The major steps of modeling and analysis involve the following Patran application processes:

Patran provides a complete set of tools to build, modify, and parameterize geometric entities of a model. In addition, Patran can operate directly on geometry you created in various CAD systems or imported via IGES geometry files.

Patran’s mapped or automatic meshing algorithms generate both uniform and non-uniform finite element meshes. Mesh control parameters are applied to edges of surfaces, solids, or curves, as well as to interior points and curves.

Functional assignments is a collective term for applied loads, boundary conditions, element properties, and material properties. These can be applied either to the finite element model or directly to the geometric model. The advantage of being able to associate functional assignments, for example loads, with a geometric model is that you can experiment with any number of meshing configurations without the need to reapply loads each time you change the mesh.

Patran provides flexibility and tight integration with a number of finite element analysis codes.

Postprocessing capabilities include visualization of the deformed model, various color plot displays, X-Y curve outputs, and results animation. Numerical results data can be combined, scaled, and sorted by time step, frequency, temperature or spatial location. For example, you can request the display of the resulting von Mises stresses between 15,000 psi and 30,000 psi at 154 Hz in the second mode of vibration. The Insight application condenses raw numerical data into extensive sophisticated graphical tools and displays for complete accurate interpretation of results.