If you are ready to proceed in Patran but are unsure how to begin, start by making a simple model. The model should contain only a few finite elements, some unit loads and simple physical properties. Run a linear static or modal analysis. By reducing the amount of model data, it makes it much easier to interpret the results and determine if you are on the right track.

Apply as many simplifying assumptions as possible. For example, run a 1D problem before a 2 D, and a 2D before a 3D. For structural analysis, many times the problem can be reduced to a single beam which can then be compared to a hand calculation.

Then apply what you learned from earlier models to more refined models. Determine if you are converging on an answer. The results will be invaluable for providing insight into the problem, and comparing and verifying the final results.

Determine if the results you produce make sense. For example, does the applied unit load equal to the reaction load? Or if you scale the loads, do the results scale?

Try to bracket the result by applying extreme loads, properties, etc. Extreme loads may uncover flaws in the model.