Patran is an analysis software system developed and maintained by MSC.Software Corporation. The core of the system is Patran, a finite element analysis pre- and postprocessor. A key feature of Patran’s predecessor, PATRAN 2, was the ability to interface third party software through the Neutral System.

The PATRAN 2 Neutral File Preference provides a ready-to-use interface allowing third party codes that support the PATRAN 2.5 Neutral File to have immediate access to Patran as a pre- and post-processor. As much of the PATRAN 2 neutral file is supported as is possible. For more information, see Neutral File Format (p. 725) in the Patran Reference Manual.

This Preference is fully integrated into Patran. The user can either create a new finite element model (e.g., import CAD geometry, define a mesh, assign element properties, materials and loads/boundary conditions) or import an existing Neutral File. All of Patran’s model editing capabilities are available.

Results postprocessing is available. The results files should be stored in PATRAN 2 results file formats (e.g., .dis, .els formats). Two generic template files are provided for importing nodal and element results. For more information on results template files, see File Types and Formats (p. 46) in the Patran Reference Manual.