The diagrams shown below indicate how the functions, scripts, programs, and files that constitute the Patran MD Nastran interface affect the Patran environment. Site customization, in some cases, is indicated.

Figure A‑1 shows the process of running an analysis. The mscnastran.plb library defines the Translation Parameter, Solution Type, Solution Parameter, and Output Request forms called by the Analysis form. When the Apply button is pushed on the Analyze form, the interface process is initiated. The interface reads data from the database and creates the NASTRAN input file. Status messages from the interface are recorded in the Patran session file. A series of MD Nastran alter files is provided. They may be used during the creation of the input file depending upon the selected solution type and solution parameters. These alter files are mostly used in support of older solution sequences. If the interface successfully produces a NASTRAN input file, and the user requests it, the MscNastranExecute script will then start MD Nastran.

Figure A‑2 shows the process of reading information from an MD Nastran OUTPUT2 file. When the Apply button is selected on the Read Output2 form, a <jobname>.jbr file is created and the results translation is started. The results interface process reads the data from the MD Nastran OUTPUT2 file and stores the results in the Patran database. Status messages from the interface are recorded in the Patran session file.

Figure A‑3 shows the process of translating information from a NASTRAN input file into a Patran database. The behavior of the main Analysis/Read Input File form and the subordinate file select form is dictated by the mscnastran.plb PCL library. The Apply button on the main form activates the input file reader program, which reads the specified NASTRAN input file.