The Patran User’s Guide is a step-by-step introduction to using Patran. This guide is for designers, engineers, and analysts new to Patran. Understanding and using the information in this guide requires no prior experience with CAE or finite element analysis.

The purpose of the guide is to give you the essential information you need to immediately begin using Patran for real-life analysis projects. As you read it, keep in mind that there are many capabilities and methodologies not covered here. Once you have mastered the fundamentals of Patran, you will be ready to tackle the more advanced features and methods covered in other books

The guide is organized into ten chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 present the fundamentals of Patran. Chapters 3 through 10 explain how to use Patran to complete the tasks in CAE projects.

Beginning with Chapter 3, there are three sections to each chapter: an overview, a discussion on concepts, and instructions on using Patran menus and forms to carry out tasks.

To better illustrate the basic and more advanced capabilities of Patran, there are three case studies included in this Guide. Each case study looks at a unique analysis problem and steps through a solution sequence using Patran.

You may find it helpful simply to follow each case study from start to finish as you encounter them throughout this Guide. As an alternative, the overview chart below can help you link directly to a specific task you may want to see.

Throughout this guide you will find references to other books where you may get additional information on a topic. If you do not have access to the book you need, you can locate it:

MSC.Software Corporation is the largest single provider of finite element modeling and analysis (FEA) solutions to the computer-aided engineering (CAE) market. MSC’s products are marketed worldwide through offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and are available for use on systems ranging from PCs to workstations and supercomputers.

If you need help installing or using an MSC product, we encourage you first to refer to the technical documentation. If you need further assistance, please contact the technical support center nearest you. See Contacting Technical Support for contact information, and see Information for Technical Support for information that you should provide to support personnel.

We can assist you in using product features, checking code errors, program installation, and in choosing elements, materials, or procedures. We can give both general information on using the code and advice on specific analyses. If you have concerns about an analysis, we suggest that you contact us at an
early stage.

Brief description of the problem

You can also find a wide variety of support resources including application examples, technical application notes, available training courses, and documentation updates at the MSC Support, Training, and Documentation web page, www.mscsoftware.com/support. See MSC Web Site for more information.

Please have the following information ready before calling customer support, or include it in your fax or e-mail. This information will help support personnel assist you efficiently.

You can contact Support Services by telephone, fax, or e-mail.

MSC.Software Corporation’s World Wide Web home page is at www.mscsoftware.com. At our Web site you can:

The MSC Institute of Technology provides basic and specialized training in the use of MSC’s MCAE software products, as well as in general analysis subjects such as thermal analysis, finite element modeling, and fatigue-life prediction. We offer the world’s largest selection of engineering analysis and design training courses, comprising more than 50 different courses. More than 5,000 engineers attend the MSC Institute annually.

The MSC Institute of Technology is located at:

The Institute maintains state-of-the-art classroom facilities and individual computer graphics laboratories at training centers throughout the US. All of our courses emphasize hands-on computer laboratory work to facilitate skills development.

Courses can be taught on-site, and can even be customized to meet your business’ specific needs. We also offer video courses and a specialized instructor’s program.

For detailed course descriptions and schedule information, call (800) 732-7211 or send e-mail to: msctraining.support@mscsoftware.com.

To register for a class, call the Seminar Coordinator in Santa Ana, California at (800) 732-7211, access the Online Registration Form, or leave a message with the automated message and information system by selecting the MSC Institute Course Information option. You can use this system to register, leave messages, and obtain course information 24 hours a day.

Please be prepared to provide the following information:

MSC works in partnership with other internationally respected technology organizations, including the world’s leading CAD, analysis software, and computer hardware companies.

This guide uses several font styles to denote computer filenames, system messages, user input, and other documentation conventions.