The MD Nastran preference supports 3D slideline contact functionality introduced in MSC.Nastran Version 68. This capability allows the user to model contact between 2D and 3D structural regions or rigid bodies.

This functionality can be accessed by using in the Loads/BCs Application in Patran. After selecting the Contact Object on the main form, the first step is to define the regions that may come into contact. Pushing the Application Region button brings up the following form

The second step is to define a set of properties of these contacting surfaces. This is done by pushing the Input Data button on the main Application form to bring up the following subordinate form.