be automatically re-applied to the model after a change is made to the geometry.

Support for Multiple FEA Solvers

Patran is tailored to support both MSC Nastran and MD Nastran to enable the use of common finite element models and perform advanced engineering analysis and enhance designs using Nastran’s Design Optimization and Topology Optimization capabilities. In addition to MSC Nastran, Patran also supports the other solvers developed by MSC (Marc, Dytran, and MSC Sinda) and also solvers like Abaqus, Ansys, LS-Dyna and Pamcrash, enabling you to stay in a single graphical user environment even if you have to use multiple solvers for various analyses.

Post-processing and Reporting Tools for Easy Results Evaluation

Patran displays results for structural, thermal, fatigue, fluid, magnetic analyses, or in relation to any other application where the resultant values are associated with their respective finite elements or nodes. Imaging encompasses the complete graphics capability found within the Patran product, including graphic shading and visual verification prior to analysis. Imaging features a number of options that take advantage of specialized hardware capabilities, including local view manipulation, local shading, multiple light sources, and transparency. You can also export images and movies in many standard formats to include in documents and web-based reporting.

Patran Command Language

Patran Command Language (PCL) is the programming language at the heart of Patran. PCL is a high-level, block-structured language that provides many features found in traditional programming languages. It can be used to write application or site-specific commands and menus, perform variational modeling, and to more completely integrate with commercial or in-house software programs.