MSC.Patran is composed of compiled code (either C or FORTRAN) which is the MSC.Patran executable and PCL programs which are delivered in the p3patran.plb library file. PCL makes up a significant portion of the MSC.Patran functionality. In fact, p3patran.plb contains more than 44,000 routines at last count! PCL interacts with the compiled code through “wrappers.” A wrapper is a special type of C function which allows PCL to call the compiled code directly. Sometimes, the functions which are in wrappers are called “Built-ins” which is similar to an intrinsic function in traditional programming languages. Wrappers can only be created at compile time, so you, the PCL programmer cannot add any additional “Built-ins” at your site. Fortunately, the programmers here at The MSC.Software Corporation had the foresight to add numerous useful PCL built-ins which are documented here and are in addition to the current functions described in PCL and Customization, (p. 3) in the PCL and Customization, and PCL Reference Manual delivered in the standard product.

The Extended PCL Functions Manual includes functions for model (database), files, graphics, user-interface, groups, geometry, fem, loadcases, element properties, loads, materials, results, utilities and much more.