XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''"> 1.1 Introducing Patran
Patran is an open software system, used primarily in mechanical engineering analysis. It is comprised of the following components:
Engineering Modeling Functionalities
Extensive engineering capabilities, including:
• Full set of geometric tools for creating, modifying, and parameterizing model geometry.
• Extensive finite element modeling tools for creating and modifying analysis models. Automatic meshing techniques for one-, two-, and three-dimensional (solid) geometries.
• Loads, boundary conditions (LBCs), and material properties associated directly with geometry models as well as FEM models.
Direct Geometry Access
CAD geometry access without transformation, associativity with corresponding Patran FEM entities, inclusion of standard data exchange formats (e.g., IGES).
Analysis Modules
Integrated analysis capabilities for structural, thermal, fatigue, and other types of mechanical analysis.
Analysis Preferences
Linkage to commercial analysis solvers and proprietary in-house codes, all functions, definitions, properties, and code forms adapted to solvers.
Result Visualization and Reporting
Deformed shape, fringe plot, and X-Y plot displays, ability to filter output data by selected properties (e.g., material), facility of combining, scaling, or sorting result information by time step, frequency, temperature or spatial location, sophisticated reporting capabilities in user-defined format and sorting sequence.
PATRAN Command Language (PCL)
Scripting language for customization, task automation, and variance and design sensitivity studies.
MSC.Mvision
Integrated materials database.
Online Help/Documentation
Topical and context-sensitive help for all interactive features, functions, and applications, hypertext links throughout the online system for instant information retrieval.