MSC Nastran Thermal > Running a Thermal Analysis > 4.1 Introduction
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''">XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''">   
4.1 Introduction
To run a thermal analysis, you use the procedure described below.
Select the solution type
The solution type can be either steady-state or transient analysis.
Define the solution related input data
The purpose of this step is to change the default settings of job-related input data, such as Maximum Run Time, Default Initial Temperature, Radiation Parameters, and options for view factor calculations.
Define the subcase data
Similar to the previous step, the defaults for nonlinear iteration controls, time increments, and output requests can be altered in the Subcase Create section of the Analysis menu form.
Select load cases
This step selects load case(s) for an analysis job.
Submit the job
When a job is ready for analysis, the MD Nastran solver can be retrieved by clicking on the Apply button on the main Analysis form. You can modify the default settings of translation parameters, or you can insert additional data entries using the Direct Text Input form before submitting your analysis job.
Read the analysis results
The analysis results must be read into the Patran database by invoking the Read Output2 Action on the Analysis form. The results can then be processed by selecting the Results toggle on the Patran application selections.
To submit a single load case, steady-state analysis job to MD Nastran, you need only click on the Apply button on the main Analysis form. Patran will automatically control the appropriate default settings and other related selections.
In the Patran MD Nastran Interface, a subcase can be thought of as a Patran load case with some additional parameters (e.g., Output Requests) associated with it. This association is further strengthened since the default subcases are created for each load case and have the same name as their associated load case. In this document, the terms “load case” and “subcase” are used interchangeably. When a specific form is referenced, Load case and Subcase are capitalized.