The open architecture of Patran calls for a number of special features to help you acquire input data, manage models, and export analysis models and results. Among the most significant of these are:

Some of these features are activated through menu keywords, icons, and application windows. Others, such as PCL development, utilize some more advanced programming know-how.

Patran accepts data from CAD system user files, Patran neutral files, and IGES files. Using one of Patran’s CAD Access Modules, you can import CAD geometry and topology directly into your database. Once in your database, you can build upon or modify CAD geometry.

All project-related information is stored in files of various types and formats. The major file types that are created or accessed during Patran operations are:

File management options include creating new databases, opening, saving, and closing existing databases, and accessing external files.

A group is a collection of selected geometric or finite element entities brought together to simplify working with a number of entities simultaneously. Groups can be created and dissolved, displayed or hidden, transformed (e.g., rotated, mirrored), and have entities added or removed.

A special benefit of groups is evident in the design of symmetrical parts or assemblies. As an example, if in the design of the front suspension system of an automobile the entities of the left front suspension assembly are identified as a group, then the identical right front suspension assembly can be modeled by a simple mirror transformation. Both groups can then be used in a complete vibration analysis to predict dynamic response, stress, and fatigue life of the suspension components.

A viewport is a named graphics window through which you look at a model.You may utilize a number of viewports to visualize different phases of the project. For example, in one viewport you can show the entire geometric model, in another you can magnify a small detail. Additional viewports may contain a finite element model or annotated result displays.

Viewports are especially useful for presenting “before” and “after” pictures simultaneously. For example, following a thermoelastic stress analysis you may choose to post three viewports to the screen, the first to show the geometric model, the second the meshed model with applied thermal loads, and the third to display a plot of the resulting stresses.

You can control how the model appears in a view, its orientation, scale, rendering style, the presence of labels, the position and intensity of the light source, and other display features.

Patran can prepare input data in specific formats that comply with the requirements of a number of finite element analysis codes. In addition to
MSC-provided codes (including the default, MD Nastran), you can pick among several others commercial codes as well as in-house proprietary analysis programs. While different analysis codes may define components of a finite element model differently, Patran is capable to simply change the database definitions of these components to suit the code you opt for.

Selectable analysis types include structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics.

Patran provides an environment into which proprietary in-house developed codes can be easily integrated with the PCL.

PCL enables you to automate repetitive tasks, establish individualized startup configurations, and create new menus, icons, and forms. With PCL, you can readily integrate proprietary analysis codes developed at your site into the Patran environment with the following results: