Patran is an analysis software system developed and maintained by MSC.Software Corporation. The core of the system is Patran, a finite element analysis pre- and post-processor. The Patran system also includes several optional products such as advanced postprocessing programs, tightly coupled solvers, and interfaces to third party solvers. This document describes one of these interfaces.

The Patran LS-DYNA Application Preference provides a communication link between Patran and LS-DYNA. It also provides customization of certain features that can be activated by selecting LS-DYNA as the analysis code “Preference” in Patran.

The LS-DYNA Preference is fully integrated into Patran. The casual user will never need to be aware separate programs are being used. For the expert user, there are four main components of the preference: a PCL function, load_lsdyna3d(), which will load all LS-DYNA specific definitions, like element types and material models, into the currently opened database, pat3lsdyna to convert model topology from the Patran database into the analysis code input file, and to translate model data from an LS-DYNA input file, and lsdynapat3 to translate results and/or model data from the analysis code results file into the Patran database.

Selecting LS-DYNA as the analysis code under the “Analysis Preference” menu modifies Patran forms in five main areas:

The PCL function load_lsdyna3d() can be invoked by simply typing its name into the Patran command line. It will load LS-DYNA specific definitions into the Patran database currently opened. LS-DYNA specific definitions can be added to any Patran database (which does not already contain LS-DYNA specific definitions) at any time. Obviously, a Patran database must be open for load_lsdyna3d() to operate correctly. See LS-DYNA Preference Integration with Patran (p.4) for complete information and a description of how to create a new template database.

pat3lsdyna translates model data between the Patran database and the analysis code-specific input file format. This translation must have direct access to the originating Patran database when an LS-DYNA input file is being created.

lsdynapat3 translates results and/or model data from the analysis, code-specific results file into the Patran database. This program can be run so the data is loaded directly into the Patran database, or if incompatible computer platforms are being used, an intermediate file can be created.

lsdynapat3 executes a program that is written and supported by Ove Arup Computing Systems, 13 Fitzroy Street, London W1P 6BQ (Tel: (44) 020-7465-2500, Fax: (44) 020 7465 2211). Ove Arup distribute and support LS-DYNA in the UK. They contribute actively to the development, documentation, and quality assurance of LS-DYNA and develop their own translators between LS-DYNA and third party pre and post processing systems. They have collaborated with MSC to ensure that LS-DYNA is effectively and efficiently interfaced to Patran.

pat3lsdyna also translates model data from the analysis, code-specific input file into the Patran database.

This release of the Patran LS-DYAN3D interface provides support for reading LS-DYNA input files. Nodes, elements, coordinate systems, some materials and some properties are read from an input file.