XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''"> 1.2 Overview
The software system consists of several components: the core pre- and postprocessor, the PDB database system, modules and preferences, the FLEXlm licensing system, and the on-line help system. The product name refers both to the pre- and postprocessing components, and to the system as a whole.
Pre- and Postprocessor
Patran is an open-architecture, expandable, 3D Mechanical Computer Aided Engineering (MCAE) environment with an interactive graphic interface. All pre- and postprocessing, translation, and solver capabilities are accessed from within this graphical environment.
Analysis Modules, CAD Access Interfaces, and Preferences
Patran is designed as an open, expandable system. Additional interfaces and components can be added to the core system. Analysis modules provide specialized solvers for use from within Patran. CAD Access interfaces allow direct access of CAD geometry. Analysis Preferences allow integration with MSC analysis solvers as well as third-party analysis codes.
The installation handles all additional components, but each may be licensed separately.
FLEXlm
A FLEXlm 11.6 license server is required for all platforms. If your installation points to an older license server, you will have to install the new FLEXlm license server.
FLEXlm functions as a stand-alone nodelock license server or as a distributed license system. This guide provides basic FLEXlm installation instructions in the section
Installing the MSC.License Server, 121. For other issues and questions, please consult the Acresso documentation at their web site,
www.acresso.com.
Online Documentation
The Patran HTML Help system is a hybrid JAVA/JAVA Script Help system that can be displayed on most computer platforms and browsers. For the best experience we strongly recommend the following:
• On Windows, use Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later. (You can use Netscape Navigator 4.0; however, you may experience problems with some higher level help features, such as TOC sync)
• On UNIX, use Netscape Navigator 4.0 or later.
If you use a 3.0 browser, all of the content is accessible, but some features (such as Search) will not work.
The Patran Help Pages make extensive use of JavaScript. Make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser. If you plan to use the search feature, make sure that Java is enabled, as well.