PCL Reference Manual > Property Assignment Functions > Introduction
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Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to list functions used to define and manipulate loads and boundary conditions (Load/BC or lbc), element properties, the beam library, material properties, load cases, and fields. These six function groupings are often referred to as functional assignments. Functional assignments are necessary to turn a collection of finite elements into a complete finite element model.
 
The loads and boundary conditions application provides the ability to apply a variety of static and dynamic load and boundary conditions to finite element models. Load/BCs may be associated with geometric entities as well as FEM entities. When associated with geometric entities, they are transferred to finite elements created on the geometry. Load and boundary conditions are intended to be created in multiple single purpose groups referred to as sets. These sets are grouped into load cases in the Load Cases switch bar form. Fields can be used in the definition of load and boundary conditions. Load/BCs sets remain in the database unless specifically deleted and thus provide an archival record.
The element properties application provides the ability to: define sets of analysis code specific element properties, and apply, or associate these sets with selected finite elements. Element properties are created in named groups that are referred to as sets. The general use of fields in defining sets is supported. Element property sets also reference material properties created in the materials switch bar selection. Element property sets remain in the database unless specifically deleted. The ability to display individual properties, both in tabular form or visually on the model, is also provided.
The beam library in Patran supports definition of dimensioned beam cross sections. A library of standard cross sections is available. Each section is defined using one or more dimensions. The beam library tool supports the ability to immediately calculate section properties and display a graphic image of a scaled section. Constant beam cross sections are supported.
The materials application provides the ability to define a grouping of specific material properties assigned to geometric or finite element entities. Each material is intended to provide only the information necessary to define the material properties used with a specific analysis code, analysis type, and possibly a specific element type.
The load cases application provides the ability to group multiple Load/BCs into single load cases for application to the model. Load cases remain in the database unless deleted.
The fields functions enables the creation and maintenance of a library of complex data sets in a simple and straight forward manner. Fields are used to define load and boundary conditions as a function of one, two, or three variables. These variables define material properties as functions of temperature, strain, strain rate, time and frequency. Fields are used in the material, load and boundary conditions, and element properties applications. Fields can be either scalar or vector in nature.