XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''"> Introduction
The PATRAN Command Language (PCL) is a programming language which is an integral part of the Patran system. It can be used to write application or site specific commands and forms, perform variational or connatural modeling, and completely integrate commercial or in-house programs. The entire Patran user interface is driven by PCL.
PCL is a high level block structured language. It provides many features found in traditional programming languages including:
• Operators for arithmetic, relational, and string expressions.
• Intrinsic functions for math, string, and other operations.
• Variables with type, scope, and dimension attributes.
• Dynamically allocated virtual strings and arrays.
• Loop control structures such as WHILE, FOR, LIST, and REPEAT.
• Conditional control such as IF-THEN-ELSE and SWITCH-CASE.
• Subroutine and function calls from within PCL functions.
• Class grouping of related functions.
• Read/write access to external files.
• Support for PATRAN 2.5 NOODL rule.
• Preference to user interfaces, applications, databases, and graphics.
• PCL specific start-up files.
• Text output to the history window, session file, or TTY terminal.
PCL is a complete MCAE programming environment that greatly enhances the versatility of the Patran system.
Some of the benefits of PCL include:
• Application specific commands provide more accurate modeling. For example, pressure applied as a function of chord length along a turbine blade.
• In-line expressions make Patran more versatile for the everyday user.
• Allows Patran to be integrated more easily and completely with other commercial or in-house codes.
• Provides a mechanism for parametric design studies.
• Patran may be customized to service specific customer requirements.