Patran 2010 Training 301 Coursenotes PDF

MSC.
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Introduction to Patran
PAT301 Course Notes
Part Number: P3*V2010*Z*Z*Z*SM-PAT301-NT September 2010 Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation

Legal Information
MSC.Software Corporation reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this
document without prior notice. The concepts, methods, and examples presented in this text are for illustrative and
educational purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to apply to any particular engineering problem or
design. MSC.Software Corporation assumes no liability or responsibility to any person or company for direct or indirect
damages resulting from the use of any information contained herein.
Copyright © 2010 MSC.Software Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This notice shall be marked on any reproduction of
this documentation, in whole or in part. Any reproduction or distribution of this document, in whole or in part, without the
prior written consent of MSC.Software Corporation is prohibited.
The MSC.Software corporate logo, Adams, Dytran, Easy5, Fatigue, Laminate Modeler, Marc, Mentat, MD Nastran, MD
Patran, MSC, MSC Nastran, Mvision, Patran, SimDesigner, SimEnterprise, SimManager, SimXpert and Sofy are
trademarks or registered trademarks of the MSC.Software Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries. NASTRAN is a registered trademark of NASA. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
2
CONTENTS
Section Page
1 Overview 1-1
Course Objectives 1-3
Workflow in MD Patran 1-5
Case Study: Engine Piston Head 1-7
Where to go for Help 1-27
Where to get Training 1-29
Workshop 1 General “Piston Head Analysis” 1-30
Workshop 1 AeroSpace “Cantilevered Plate” 1-30
2 MD Patran Graphical User Interface and Files 2-1
Windows vs. Unix GUI 2-3
The Main Menu 2-7
Starting Patran With “Skin 2-10
Application Forms 2-14
Specification of Entities for Patran Forms 2-17
Entity Picking 2-20
Manipulating the Model for Viewing 2-39
Right Mouse Button Menus 2-40
On-line Help 2-42
Patran File Options 2-43
Basic Patran Files 2-44
Case Study: GUI 2-45
Workshop 2 General “Cantilevered Plate” 2-59
Workshop 2 AeroSpace “Cantilevered Box Beam” 2-59
Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation
3
CONTENTS
Section Page
3 Geometric Modeling 3-1
Basics and Definitions 3-3
Topological Structures 3-5
Case Study: Topology of Simple Solid 3-6
Topology of Geometry 3-16
Geometry Building Blocks 3-17
Importing and Exporting Geometry 3-25
Patran Geometry Application 3-51
Geometric Entities, Point 3-57
Geometric Entities, Curve 3-64
Case Study: Parametric Curves 3-67
Curve Construction 3-70
Editing Curve 3-74
Workshop 3 General “Frame Model Creation Using Curves, and Analysis” 3-77
Workshop 3 AeroSpace “Space Truss Model Creation Using Curves” 3-77
Geometric Entities, Surface 3-78
Parametric Surface Create 3-80
Trimmed Surface Construction 3-81
Case Study: Trimmed Surfaces with Different Parent Surfaces 3-84
Composite Surface 3-90
Create Midsurface from Solid 3-95
Create P-shaped Surfaces 3-96
4
CONTENTS
Section Page
3 Geometric Modeling (Cont.) 3-1
Surface Edit 3-97
Case Study: Verify Surface Boundaries 3-102
Workshop 4 General “Midsurface Extraction Example” 3-109
Workshop 4 AeroSpace “Geometry Model of a Space Satellite” 3-109
Geometric Entities, Solid 3-110
Solid Construction 3-112
Create Parasolid B-rep or Parametric Solid by Extruding Surface 3-113
Create Primitive Solids 3-114
Solid Edit 3-115
Case Study: Adding Solids 3-118
Automatic Feature Recognition 3-125
Workshop 5 General “Frame Surfaces Creation” 3-126
Geometric Entities, Coordinate Frame 3-128
4 Meshing 4-1
Introduction 4-3
Meshing Basics and Definitions 4-9
Iso Mesher 4-12
Case Study: IsoMesh Mesh Paths 4-18
Paver Mesher 4-22
Iso Mesher vs Paver Mesher 4-24
Tet Mesher 4-28
5
CONTENTS
Section Page
4 Meshing (Cont.) 4-1
Geometry in Meshing 4-32
Patran Finite Element Application 4-37
Mesh Seeding 4-42
Meshing Curves 4-48
Meshing Surfaces 4-49
Case Study: IsoMesh set of Congruent Simple Surfaces 4-50
Case Study: Effect of Added Vertex on Paver 4-58
Workshop 6 General “Frame Surfaces Model Analysis” 4-65
Workshop 5 AeroSpace “Finite Element Model of a Space Satellite” 4-65
Workshop 6 AeroSpace “Meshing Aircraft Wing Surfaces” 4-65
Associating Points and Curves 4-66
Case Study: Effect of Association on Paver 4-69
Creating a 2D Mesh from a 2D Mesh 4-77
Case Study: 2D Mesh From 2D Mesh 4-80
Creating a 2D Mesh from set of Surfaces 4-84
Case Study: Using Sheet Body Mesher 4-85
Advanced Surface Mesher 4-90
Meshing Parametric Solids 4-93
Case Study: Hex Mesh for set of Congruent Simple Solids 4-94
Tetmeshing Solids 4-103
IsoMesh vs TetMesh 4-106
6
CONTENTS
Section Page
4 Meshing (Cont.) 4-1
Sample Stress Results for Iso and Tet Meshes 4-107
TetMesh with Adjacent Meshes 4-109
Case Study:Tetmesh with Adjacent Mesh for Patran Native B-rep Solids 4-110
TetMesh Parasolid Solid Assemblies 4-119
Case Study:Tetmesh with Adjacent Mesh for Parasolid Solids 4-123
Tetmeshing Using 2D Elements Surrounding Volume 4-132
Workshop 7 General “Parasolid Solid Example” 4-133
Workshop 7 AeroSpace “Parasolid Solid Example” 4-133
Sweep Meshing 4-135
FEM Creation Tool Element/Edit 4-141
Equivalencing 4-143
Verification 4-153
Non-congruent Meshes and Mesh Refinement 4-163
Case Study:Create a Surface from 2D Mesh 4-172
Workshop 8 AeroSpace “Surface Meshing for Non-congruent Surfaces” 4-187
Case Study:Improve Tetmesh Using Modify 4-189
Editing Node 4-195
Meshing Summary 4-203
Workshop 8 General “Various Methods of Solid Meshing” 4-204
Workshop 9 AeroSpace “Various Methods of Solid Meshing” 4-204
7
CONTENTS
Section Page
5 Viewing and Display 5-1
Viewing 5-3
Display 5-11
Case Study: Plot/Erase 5-18
Workshop 10 AeroSpace “Views of a Space Satellite” 5-36
6 Groups 6-1
Introduction to Groups 6-3
Group Terminology 6-5
Creating a Group 6-7
Displaying a Group 6-9
Modifying Groups 6-10
Moving or Copying Between Groups 6-11
Setting Current Group 6-12
Transforming Groups 6-13
Deleting Groups 6-15
Case Study: Transform Groups Using Translate and Move 6-17
Workshop 9 General “Anchor Geometry Creation” 6-28
Workshop 10 General “Tetmeshing Anchor Geometry and Verifying Mesh Quality” 6-28
7 Lists 7-1
How to Create a List 7-4
Workshop 11 General “Using Lists and Groups” 7-8
Workshop 11 AeroSpace “Using Lists and Groups” 7-8
8
CONTENTS
Section Page
8 Fields 8-1
Introduction to Fields 8-3
Spatial Field 8-7
FEM Fields 8-15
Material Property Field 8-18
Non-spatial Field 8-19
9 Load and Boundary Conditions 9-1
Load and Boundary Conditions 9-3
Creating Load/Boundary Conditions 9-6
Application Region Input Methods 9-9
Example: Time Dependent Load 9-15
Forces in an Alternate Coordinate System 9-17
Association of Finite Elements to Geometry 9-25
Load Cases 9-27
Workshop 12 General “Anchor Loads and Boundary Conditions Using a Field” 9-32
10 Materials 10-1
Material Property Creation 10-4
Activating and Deactivating Material Models 10-9
Example: Isotropic Material Model 10-10
Example: Composite Material 10-13
Materials Selector / MVision Overview 10-20
Avoid Re-entering Material Property Data 10-25
9
CONTENTS
Section Page
10 Materials (Cont.) 10-1
Workshop 12 AeroSpace “Material, LBCs, and Load Cases” 10-26
11 Element Properties 11-1
Element Property Definition 11-3
Element Property Creation 11-5
Beam Element Properties 11-9
Beam Library 11-12
Case Study: Meshing with Quads and Bars 11-15
Beam Library, Arbitrary Section 11-27
Case Study: 1D Bar Using Arbitrary Section 11-28
Workshop 13 General “Cantilevered Beam Using 1D or 2D Elements, and Analysis” 11-46
Workshop 13 AeroSpace “Element Properties for the Space Satellite” 11-46
12 Analysis Setup 12-1
Analysis Setup 12-3
Results Translation into Patran 12-23
Reading Nastran Bulk Data File 12-29
Workshop 14 General “Anchor Material and Element Properties” 12-32
Workshop 15 General “Anchor Analysis” 12-32
Workshop 14 AeroSpace “Static and Normal Modes Analysis of a Space Satellite” 12-32
13 Viewports 13-1
10
CONTENTS
Section Page
14 Results 14-1
Results Introduction 14-3
The Results Main Form 14-6
Quick Plot 14-7
Deformation 14-8
Fringe 14-9
Marker/Vector 14-10
Cursor/Scalar 14-11
Contour/Lines 14-12
Isosurface 14-13
Graph/Y vs X 14-15
Animation 14-16
Report 14-17
Results 14-18
Freebody 14-19
Quick Plot 14-20
Post-processing Procedure 14-37
Case Study: Vector Components in Local Coordinate System 14-49
Fringe Plot Options Form 14-55
Case Study: Fringe/Plot Options for Coarse and Fine Mesh Model 14-63
Marker/Scalar, Vector, Tensor 14-76
Workshop 15 AeroSpace “Post-processing Static Results of a Space Satellite” 14-85
11
CONTENTS
Section Page
14 Results (Cont.) 14-1
Text Report of Results 14-86
Creating Results 14-90
Case Study: Using PCL Expressions 14-93
Miscellaneous 14-105
Spectrum and Range 14-108
Workshop 16 General “Stiffened Plate” 14-129
XY Plot 14-131
Workshop 16 AeroSpace “Post-processing Modal Results of a Space Satellite” 14-141
15 Result Animation 15-1
Results animation 15-3
Quick Plot Animation 15-5
Animation Control Setup 15-6
Animation Options Form 15-7
Animation Control 15-8
Setting-up Non-Quick Plot Animation 15-9
Case Study: Post Processing Transient Response 15-10
Workshop 17 General “Box Beam With Transient Load” 15-23
Workshop 17 AeroSpace “Box Beam With Transient Load” 15-23
12
CONTENTS
Section Page
16 File Management 16-1
Workshop 20 General “Connecting Rod Using 3D Elements From Sweep” 16-11
Workshop 19 AeroSpace “Stiffened Plate With Pressure Loading” 16-11
17 Brief Introduction to the Finite Element Method 17-1
13
14
SECTION 1
OVERVIEW
PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Copyright© 2010 MSC.Software Corporation S1 - 1
COURSE OBJECTIVES
● Learn the basic functionalities in Patran through lectures
and case studies
● Learn to build finite element models (pre-processing)
● Learn to evaluate analysis results (post-processing)
● Become familiar with using Patran to solve engineering
problems through hands-on training
● Students will work through a number of workshop problems in class
with assistance from the instructor
● Simple workshop problems designed to introduce basic concepts
● Real-world workshop problems designed to lead the students
through engineering problems from beginning to end

WHAT IS Patran?
● Patran is a CAE pre- and post-processing software
package. It consists of the following major components:
● User-Friendly Graphical User Interface
● Powerful Geometry Import, Export, and Creation
● Robust Meshing Algorithms
● Fast Results Visualization and Reporting
● Extensive Analysis Code Preferences

WORKFLOW IN Patran
● The Main Menu
1 - Select Analysis Code
2 - Import Geometry
5 - Evaluate and Publish

Analysis Results
2 - or Build 3 – Create 4 - Perform the
Geometry Analysis Model Analysis

WORKFLOW IN Patran (Cont.)
● The following case study demonstrates how Patran is used
in a typical engineering application

CASE STUDY: ENGINE PISTON HEAD
● The design team has created a preliminary engine design.
Determine if the piston head has been designed properly to
withstand the pressure loading.

CASE STUDY: ENGINE PISTON HEAD
1200 psi
● Design Specifications
● Material: Steel
● E = 30 x 106 psi
● n = 0.3
● Operating pressure = 1200 psi

STEP 1 - CREATE DB AND SET ANALYSIS
PREFERENCE
● Patran can interface with many analysis codes
● Select Nastran and Structural Analysis for this case study
Open a new database in Patran.
Select MD Nastran and Structural

Analysis for this case study.

STEP 2 - IMPORT OR BUILD GEOMETRY
● The user can import or build geometry in Patran:
● Import geometry models from CAD systems:
● CATIA
● I-DEAS
● Pro/ENGINEER
● Unigraphics
● Import geometry models in standard formats:
● Parasolid xmt
● ACIS
● IGES
● STEP
● Build the geometry model in Patran

STEP 2 - IMPORT OR BUILD GEOMETRY (Cont.)
● For this case study, the piston head geometry model is
available as a parasolid xmt file
● Import this model directly into Patran

Import the piston head geometry.

● The piston head geometry is imported

STEP 3 - CREATE ANALYSIS MODEL
● Next, create the analysis model:
Create a finite element mesh

Apply boundary condition
Apply loading
Create material and element
properties

STEP 3 - CREATE ANALYSIS MODEL (Cont.)
Create the finite

element mesh.

Constrain the two cylindrical holes

at the piston-pin interface.
Apply 1200 psi to

the top surface.

Define a material
property for the
piston head.

Create an element property

for the piston head.

STEP 4 - PERFORM THE ANALYSIS
Submit the model to

Nastran for a linear
static analysis.

STEP 5 - EVALUATE ANALYSIS RESULTS
Read the
analysis results
into Patran.

STEP 5 - EVALUATE ANALYSIS RESULTS (Cont.)
Plot displacements
and stresses.

Publish a stress
summary
report.

Create static,
animated, and vrml
images for reports
and presentations.
SUMMARY OF Patran WORKFLOW
Patran
Pre-Processing
● Import/create geometry
● Create finite element mesh MD Nastran
● Apply boundary condition
● Apply loads
Solver
● Create material properties
● Create element properties
● Submit model to solver
● Solve for displacements
● Compute strains
● Compute stresses
Post-Processing
● Deformation plots
● Stress fringe plots
● Reports

COMPANY OVERVIEW
● The MSC.Software Corporation has been supplying
sophisticated computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools since
1963
● MSC.Software is the developer, distributor, and supporter of
the most complete and widely-used structural analysis
program in the world, Nastran
● MSC.Software is also the developer, distributor, and
supporter of the state of the art CAE analysis program,
Patran
● Patran is an open architecture pre- and post-processor for
all major finite element analysis (FEA) software, including
Nastran and Marc
MSC U.S. CLIENT SUPPORT
● With corporate headquarters in Santa Ana, California, MSC
Software maintains regional sales and support offices
nationwide.
● Website: http://www.mscsoftware.com
● Select the Support tab
● E-mail: mscpatran.support@mscsoftware.com
● Phone: 1-800-732-7284

CUSTOMER SUPPORT WEBSITE
● Direct Product Access
● patran.mscsoftware.com
● SimCompanion
● http://simcompanion.mscsoftware.com
● Unified product support site
● Product news and updates
● Documentation
● Technical Articles
● Technical Support Requests
● Multi-media content
● Recorded Webinars + PodCasts
● Known Issues
● Single sign-on
MSC Worldwide Client Support
● MSC.Software also maintains offices worldwide
● If appropriate, your course instructor will explain how to contact your
local office
● This information is also available in the Nastran and Patran release
guides

WHERE TO GET TRAINING
● Contact the MSC Institute at 1-800-732-7211
● The following Patran classes are offered
● PAT301 - Introduction to Patran
● PAT302 – Patran for Advanced Users
● PAT304 - Introduction to Patran Command Language (PCL)
● PAT312 - Thermal analysis using Patran Thermal
● PAT318 - Durability and fatigue life analysis using MD Fatigue
● PAT325 - Introduction to MD Laminate Modeler

EXERCISE
● General: Perform Workshop 1 “Piston Head Analysis” in
your exercise workbook.
● AeroSpace: Perform Workshop 1 “Cantilevered Plate” in
your exercise workbook

SECTION 2
PATRAN GRAPHICAL USER

INTERFACE AND FILES

STARTING PATRAN
● Double click the desktop icon to launch Patran, or type
Patran at the Unix prompt

WINDOWS GUI

Menu Bar
THE MAIN MENU
Application Button
Tool Bar
Status Icon
 Static Green indicates Patran is
waiting for user input
 Rotating Blue indicates Patran is
performing a process which can
be stopped immediately with the
abort icon
History Window
 Rotating Red indicates that
Command Line Patran is performing a process
which cannot be interrupted

THE MAIN MENU (Cont.)
Undo - will undo last command
Abort - Stops operation in progress
Reset Graphics
Refresh Graphics Display and Viewing Icons
Open Recent
File Save
Print
Copy to Clipboard
THE VIEWPORT
Display Mode
Current Group
Current Viewport
Database Name

STARTING PATRAN WITH “SKIN”
● To give the Patran Main Menu a different look/display
include “–skin” at the end of the Target of the desktop icon
for Patran
Patran Patran for MD Nastran
● It is possible to specify one of several skins

● They are office2007 (the default), xproyale, xpluna, le5, vista,
xptunes
● The skin type/name is specified at the end of “-skin”,
preceded with a blank, e.g.
WINDOWS GUI FOR “SKIN”
● The Main Menu is different, but the Forms are the same

THE MAIN MENU FOR “SKIN”
Menu Bar
Application Tab (here) Status Icon

 Static Green indicates Patran is
waiting for user input
Tool Bar
 Rotating Blue indicates Patran is
performing a process which can
be stopped immediately with the
abort icon
History Window  Rotating Red indicates that
Patran is performing a process
Command Line which cannot be interrupted

APPLICATION FORMS
Action
Object
Method
Select Menu
(Filter Buttons)

APPLICATION FORMS (Cont.)
Toggle button is an on/off
switch
Select databox is used

to enter data
Data can be inserted

by placing the mouse “...” suffix denotes that a
at the desired location, subordinate form will open up
clicking the left mouse upon clicking the button
button, and typing in
the desired data
Existing text can be

edited
Slide bar assigns a value to associated variable

Apply causes action to
execute
Control icon allows the switching between different actions.
Hyphens indicate action can In this example, the icon can be set to highlight or split.
be undone only immediately
after its execution
Causes the content of a form to reset back to default values;
PAT301, Section 2, May 2010 the default values may be constant or can change
APPLICATION FORMS (Cont.)
Docked
PAT301, Section 2, May 2010 Undocked
SPECIFICATION OF ENTITIES FOR PATRAN
FORMS
● Specification of entities in Patran forms is
done via select databoxes.
● The input to Patran form select databoxes
includes input for creating and editing
geometry, meshing and control of meshing,
application of LBC’s, assigning element
properties, creating groups of entities, post-
processing of results, plotting or erasing, etc.
● There are numerous tools available to aid in
the interactive selection of entities for select
databoxes. Sometimes manual specification
is needed.
FORMS (Cont.)
● Vocabulary
● Specification – process of selecting interactively or manually typing entity
IDs.
● Screen picking – process of selecting entities through interaction with the
viewport and picking tools.
● Select databox – Motif (or Windows) widget which is used for entering data.
● Input focus – specification of the data box that the input is to be placed in.
The data box is specified by placing the mouse cursor over it and clicking.
An “I” character is visible in the data box.
● Select menu – menu of icons to aid in filtering what is picked from the
viewport.
● Pick list – the string of characters that are placed in the select databox.
● List Processor – code that interprets the pick list.

FORMS (Cont.)
 Specification is done in two ways
 Keyboard (manual) entry into a databox,
e.g. Curve List
 Graphical/interactive (cursor) picking with

the mouse

CURSOR PICKING
● Single entity picking
● Move the mouse cursor near to the center of an entity, e.g. Element
7, then click the left mouse button. Element 7 turns orange.
Selected entities are highlighted in orange.
● The location to pick is dependent on the setting in
Preferences/Picking, e.g. Single Picking/Centroid
● Selecting again eliminates the current entity, e.g. Element 7, and
replaces it with a new entity, e.g. Element 10

ENTITY GRAPHICAL PICKING
● Individual and collective entity picking is controlled by the
Picking option under Preferences
● For Single Entity Picking a portion of the selected entity
must be within the physical limits of the cursor. For
Centroid Single Picking the entity closest to the location
of the cursor will be picked. Entity is recommended, and
is the default.
● For Rectangle/Polygon Picking the entities picked must
be totally or only partially within the picking rectangle or
polygon. “Enclose any …” is the default. “Enclose
centroid” is recommended.
● Additional tools are available to aid the process of
picking, such as Cycle picking
● The Preselection Settings highlight the entity or label (ID
#) of the entity before it is selected

ENTITY GRAPHICAL PICKING
 “Show Picking Icons” activates additional icons on
the select menu, giving extra options for screen
selection
 “+” sets addition mode: new selections are added to

the contents of the databox
 “-” sets subtraction mode: new selections are

removed from the contents of the databox
 “=“ (default) sets replace mode: new selections

replace the contents of the databox

CURSOR PICKING (Cont.)
 Multiple entity picking
 Move the mouse cursor near to the center of an entity then, holding
down the Shift key, click the left mouse button, and continue selecting
entities. Selected entities turn orange.
 Alternatively, use the “+” picking icon
 The location to pick is dependent on the setting in Preferences/Picking,
e.g. Single Picking/Centroid
 Auto Execute must be unselected to use this feature

 Rectangle picking of entities
 Click with the left mouse button, starting at the desired location, and keep
it pressed while “dragging” the mouse to form a rectangle
 What is selected is dependent on the setting in Preferences/Picking

 Polygon picking of entities
 Click with the left mouse button, holding down the Ctrl key, to start picking.
Then, pick locations to define a polygon, with or without the Ctrl key held
down. Alternatively, can start picking using the Polygon Pick icon on the
select menu.
 A thick line, from the start point to the current mouse position, will
always be displayed
 Complete the polygon by clicking at the start location, or double clicking
 What is selected is dependent on the setting in Preferences/Picking

 Deselect (“unpick”) entities that were picked
 Hold down Ctrl and Shift and click with the right mouse button
 Alternatively use the “-” picking icon
 The entity will be removed from the data box (e.g. Element 7 below)
 This can be done when there are multiple entities in the data box. Only the
picked entity will be removed.

 Cycle picking – picking of overlapping entities
 Clicking with the right mouse button, while holding down the Shift
key, will cause another entity, that overlaps the previously selected
entity, to be selected

● Cycle picking – picking of overlapping entities (continued)
● The Selection Choices form can also be used
● Select another entity in the form; the newly selected entity will be
highlighted.

DATA BOX SYNTAX
Syntax / Format Description
Point 1 2 3 Refers to points 1, 2, and 3
Point 1:9:2 Points 1 through 9 by 2
Node 1:# All nodes in the database
Curve 1 2, 3/4 Different forms for delimiters: space, “,” and “/”
Surface 3.1 References an entity associated with a higher order entity

(e.g. edge 1 of surface 3; an edge is similar to a curve)
Solid 1:10.2 Combinations of entity ID syntax is possible (face 2 of solids 1
through 10)
[x y z] Square brackets signifies coordinate specification
[xn28, 1, 2] Individual coordinates can reference existing entities, such as

x = the x coordinate of node 28
[1, zp5, 3] y = the z coordinate of point 5
[1, z5, 3] When a point is referenced the letter “p” can be dropped
[1, 2, ‘-64.0/20.0‘] Mathematical operations like division are possible to determine the
individual components
<R T Z> < > signifies a vector definition
{[x1 y1 z1 ][x2 y2 z2 ]} Signifies an axis with first point representing the base and the
second determining the direction

LIST PROCESSOR
● The List Processor verifies the syntax, checks for existence,
and performs rudimentary geometry operations, such as
determining the location of the intersection of two curves
● The List Processor parses the contents for the select
databox
● Curve 1:3 -> Curve 1 2 3

● The application only recognizes specific types of data
● The List Processor is generic and is used by all applications
for consistency

MANUAL SELECTION, SHORTCUTS
● Abbreviations
● Point: point, pt
● Curve: curve, crv, c
● Surface: surface, surf, s
● Solid: solid, sld, sl
● Node: node, nde, n
● Element: element, elem, elm, el,e, quad, bar, tri, tet,
wedge, hex
● Coordinate system: coord, cord, cf
● Not case sensitive

PICKING USING SELECT MENUS
● Select menus assist the user in picking specific entity types,
or in performing certain calculations “on-the-fly” (e.g.
determine the location where two curves intersect)
● The select menu that is available depends on the type of
operation that is being performed, e.g. meshing a face of a
geometric solid, so not picking an adjacent geometric surface

PICKING USING SELECT MENUS (Cont.)
 A typical select menu
Toggle visible entities only selection (select only visible entities)
Polygon Pick
Default picking Any point

Point (pick only geometric points)
Filter
Node (pick only finite element nodes)
Curve Intersect (determines location of curve intersection)
Construction
Point on Curve (determines location on curve nearest point)
Filter Any Vertex (pick only geometric vertex, not point)
Pierce (location of intersection of surface and curve)
Construction Point on Surface (select surface for point to be on)
Screen Position (location on computer screen)
 A select menu only appears when a select databox has the mouse focus
 A typical select menu (continued)
Sub-menu indicators and return
Curve or Edge (of surface)

Curve (no edges)
Edge (no curves)
Two Points (defines a straight curve)
Curve Segment
Surface Intersect
 Selecting a select menu icon can lead to another select menu

 Examples of select menus
Geometry: Geometry: Finite Elements:

Create/Surface/Curve Create/Solid/Surface Sweep/Element/Extrude
 Examples of select menus
(continued)
Geometry:
Create/Solid/Revolve, Axis
● Picking visible entities only
● Entities that can be picked are only those that can be seen when the
model is displayed using hidden-line or shaded mode
● Example of visible only picking
● Select just the free faces of the hex elements on the outside of the
model
● Rotate the model 1800 about the Z-axis, and repeat the process
● Picking visible entities only (continued)
● When visible entities only selection is selected (toggled on) the
following message appears
● Visible picking will remain active until it is unselected by the user

● Make sure to turn this off as soon as it is not needed !

MANIPULATING THE MODEL FOR VIEWING
XY Rotate Zoom
 Click on one of these icons, then
drag with the middle mouse button Z Rotate XY Translate
 Alternatively, can use Ctrl and Shift to affect

middle mouse button action. Definitions can
be changed under Preference/Mouse

CONTEXT MENUS
● Right mouse button can be used in the viewport to view
context menus of common actions such as “Fit View” and
model orientations
● If an entity (e.g. Node) is selected, entity-specific options are
available

CONTEXT MENUS
● Clear results using Reset Graphics on the context menu or
on the ribbon
Context
Menu
OR

PATRAN ONLINE HELP
● Two ways to use on-line help
● Select options from the drop-down help menu to get topical or
searchable help
● Press the “F1” key to get context-sensitive help on the Patran form in
question

PATRAN FILE OPTIONS
• New… Creates a new empty database
• Open… Opens a previously created database
• Open Recent… Select from a list of recently used databases
• Utilities/Revert Allows deletion of all changes made in the

current modelling session (the Revert option
must be enabled for this to be available)
• Session Execute Patran commands from a file, or record
them to a file
• Close Close the current database but keep Patran

active
• Quit Close the current database and stop Patran
• Save Saves the database up to and including the last
command
• Save a Copy… Save a copy of the database under a different
PAT301, Section 2, May 2010 name
BASIC PATRAN FILES
Name File Type Comments

model_name.db Database One per model, relatively large
model_name.db.bkup Database Backup database is created if revert is enabled
patran.ses.number Session file A session file is opened at Patran start-up and it is

closed when Patran is quit.
model_name.db.jou Journal file One per database. A record of all PCL commands from
database creation to present - concatenated session
files. EXTREMELY useful for rebuilding a database.
model_name.out Neutral file Created using Export. Can be used as a backup for
analysis model.

CASE STUDY: GUI
● Double click the Patran desktop icon.
● Create a new database and call it exercise_1.db.
● Click OK.

CASE STUDY: GUI
● The New Model Preferences will also appear when a new
database is opened.
● The Tolerance selection Based on Model calculates the
tolerance as 0.05% of the input. The Default selection uses
0.005 for the global model tolerance.
● Set the Tolerance to Default.
● Select MSC.Nastran or MD Nastran for
Analysis Code.
● Select Structural for Analysis Type.
● Click OK.

CASE STUDY: GUI
● Play a session file which contains Patran commands. The
commands will create the model that will be used in this
exercise.
● File/Session/Play…
● Select exercise_1.ses for File Name.
● Click Apply.

CASE STUDY: GUI
● Turn on the labels and geometry display lines using the
following icons:
● Note that the status changes color to inform the user of

Patran’s status.
● If the status is green, Patran is waiting for you to enter a command.
● If it is blue, then it is busy with a current operation.
● If it is red, Patran is busy with an operation and cannot be
interrupted.
Status Indicator

CASE STUDY: GUI
● The model should now be created and look like the
following

CASE STUDY: GUI
Selected Entities databox
● You will now practice
erasing parts of your Patran
model. Note that this is not
the same as deleting them.
● Select Home Tab > Misc.
Group > Plot / Erase.
● To obtain help on the use of
the Plot/Erase form, place
the mouse cursor in the
form and type the F1 key Filter
(Help-key at some sites). buttons

CASE STUDY: GUI
● There are three methods that can be used to
select multiple Patran entities. They are the shift-
click, click-drag, and polygon-pick.
● Preferences / Picking…
● Select Enclose Centroid icon for Rectangle /
Polygon Picking.
● Click Close.

CASE STUDY: GUI
● Move the mouse cursor inside the Selected Entities box.
Click the left mouse button. Click inside of the Select Menu,
selecting the icon which allows selection of only solid
entities.
● The two filter selections are shown below.
First, click here
Then, click here

CASE STUDY: GUI
● Holding the shift key down, select solids 1 and 19. Use the
figure below to help identify the two solids.
Then, shift-click here

First, click here

CASE STUDY: GUI
● If you accidentally select the wrong solid, you can deselect it
by moving the mouse cursor to the center of that solid and
clicking the right mouse button.
● To erase selected entities, click on the Erase button, and to
re-plot them, click on the Plot button.

CASE STUDY: GUI
● Another way to select the entities is to use a mouse defined rectangle to
enclose the desired entities.
● Position the mouse cursor at one of the corners of the rectangle you wish to
create.
● Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse cursor to the
rectangle’s opposite diagonal corner.
● Make sure that Rectangle / Polygon Picking is set to Enclose centroid.
Then drag it to here

Click here

CASE STUDY: GUI
● Before you erase the solids, try editing the contents of the
Selected Entities databox in the Plot/Erase dialogue.
● If you wish to change only a few characters in the list box,
use your mouse (left mouse button) to select the character
and change it.
● Before you try the next selection method, click on the Plot
button under All to re-plot the entire model.

CASE STUDY: GUI
● The final selection technique that you will try is the polygon-
pick method. This method is used when the entities that you
wish to select cannot be selected by a rectangle.
● To use polygon picking, click on the polygon icon in the Select
Menu.
● With the left mouse button screen select at locations to define the
vertices of the polygon.
● Click the left mouse button at the starting location to close the
polygon.
● To close the Plot/Erase form, press the OK button.

CASE STUDY: GUI
First, click here
Close the
polygon by
picking at the
Second, click here starting point
Third, click here
Fifth, click here
Fourth, click here

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 2 “Cantilevered Plate” in your
exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 2 “Cantilevered Box Beam”
in your exercise workbook.

SECTION 3
GEOMETRIC MODELING

BASICS and DEFINITIONS

TOPOLOGICAL STRUCTURES
● Patran combines topological structures to define geometry

● The topological entities within Patran are
Face
Vertex
Body
Edge
● Vertices hold positions for an edge, face, and body

● All topological entities can be cursor selected to perform Patran
functions (e.g. Surface 10.2)
CASE STUDY: TOPOLOGY OF SIMPLE SOLID
● Create a 1x1x1 blue parametric solid:
● Click the Geometry Applications button.
● Set Action/Object/Method to Create/Solid/XYZ.
● Click Apply.
● Turn on the solid labels using

● Your model should now appear as follows:
Solid 1 Exploded View

PAT301, Section 3, May 2010 Look at topological definition
● Display Point and Solid labels:
● To display the labels, click on the icon

● First, look at how the solid faces are topologically labeled:
Solid1.4
Solid 1.4
Solid 1.2 Solid Solid

Solid1.2
1.2
Solid1.6
1.6

● Next, look at solid edges, e.g. Solid 1.2.3:
● In this example, six solid edges are picked.

● While preparing to create a point using a solid vertex, delete
Point 7.
● Under Geometry, set Action to Delete.
● Set Object to Any.
● Select Point in the Select Menu.
● Select Point 7 for Geometric Entity List.
● Click Apply.

● Create a point at a vertex where Point 7 was. Notice that
there are six coincident vertices, with one vertex per solid
edge.
● From Geometry Tab, select XYZ from Points Group.
● Enter vertex Solid 1.2.3.2 in Point Coordinates List.
● Click Apply.

● Create parametric surfaces from the parametric solid, e.g.
one surface for u=0.5:
● From Geometry Tab, select Extract from Surfaces Group.
● Set the u Parametric Value to 0.5.
● Select Solid 1 for Solid List.
● Click Apply.
● Repeat these steps for v=0.5 and w=0.5.

● Now, erase the solid to look at just the parametric surfaces
within the solid:
● Select Plot/Erase from Misc. Group
● Enter Solid 1 for Selected Entities.
● Click Erase.

● Shade the three surfaces
● Click on the following icon.
● What are the parametric coordinates of the point at surface
intersection?
● Ans. - (0.5, 0.5, 0.5)

TOPOLOGY OF GEOMETRY
● Topology associated with the different types of geometry:
Point List Curve List Surface List Solid List

0D 1D 2D 3D
Point Point 10
Curve Curve 20.1 Curve 20

(Vertex)
Surface Surface 30.2.1 Surface 30.2 Surface 30

(Vertex) (Edge)
Solid Solid 40.3.2.1 Solid 40.3.2 Solid 40.3 Solid 40

(Vertex) (Edge) (Face)

GEOMETRY BUILDING BLOCKS
● Point (Cyan) Y
● A point is a 0 dimensional CAD
entity. It represents a location in
space.
● Patran creates points automatically Z
when constructing curves,
surfaces, and solids. 9 Y
● Points are created at vertices, e.g.
surface vertices (“corners”) X
● It is not always necessary to
construct entities starting with Z X
these points, e.g. surface from
points

GEOMETRY BUILDING BLOCKS (Cont.)
P2
● Curve (Yellow)
● A curve is a general vector function x1
P(x1)
of the single parametric variable 1 ;
it can have many types of 5
mathematical forms. Z
P1
x1 Y Z
● (X,Y,Z) = function (x1)
X
● A curve has Y
● Two points, one at each end X
● A parametric coordinate (1) whose
domain is from 0.0 at P1 (its origin)
to 1.0 at P2
● Meshed with bar elements
5
PAT301, Section 3, May 2010 Bar Element
● Surface (Simple or Complex) P2
● Surface types can be simple (green) or
P1 x
complex/general (magenta). 2
x
● A simple surface is a general vector function of 2
the two parametric variables 1 , 2
x
● (X,Y,Z) = function (x1,x2) 1 x 12
1
● A simple surface has
P(x1,x2)
● 3 or 4 bounding edges
● A parametric origin and parametric
coordinates whose domains are from 0 P4 P3
to 1 Z
Z
● A simple surface with 3 visible edges has a
fourth edge that is degenerate. Y
X
Y
X
● Simple Surface
● A simple surface can be meshed with either the IsoMesh (mapped)
or Paver (free) meshers.
Curve of constant
parametric value Nodes follow curves of
Display line for
constant parametric value
visualizing surface
2/3 x
1/3 1 x
2
1/3
2/3
Surface 1 IsoMesh Mesh
Curves From Surface 1
of Surface 1
● Complex Surface
● A complex or general trimmed surface (magenta) has more than 4
edges (N-sided) and can have inner boundaries
● Not defined parametrically, e.g. 1, 2 not used
● It is a “trimmed” parametric surface
● Must be meshed with the Paver mesher
● Meshes along the perimeter of the surface first
Trimmed Surface
(General) (8 Edges)
Paver Mesh of Surface
Perimeter
of surface

● Solid (Simple or Complex)
● Simple or parametric solid (blue) P (x1, x2, x3)
● Vector function of the three parametric P
6
variables P P
5 7
1, 2, 3 P8
● A simple solid has:
● 4 to 6 bounding faces
x3 P
● Parametric origin and coordinates whose 2
domains are from 0 to 1 x2 P
3
P
● A simple solid with 4 to 5 visible faces 1
has some degenerate faces. x1 P

4
● Parametric solids are meshed with the Y
IsoMesh (mapped) mesher to generate
hex, wedge, or tet elements.
Z X
● Complex Solid
● Complex or non-parametric solids (N-faced) (white)
● Non-parametric solids can be either Patran native B-Rep (boundary
representation) or Parasolid B-Rep
● CAD solids can be accessed as Patran native B-Rep or Parasolid B-Rep
solids, and can be meshed using the automatic TetMesh algorithm
● Meshes faces with tria-s, then perimeter of solid with tets first
● Similar to Paver mesher
B-Rep Solid Tetrahedral

Mesh

● Planes, Vectors
● Infinite planes and vectors are used for certain geometric operations,
such as solid break by a plane
● A plane is uniquely defined by vector representing its normal and a
point on the plane
● An Patran vector quantity is defined by a magnitude, a direction and
a point of origin

Plane Vector
IMPORTING AND EXPORTING
GEOMETRY

FILE IMPORT OPTIONS

FILE IMPORT OPTIONS (Cont.)
Geometry kernel type
CAD part
Standard format

CATIA CAD MODEL IMPORT
● Several types of CATIA files can be imported
● CATIA V4 Model: model file, e.g. dogbone.model
● CATIA V5 CATPart: part file, e.g. catbone.CATPart
● CATIA V5 CATProduct: product file, e.g. crockbone.CATProduct
● CATXPRES File: output file, e.g. otherbone.cat

● CATIA V4 Model, CATIA Options… include
● Import to Parasolid: Yes
● Imported geometry will be Parasolid type geometry
● Solid Type
● Select simple (6 faces) or B-rep solid
● Trimmed Surface Type
● Select simple (4 edges) or general trimmed
● Import NoShow Entities: Yes
● CATIA V4 entities classified as NoShow will be imported
● Import Attributes
● If Yes, attributes associated to the geometry will be imported. If
No, the import performance will be improved.
● Entity Layers
● All layers, or selected layers, are imported
● Create Groups from Layers
● Creates Patran groups from CAD layers automatically
● Group name: prefix_Ln

● CATIA V4 Model, CATIA Options… include
● Import to Parasolid: Yes (continued)
● Group Classification
● Displays dialog box for directing entities to Patran groups
● Model Units
● Allows the model units to be over-ridden
● Sew Sheet Bodies
● Patran Sew: sew sheet bodies using Patran software
● Verify Boundary: similar to Geometry: Verify/Surface/Boundary
● Equivalence Edge Vertices
● Equivalence vertices during import
● Save Transmit File
● Save Parasolid xmt transmit file created during import
● Allow Duplicate CAD Model
● Allows a model with same name as a model in the database to
be imported
PROENGINEER CAD MODEL IMPORT
● Two buttons
● Pro/ENGINEER CAD model import
● Direct Mesh for meshing Pro/ENGINEER solids
● Import to Parasolid -- create Parasolid or not

● Part -- individual part; need license
● Assembly -- set of parts; need license
● Primitive Geometry -- created from CAD import into Patran;
no license needed
PROENGINEER CAD MODEL IMPORT
DIRECT MESH
● Use Direct Mesh to mesh Pro/ENGINEER solid in
Pro/ENGINEER environment
● Pro/ENGINEER is executed
● Geometry is accessed in Pro/ENGINEER through its API
● Meshing is done using Direct Mesh
● Resulting mesh is read into Patran database
● Must have Pro/ENGINEER installed, and have the
Nastran preference in Patran

UNIGRAPHICS CAD MODEL IMPORT
● Set Unigraphics as the Source
● Select desired UG part file
● Optional filtering (Unigraphics Options…) of entities is
available based on entity type (e.g. Sheet Body), Patran
groups from CAD layers, if sewing is to be done, etc.

EXPRESS NEUTRAL FILE
● Express Neutral files are intermediate files that are
created during a specific CAD model access, i.e. UG
Express Translation, CATIA Direct
● Express Neutral files are portable when created as text
files
● Express Options provide capabilities such as filtering
entities, group creation, model preview

IGES FILE
● IGES format
● Import to Parasolid: create Parasolid or not
● Supports
● Point
● All curve types
● All surface types, except Patran Composite
● B-rep solid

PATRAN DATABASE ACCESS
● Patran database content can be transferred between
different databases.
● Import option allows the specification of entity type, ID
offset, name prefix, and conflict resolution tools.
● Equivalence Option allows common entities in the
databases to be equivalenced.
● Preview option provides access to summary information.

PATRAN DATABASE ACCESS (Cont.)
● Patran databases can be accessed by selecting
“MSC.Patran DB” as the source.

● Importing options control:
● Which entities to import
● Specification of entity ID offset
● Specification of unique
names, e.g. prefix for group
names

● Merged finite element and geometry models
may be equivalenced - Equivalence
Nodes/Geometry
● Options on how Patran will deal with Discrete
FEM Fields (discussed later) on import

PATRAN NEUTRAL FILE
● Patran 2.5 neutral file
● Geometry
● Parametric cubic geometry only, e.g ParametricBiCubic
● Finite elements
● Nodes, elements
● Material and element properties
● Loads and boundary conditions
● Neutral File convention can be selected under

Geometry Representation in Preferences / Geometry
STEP FILE
● ISO 10303 STEP (Standard for the Exchange
of Product Model Data)
● Application Protocols (AP)
● AP 203: geometry and configuration controlled design data
● AP 214: represents all types of geometry, including pipe and
harness data, and components
● AP 209: finite element model, including composites, and
results

FILE EXPORT OPTIONS

FILE TYPES EXPORTED
● Parasolid xmt file
● Specific types of parasolid geometry
● Curves
● Surfaces
● Solids
● Can specify the parasolid version

FILE TYPES EXPORTED (Cont.)
● CATIA V4
● Specific entity types
● Curves
● Surfaces
● Solids

● IGES
● Export through Parasolid: create a Parasolid file or
not
● Curves
● Surfaces
● Solids
● Nodes and elements
● Coordinate frames
● No results
● Select groups for export

● Patran 2.5 neutral file
● Nodes
● Elements
● Material properties
● Element properties
● No results
● Parametric cubic geometry only
● Select groups for export

● STEP
● Application Protocols (AP)
● AP 203
● AP 209
● AP 214
● AP 203, 214 entities
● Curves
● Surfaces
● Solids
● AP 209 entities
● Limited geometry
● Mesh
● Analysis
● Results
PATRAN GEOMETRY APPLICATION

GEOMETRY CONSTRUCTION
● Geometry can be constructed in Patran by
● Editing imported CAD geometry (e.g. Edit / Surface / Sew)
● Building with respect to existing geometry (e.g. Create / Solid / Extrude)
Extracting Gliding a surface to

a curve create a solid
● Creating copies of existing geometry (Transform)
Rotating Mirroring

GEOMETRY “ENGINES” IN PATRAN
● There are two approaches that can be used in Patran to
create and edit geometry. They are “standard” and
Parasolid:
● Standard tools
● Use Patran unique code / libraries
● Have a long history of use
● Parasolid tools
● Use Parasolid libraries in Patran
● Need Patran Parasolid tool license
● Pages with “Parasolid tool” indicated mean that the approach
described uses the Parasolid libraries

ACCESSING GEOMETRY FORMS
● Create or edit geometry under the Geometry icon on the
Patran main menu.

GEOMETRY FORM ANATOMY
● The strategy behind working with the
geometry form:
● Set an objective, such as creating a point.
● Provide the details associated with creating the
entity using the selected method.
Create Delete ... “Action”
Point Curve Surface Solid ... “Object”

XYZ
Extract
Interpolate
Point
Chain
Manifold
Curve
Trimmed
XYZ
Surface
Face
XYZ
... “Method”
Project Revolve Revolve Revolve

GEOMETRIC ENTITIES, POINT

CREATE / POINT / XYZ
● Create points at X, Y, Z location
● Locations where points are to be created
may be specified by either of the following:
● (X,Y,Z) coordinates (list of coordinates), e.g.
[0 50 50] [0 0 70]
● Choose an icon from the select menu and follow
the menu prompts, e.g. Node
 3
 2
 1

POINT CREATE
Create a point at
1 1 a
parametric location x1
1
a x 1
x1 3
3
Create Point 3 at the
x 2
center of an arc
2

POINT CREATE
1
2
x 3 x4 1
1
x 1
1 x5 7
2
Create points non-
uniformly on a curve
Create a point at the
intersection of a
curve and surface

SHOW / POINT / DISTANCE
● Provide distance between a point and another
entity (e.g. point, surface).

RMB / POINT / SHOW / DISTANCE
● Use the RMB to provide distance between a
point and another entity (e.g. point, surface).

GEOMETRY TRANSFORM
Method* Comment
Translate Translate entity through a specified vector
Rotate Rotate entity about a defined axis through a given angle
Scale Use a multiplicative factor applied to individual coordinate
Mirror Create a mirror image of the entity across a defined plane
Mcoord Transform entity in one coordinate frame into another with same relative position
Pivot Transform entity within a plane defined by a pivot and two points
Position Entity transformed to a set of destination-position-points will maintain its relative

position to a set of original-position-points
Vsum Vector sum of the coordinate locations of two sets of existing entities to create a new
entity
Mscale Existing entity is simultaneously moved, scaled, rotated and/or warped to a new
position using a rotation matrix
* Transform operations are for geometry types point, curve, surface, and solid.
GEOMETRIC ENTITIES, CURVE

GEOMETRY TYPES
● Patran has the capability of creating various types of geometry, for
example:
● Implicit form, i.e. conic, elliptical
● Explicit form, i.e. parametric cubic, Beizier, NURBS
● Patran uses Neutral File convention to indicate that cubic parametric
geometry (parametric cubic geometry) will be created, e.g.
X  a0  a11  a212  a313
with a similar equation for Y and Z

● Neutral File convention can be selected under Geometry Representation
in Preferences/Geometry
● Some geometry is created using only Neutral File convention, e.g.
Create/Curve/Point
CASE STUDY: PARAMETRIC CURVES
● Create three points:
● Select the Geometry Applications Tab.
● Select XYZ from the Points Group.
● Click Apply.
● Create two more points using the following
coordinates:
● [2 2 0] , [1.50 0.75 0.00]

● Create a parametric curve with u=0.5 for
the middle point.
● Under the Geometry tab, click Point in the
Curves group.
● Select 3 Point for Option.
● Set the u value of the middle point to 0.5.
● Select Point 1 for Starting Point List.
● Select Point 3 for Middle Point List.
● Select Point 2 for Ending Point List.
● Click Apply.

● Create a parametric curve with u=0.75 for
the middle point.
● Under the Geometry tab, click Point in the
Curves group.
● Set the u Value of Middle Point to 0.75.
● Click Apply.

CURVE CONSTRUCTION
1
2
2 3
2
1
Must use the select 1
menu for picking the
curve and point
1

CURVE CONSTRUCTION (Cont.)
6 7
2 6
3
2 5
3
1 7
4 4 5
1 8 8 2
1
1
3
5
4

CREATE / CURVE / MANIFOLD
● Manifold refers to creating new geometry
on (coincident with) existing geometry, e.g.
curve on surface from one point to another
point
Before After

CURVE CHAIN
● Create a composite curve from two or more existing curves and/or
edges
● It retains exactly all the information of the constituent curves
Individual curves Chain (composite) curve

1 3
Chain curve used for

trimmed surface
9 5 11
8 6
7
10 4
3
Y Y
PAT301, Section 3, May 2010 Z X Z X
AUTO CHAINING FEATURE
● Provides user with an interactive, more
controllable way to chain curves
● Chaining starts by selecting a starting curve
● Decisions on how to proceed with the
chaining process are made through the
toggles and buttons on the form, i.e. Next
(find another possible “path” for chain), or
OK (proceed along the current path)
● Accessible from Curve - Chain or Surface -
Trimmed forms.

EDIT / CURVE / BREAK
● Creates two curves by “breaking” an original curve or edge
at a parametric position along the curve between 0.0 and
1.0
Point 21 is
created at
parametric 0.4
Trimmed surface 3 position along u
Edge 7 (or c1) direction
2
1
21
0.4
3 3

CURVE EDIT
Must use select menu for Patran extracts points from

picking the curve and all curves, then creates one
point spline curve from them

CURVE EDIT (Cont.)
Single curve;
complex math.
representation
Original curve
replaced by set
parametric cubic
curves
The parametric coordinate for

each curve is represented by
a line with a “1”

CURVE SHOW
2 1
1
1 2
Curve ID Start Point End Point Length Center Radius Type

1 1 2 3.141593 [ 0. 1.75 0. ] 1. Arc
Curve ID Start Point End Point Length Type

1 1 2 1.414235 ParametricCubic

CURVE SHOW (Cont.)
2
3 6
4 5
2 3 2
1 1 2 1 4
1
3
Curve ID Start Point End Point Length Type

First Curve ID Secon Curve ID Angle Minimum Distance Minimum Location1 Minimum Location2
1 2 45. 0. [ 0.5 0 0 ] 1on>. [ 0.5 0 0 ] 1on>.

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 3 “Frame Model Creation Using
Curves, and Analysis” in your exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 3 “Space Truss Model
Creation Using Curves” in your exercise workbook.

GEOMETRIC ENTITIES, SURFACE

PARAMETRIC SURFACE CREATE
Curves must be non-

intersecting (non-touching)
Curves must be end-to-end

PARAMETRIC SURFACE CREATE (Cont.)
Must use the select menu for

picking both surface and point;
fillet is parametric bicubic.

TRIMMED SURFACE CONSTRUCTION
● Three options for creating a trimmed surface in Patran:
Planar Trimmed Surface Trimmed
2-D Surface 3-D Surface
Composite Trimmed

TRIMMED SURFACE CONSTRUCTION (Cont.)
● When creating a trimmed surface, one must define its edges
● Chain curves together to form closed loops
● One outer loop to define the outer boundary
● As many inner loops as necessary (if any) to define holes/cutouts
● Define curvature of surface
● Planar trimmed for a flat surface
● Surface trimmed requires a parent surface (must be parametric) to
define the curvature of the new surface; only one surface permitted
● For composite trimmed, creation must specify all surfaces to
be combined

CREATE TRIMMED SURFACE EXAMPLE
● Outer Loop List is for specifying only one curve, that closes on
itself; it can have one or more curves/edges that form the closed
loop.
● There can be as many inner loops as needed, e.g. Curve 6, 7;
each inner loop can be defined using several curves.
● Single surface ID in Surface List, e.g. Surface 1. It is the parent
surface and must be parametric (green).
Curves and Parent Surface Resulting Trimmed Surface

Parent surface
Inner loop Outer loop

CASE STUDY: TRIMMED SURFACES WITH
DIFFERENT PARENT SURFACES
● Import the following Geometry:
● File : Import
● Set Object/Source to Model / IGES.
● Unselect Import to Parasolid.
● Select the file called 2trim_surfs.igs.
● Click Apply.
● When the IGES Import Summary appears, click OK.

● The model should now appear as follows:
Surface 2
Surface 1
Curve 1

● Change the view to Iso1 View using the following icon.
● Turn on the display lines using the following icon.
● Display the curve and surface labels.

● Create trimmed surfaces, both with the
same outer loop but different parent
surfaces.
● Select the Geometry Tab.
● Select Trimmed from the Surfaces Group.
● Select Curve 1 for Outer Loop List.
● Select Surface 1 for Surface List.
● Delete the original surface, but do not delete
the original curve.
● Repeat for Surface 2, again using Curve 1.

● The two trimmed surfaces should now appear as follows:

● Shade the two trimmed surfaces by clicking on the following
icon.

COMPOSITE SURFACE
● One composite surface created from a set surfaces
● Meshing will ignore the original interior vertices and edges
Composite Surface
Original Surfaces Composite Surface
with Mesh

CREATE COMPOSITE SURFACE
● A composite surface is created from multiple surfaces
● Useful for coarse meshing a region of numerous
surfaces
● Can use parametric composite surfaces to create
parametric solids, which can be hex meshed
● User defined boundary features such as vertices, inner
loops, and curves at perimeter gaps (Preview
Boundary)
● Vertices
● Use All Edge Vertices – all vertices at outer perimeter of
surfaces in Surface List
● Vertex List – if you only use some vertices, e.g. create
parametric surface
● Inner Loop Option – All, None, Select (some)

CREATE COMPOSITE SURFACE (Cont.)
● Preview Boundary
● Can use Preview Boundary to see if continuous
boundary (white) exists around perimeter of
surfaces; if not, can add (create) curves, or
remove curves or edges from list on the “fly” to
define desired outer perimeter
● Select menu can only be used to pick curves or
edges, or 2 points to define a curve
Curve or Edge

CREATE COMPOSITE SURFACE (Cont.)
● Options can be used to assist
surface creation
● Perimeter (boundary) gaps less
than Cleanup Tol. will be closed
● Gap Distance is similar to
Cleanup Tol., except it refers to
gaps between internal edges of
surfaces

EXAMPLE: COMPOSITE SURFACE
Four Non-congruent Trimmed Composite Parametric Composite
Surfaces Surface Surface
. .. . . .. . . .
. .... . . .
. .. . . .. . . .
● Create composite surfaces ● Continued
● Surface 1:4 ● Preview Boundary
● Surface type ● Add (Two Points icon)
● Trimmed: use All Edge Vertices ● Select point pairs at all 4
outside perimeter gaps
● Simple: use four corner vertices
● Remove (Curve or Edge icon)
● Options ● Select all 8 interior edges
● Clean up Tol.=0.071
● Gap Distance=0.071
CREATE MIDSURFACE FROM SOLID
● Create surface midway through the
thickness of portions of a Parasolid solid
● Use for “shell meshing” a solid
● Two modes for creation Manual
● Automatic
● Specify the thickness of the regions for which Automatic
surfaces are to be created
● Manual
● Two faces of a given solid between which a
mid-surface is to be created must be specified
● Solid Face List – a face
● Offset Solid Face List – opposing face

CREATE P-SHAPE SURFACES
● Various surface shapes may be
created
● Rectangular
● Quadrilateral
● Triangular
● Disc
● Cylinder
● Cone
● Sphere
● Paraboloid
● Box
● These surfaces may be edited
● Properties such as diameter or axis-
of-revolution may be modified
● FE mesh updated automatically

SURFACE EDIT
1 3
1
2
3
3
2
4
5
6
Surfaces have continuous slope

SURFACE EDIT (Cont.)
Complex
mathematical
representation
1 2
Set of bicubic surfaces
replaces original surface
1 2
Can be used simultaneously with all surfaces

Parametric
Point 35 Surface 6
Trimmed
Surface 8
with hole
Trimmed surface
with hole
Parametric
surface
without
hole

Parametric
Surface 2
Point 44
Trimmed Surface 4
Remove
New vertex
Trimmed surface
vertex
Parametric
surface

EDGE MATCH SURFACE
● Mesh continuity requires
adjacent surfaces to be
congruent
● Two non-congruent
surfaces may be
“matched” along
adjacent edges
● Congruency can also be
enforced using Edit /
Surface / Break.
● Edit / Surface / Sew
includes Edge Match
and Edit / Point /
Equivalence. All surfaces have four
edges
Add vertex to
PAT301, Section 3, May 2010 Surface 1 at Point 5
SURFACE TRANSFORM MIRROR OPTION
● First, select the appropriate select menu icon –
coordinate direction 1
● Then, click on local Coordinate System 1 in the
viewport to specify the mirror plane to be coincident
with the local YZ-Plane
● Next, select the geometry to be mirrored
Before After
Z Y Z Y
1 1
X X

VERIFY SURFACE BOUNDARY
● Plots free and non-manifold surface edges
in model
● Free edge: no congruent adjacent surface edge
(magenta circle)
● Non-manifold edge: shared by more than two
surface edges (blue dot)
Free edge
X
Y
z
Non-manifold edge
CASE STUDY: VERIFY SURFACE BOUNDARIES
● Import geometry
● File / Import / IGES
● Select radial_surfs.igs from the file menu.
● Your model should now appear as follows.

● Change the view to Iso 4 View by clicking on the following
icon

● Verify if the surfaces are congruent:
● Click on the Geometry Applications button.
● Set Action / Object / Method to Verify / Surface /
Boundary.
● Select Surface 1:16 for Surface List.
● Click Apply.

● Magenta colored markers are seen on all free edges.
● All free edges are on perimeter, except for 2 that are interior.
Internal Free
Edges
Non-Manifold
Edges
External Free
Edge

● Change the view to see better.
● Click on the Mouse rotate XY icon.
● Rotate by holding down the middle mouse button until the desired
view is attained.
Free Edges
Zoom In View
● IsoMesh the surfaces
● Select the Finite Element Applications button.
● Set Action/Object/Type to Create/Mesh/Surface.
● Select the IsoMesh Mesher.
● Select all surfaces, except Surface 16 (not attached
to the model).
● Enter 0.333 for Global Edge Length.
● Click Apply.

● IsoMesh the last surface of the model:
● For the last unmeshed surface, enter 0.5 as the Global Edge Length.
● Select Surface 16 in the Surface List.
● Click Apply.
● Notice that non-matching mesh can be created where the
geometry is not congruent.

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 4 “Midsurface Extraction
Example” in your exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 4 “Geometry Model of a
Space Satellite” in your exercise workbook.

GEOMETRIC ENTITIES, SOLID

SOLID CONSTRUCTION
Use non-intersecting
parametric surfaces to create
parametric solid
Use set of any type of surfaces to

create a Patran native B-rep solid

SOLID CONSTRUCTION
Use 5 parametric surfaces to

create 6 faced parametric solid
Glide a parametric surface along a

curve to create a parametric solid

CREATE PARASOLID B-REP OR PARAMETRIC
SOLID BY EXTRUDING SURFACE
● Extrude a surface (or solid face) to
create a solid
● Select to create either a
TetMeshable (Parasolid B-rep) or IsoMeshable
IsoMeshable (parametric) solid

● If you select TetMeshable, the
surface can be parametric or TetMeshable
trimmed (Parasolid tool)
● If you select IsoMeshable, the
surface must be parametric

CREATE PRIMITIVE SOLIDS
● Create Parasolid B-rep solids of various basic shapes
● Shapes are Block, Cylinder, Cone, Sphere, and Torus
● Parasolid Solid can be created quickly using this form, or it
can be created manually using Geometry / Create / Solid /
B-rep (get Patran native B-rep Solid), then refitting to create
a parasolid B-rep solid
● Primitive solid can only be meshed with the TetMesher
Parasolid tool

SOLID EDIT
Method Comment
Break Break a solid into multiple solids using a selected option such as a surface, parametric location, etc.
Blend Create a set of cubic parametric solids from a set of parametric solids such that the first derivative of shape is
continuous across interfaces
Disassemble Disassemble a B-rep solid into a set of surfaces (may be parametric or trimmed)
Refit Replace an existing complex shaped parametric solid with a set of simple cubic parametric solids. The extent to which
the new solids match the original solid depends on how many solids are created. Can also create a parasolid solid.
Reverse Reverse the parametric directions associated with the solid
Boolean Add, subtract, or intersect parasolid solids. Parasolid tool
Edge Blend Create fillets or chamfers. Parasolid tool
Imprint Break parasolid faces at edges of other solids. Parasolid tool
Shell Remove space from parasolid solid to create walls. Parasolid tool

EDIT SOLID BY REFIT
● Three ways of editing a solid
● Option To TriCubicNet causes a set of cubic
parametric solids to be created to represent the
original solid
● Refit parameters u Density, v Density, w Density,
where Density is used to specify the number of
solids that will be created in the u, v, w direction
● Option To TriParametric is similar to
TriCubicNet except that a tolerance is used
instead of u Density, etc.
● Option To Parasolid causes a parasolid solid to
be created from the original solid
● Parasolid tool

SOLID GEOMETRY BOOLEAN
● Solids to be combined can be Patran native B-rep,
Parasolid B-rep solid, and/or parametric
● Solids could have been created in Patran or imported
● Boolean operations are Add, Subtract, and Intersect
● Any combination of solid types results in creating a
Parasolid B-rep solid
● Parasolid tool
1 2 Add 3

Copyright© 2010 MSC.Software Corporation
B-rep Parametric
S3 - 115
B-rep (from Add)
CASE STUDY: ADDING SOLIDS
● Create a 1x1x1 blue parametric solid
● Set Action/Object/Method to Create/Solid/XYZ.
● Click Apply.
● Change the view by using the Iso 1 View icon.

● Create a point in the center of a solid face.
● Set Action/Object/Method to Create/Point/Extract.
● Select the Single Point on Surface icon
● Select Solid 1.2 for Surface List.
● Click Apply.
● Repeat for Parallel Face
● Select Solid 1.1
● Click Apply.
Solid 1.1
Solid 1.2
● Display entity labels
● Click on the following icon from Home Tab.
● Increase the size of the point markers
● Click on Display.
● Select Geometry….
● Increase Point Size using the slide bar.
● Click Apply.

● Create spherical shaped parasolid solid with the
center at the center of a solid face.
● From the Geometry Tab, Select primitive from
Solids group.
● Select Sphere icon in Form.
Tip and base icon
● Set the radius in Radius List to 0.5.
● Select Point 9 for Center Point List.
● Click on the Axis List box.
● Use the “Tip and base points” icon in the select
menu.
● Select the Point icon in the next level of the select
menu.
● Select the point at the center of two solid faces,
Point 9, 10.
● Click Apply.

● These are the two solids:

● Add the parametric and parasolid solids
● From the Geometry Tab, Select Edit from Geometry Actions group.
● Select Solid for Object and Boolean for Method
● Select the first icon (Add).
● Select Solid 1 2 for Solid List.
● Click Apply.

● Shade the newly created Parasolid solid:
● Click on the following icon
● Turn off the labels.

AUTOMATIC FEATURE RECOGNITION
● New release functionality in Patran
2008r1
● Previously in pre-release status
● Allows editing or removal of holes,
chamfers and blends (fillets) in Parasolid
geometry
● Accessed from Tools/Feature Recognition
● FEM updated automatically after edits

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 5 “Frame Surfaces Creation” in

GEOMETRIC ENTITIES, COORDINATE
FRAME

DEFINING COORDINATE FRAMES
● The 3 axes for each coordinate system are generically
referred to as the 1, 2, 3 axes with the above definitions.
Z Z f
P(X,Y,Z) B P(R, q, f)
B B P(R, q,Z)
C C C q
Z Z R
A A q
Y q A
X R
Y
X R q R 
Rectangular Cylindrical Spherical

XYZ RqZ Rqf
COORDINATE CREATE
Method Comment
3Point Create a coordinate frame by defining an origin, a point along axis 3 and a point in the
1-3 plane
Axis A point on axis i and another on axis j
Euler Three consecutive rotations about user defined axes
Normal Specify an origin and a surface

CREATE COORDINATE ALIGNED WITH
SURFACE NORMAL
● Creates a rectangular
coordinate system Coordinate Frame 7
● Origin at a point on a
Point 5
surface or solid face Y
Z
7 X
● Coordinate frame axis 5
3 aligned normal to
the surface or face Surface 1
● Coordinate frame axis

1 aligned with either
parametric directions Y
2
Z
1
X

SECTION 4
MESHING

INTRODUCTION

FINITE ELEMENTS
● A finite element model of a component or system is a
mathematical representation of it using small, but finite
sized, simply shaped, connected entities ( i.e. line, surface,
solid) called finite elements. (For a brief discussion of the
finite element method, see the final section in these notes).
Component (Geometric Model) Tetrahedral Mesh of Geometry

FINITE ELEMENTS
● Finite elements come in different shapes and forms
Bar Tri Quad
Tet Wedge Hex
● Linear and parabolic elements

INTRODUCTION TO FINITE ELEMENT MESHING
● Meshing a model consists of several tasks:
● Create appropriate geometry
● Parametric or non-parametric
● Remove unneeded features, e.g. small corners
● Specify the element topology (e.g. parabolic) and size
● Specify a mesher, e.g. Paver, for each region
● Specify how the meshers will be controlled
● Patran has several meshing algorithms:
● IsoMesh (mapped mesher)
● Paver (free mesher)
● TetMesh
● Sweep mesh

FINITE ELEMENTS
TOPOLOGY AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
● The Patran Finite Element application handles issues
related to mesh topology, e.g. which nodes are connected
together by edges
● The physical properties associated with the topology will be
handled in the Patran Properties application, e.g. 2D
bending shell element or 2D solid plane strain element

MESHING BASICS and DEFINITIONS

PATRAN MESHING ALGORITHMS
IsoMesh Mesh Sweep Mesh
Paver Mesh TetMesh Mesh

ISO (MAPPED) MESHER
WHAT GEOMETRY CAN BE MESHED
● The iso-mesher (IsoMesh) is used to mesh
● All curves (parametric) (yellow)
● Simple (parametric) surfaces (green)
● Simple (parametric) solids (blue)
● Geometry must be parametric
● Nodes are placed at the intersection of curves of constant parametric
value, and of surfaces
● If geometry is not parametric, IsoMesh cannot place nodes

ISO (MAPPED) MESHER (Cont.)
STEPS IN ISOMESH CREATION
● All IsoMesh mesh paths are identified by the IsoMesher
● An IsoMesh mesh path is a set of topologically parallel geometric
edges (e.g. non-intersecting edges)
a
b b b
a a a
Gap is larger than

Global Model Tolerance
● In the example above, Surfaces 1:2 are congruent, Surfaces 2:3 are
congruent, and Surfaces 4:5 are congruent. However, Surfaces 3:4 are
not congruent. Two of the individual mesh paths are labeled “a”and “b”.
There are five other mesh paths.
MESH PATHS FOR TWO SIMPLE SOLIDS
● Two mesh paths labeled “a” and “b.” There are two more
mesh paths; where are they?
b
a
a
a a
a
b a

STEPS IN ISOMESH CREATION
● The IsoMesher determines the number of elements across the width (edges) of
each mesh path, based on the following priority:
● Adjoining meshed regions that are topologically congruent
● Mesh Seeds on an edge (controls creation of nodes on curve or edge)
● Global Edge Length (GEL)
c
● Note: Number of elements is independent 2
between mesh paths b
c b
(1 ,  2 )
2
2
a
Node
2 a
1
1 b
1 c 1
d

1
● The IsoMesher determines the physical location
of each node to be created using the vector
function defining the shape of the geometry,
e.g. (X,Y,Z) = function (x1, x2)
● The IsoMesher creates the nodes and “element” connectivity

EXAMPLE OF USING MESH PRIORITES
● When no mesh seeds or adjoining mesh occur in a mesh path, the
global edge length and the longest edge in the mesh path determine the
number of elements per edge as follows -
● Number of elements = length longest edge/GEL
Mesh seed Adjacent mesh

Adjacent meshes Edge mesh controlled controlled
on surfaces 1 and 2 seeded
GEL controlled
5 5
1 3 1 3
2 4 6* 2 4 6*
*Surfaces 1:6. Surfaces 1 and 3, and 3 and 5 are congruent. Thus, Surfaces 1,3, and
5 are part of a mesh path. The corresponding mesh is congruent.

ISOMESH OF PREVIOUS FIVE CURVED SURFACES
Before surfaces are meshed After surfaces are meshed

CASE STUDY: ISOMESH MESH PATHS
● Import the following geometry:
● File/Import/IGES
● Set Source to IGES.
● Select iso_mesh_paths.igs
● Click Apply.
● Turn on labels:

● IsoMesh surfaces
● Select the Finite Elements Applications button.
● Click Apply.


● IsoMesh the remaining surfaces of the
model using a different global edge length:
● Select Surface 5 6 for Surface List.
● Click Apply.

PAVER (FREE) MESHER FOR SURFACES
● Used with all surface types, simple (green) and complex (magenta).
● The Paver meshes along the surface boundary (perimeter) first, then
moves spiraling into the interior; the Paver does not follow parametric
directions, e.g. x1, x2
Before Meshing During Paver Meshing After Meshing

PAVER MESHER FOR SURFACES (Cont.)
● The number of elements per edge is based on the following priority:
● Adjoining meshed regions that are topologically congruent
● Mesh Seeds
● Global edge length
Before During After

ISO (MAPPED) MESH vs. PAVER (FREE) MESH
IsoMesh Paver
● Surface must be parametric – ● Any surface, including N-sided
3 or 4 sided ● Parameterization not used
● Parameterization followed ● Interior elements are not
● Interior elements are controlled by edge constraints
controlled by edge constraints ● Interior associated (hard)
(e.g. mesh seed) geometry is recognized
● Interior associated (hard) ● User control
geometry not recognized
● Curvature check for curved
● User control surfaces
● Different smoothing ● Min./Max. element edge
algorithms lengths
● Can select different element
patterns, e.g. triangular
elements on surface
ISO (MAPPED) MESH VS PAVER (FREE) MESH (Cont.)
SIMPLE SURFACE
IsoMesh
Surface 36
Paver

ISO (MAPPED) MESH VS PAVER (FREE) MESH (Cont.)
ISOMESH AND PAVER MESHES
Mesh seed point
(control point)
GEL = 1/4 GEL = 1/2 GEL = 1/3

1. First, this surface (1)
is meshed using 2. Second, this surface (3)
Paver is meshed using
3. Lastly, this surface (2) IsoMesh; notice the
is meshed using Paver mesh seeds are
All surfaces are 1 x 1 (matched existing identical, but meshes
PAT301, Section 4, May 2010 meshes) are quite different
ISO (MAPPED) VS PAVER (FREE) (Cont.)
Paver Parameters MESH PARAMETERS
● If tris needs to be created,
create minimum number
● Curvature check causes
mesh refinement at curved
boundaries
● Control of internal element
size.
IsoMesh Parameters
● Specify mesh smoothing
parameter values and
mesh patterns

TETRAHEDRAL MESHER TETMESH
● Solid mesher, TetMesh, generates tetrahedral elements for solids defined with
an arbitrary number of faces (Patran native or Parasolid B-rep solid)
● Uses Delauney algorithm
● Uses tri mesh on faces to generate tetrahedral elements in the interior of the solid. Patran
performs the following:
● Meshes vertices, meshes edges, meshes faces, meshes solids
Tet mesh into the

interior of the solid
Tri element
using tri meshes as
mesh all
seed
solid faces
first, using
Hybrid
mesher

TETRAHEDRAL MESHER TETMESH (Cont.)
● Robust and fast
● Global parameters for meshing
● Global edge length
● Create P-element mesh allows elements with greater distortion
● Internal coarsening creates larger elements at solid interior
● Curvature check creates more elements at curved geometry, e.g.
more elements on fillets
● Allows excellent mesh control
● Creates meshes congruent to adjoining meshed regions (2D or 3D)
that are topologically congruent
● Creates meshes that follow mesh seeds on solid edges

TETRAHEDRAL MESHER TETMESH (Cont.)
Sphere, Solid TetMesh of Solid Look at a Sector

of the Solid
Visualize Two Tri Mesh Surface TetMesh Solid, TetMesh Solid,

Layers of Sector of Solid creating 1st Layer creating 2nd Layer
PAT301, Section 4, May 2010 TetMesh is NOT done by sector; this just demonstrates how it works.
SWEEP MESHER
● Sweep a lower order element (or node) through space to
create higher order element, e.g. a quad is swept to create a
hex
● Several sweeping techniques are available (Extrude, Glide,
etc.) to handle complex configurations
Glide 1D to create 2D
Glide curve
1D bar
elements

GEOMETRY IN MESHING
GEOMETRY CHARACTERISTICS
● Geometry characteristics which affect creation of finite
elements include parameterization, connectivity, and
topology
● Parametric representation of geometry involves defining a local
coordinate system in which any point within that geometric entity can
be located
● Connectivity defines geometry orientations such as surface normals
and edge order
● Topology describes the adjacency relationships between geometric
entities

GEOMETRY IN MESHING (Cont.)
PARAMETERIZATION
● Imported geometry may exhibit irregular parameterization
● Original geometry
● Irregular display lines
● Irregular element pattern
● Mesh smoothing will fix this
Display Lines
● Refit surface
● Geometry: Edit/Surface/Refit
● Better but still irregular
● Mesh smoothing will fix this
● Refit curves, re-create surface
● Geometry: Edit/Curve/Refit
● No irregularities exhibited
CONNECTIVITY
● Connectivity affects element and node ID order as well as element normal/CID
orientation
● IsoMeshed surfaces follow surface parametrics which are based on connectivity
● Node and element number patterns
are based on connectivity Edge 1
Edge 4
● Element local coordinate
frames are based on
● Element connectivity Edge 4
Edge 1
● Surface connectivity
● Surface parametrics
C1
C1

TOPOLOGYGeometry: Verify/Surface/Boundary
● Topology defines adjacency
relationships. Edges of surfaces
are termed topologically congruent
if they occupy the same model
space including their vertices.
● Topological congruency
determines whether coincident
nodes are created at interfaces.
● Verify/Surface/Boundary checks for
free and non-manifold edges. If
free edges exist internal to the
model then these entities are
topologically incongruent.
PAT301, Section 4, May 2010 Incongruent Topology Congruent Topology

PATRAN FINITE ELEMENT APPLICATION

ACCESS FINITE ELEMENT FORMS
● Create finite element (topological) meshes for curves,
surfaces, and solids under the Meshing tab
● Verify the quality of the mesh
● Modify by remeshing or editing the meshes
● Connect elements, if needed

FINITE ELEMENT FORM
● Set an Objective, such as creating a
mesh
● Provide the details to complete the task,
e.g. element type
Create Transform ... “Action”

Mesh Seed Mesh Node Element ... “Object”
Uniform
One-Way Bias
Two Way Bias
Curve
2 Curves
Surface
Edit Edit
... “Type”
Curve Based Solid

WHERE TO START WITH MESHING
● Things to consider before meshing a model
● Check if the model has special features that may simplify its
representation as an F.E. model, i.e. symmetry.
● Determine if there are regions of the model that can be ignored for
meshing (i.e. ignore some small features that otherwise might force
the overall mesh to be much finer).
● Determine the size of the elements by inspecting the dimensions of
the model and any critical features.
● Are there any critical areas where the mesh should be finer?
● Choose the type of element (i.e. shell versus solid) that is best suited
for the nature of the model and the loading on it.

MESH SEEDING
● Mesh seeding on curves or edges is used to control the
number and size of elements generated for the model
● Also used for transitioning a mesh between different
densities
● Patran has various methods for generating the seeding
● Uniform seed bias (equally spaced nodes)
● Non-uniform seed bias (variable spacing)
● Curve based seeding (automatic in highly curved regions)
● Tabular, including using existing nodes
● PCL function

MESHING TRANSITION USING MESH SEEDS
● Mesh seeds are useful in mesh transition
Transition control of IsoMesh with
mesh seeds Less abrupt transition
Abrupt transition
1 1
2
(1) (2)
(1) (3) (2)
Note: (1) seeded for 2 elements
Two Surfaces
(2) seeded for 6 elements
(3) seeded for 4 elements
NON-UNIFORM MESH SEED BIAS
Surface 1
Mesh Ratio = 4
Surface 2
Mesh Ratio = 0.25 (or - 4)

Green arrows indicate positive edge direction
CURVE BASED MESH SEEDING
● Variable or Uniform distance along a curve
● Length Ratio dictates the ratio of the length of adjacent elements
● Order of element to be created
● Linear causes more mesh seeds to be created
● Refine mesh based on chordal tolerance
● Max h, or Max h/L
● Specify minimum and maximum element length, or minimum
and maximum number of elements

TABULAR MESH SEEDING
● Arbitrary distribution of mesh seed along a
curve/edge
● Location can be defined in real or parametric
space
● Sort seed location in ascending order
● Reverse seed locations
● Create mesh seeds at existing nodes or points
and if desired, assign them to the edge of an
adjacent surface or solid

SEEDING SURFACE EDGES
● If the mesh seed is defined such that n is odd, then one triangle
will be created in a Quad IsoMesh or Paver mesh
● If the mesh seed is defined such that n is even, then no triangles will
be created in a Quad mesh
● (S n = Number of mesh seeds along the total perimeter)
IsoMesh IsoMesh
Odd Count Even Count
Paver Odd Paver Even

Count Count

MESHING CURVES
● Create bar/beam type elements on
curves or edges
● Only element size and topology are
determined in meshing
● Bar topology selected is dependent on
solver preference used, e.g. MD
Nastran bar elements use only end
nodes, hence, use Bar2 topology
● XY Plane, PIN Flags, Offsets, Element
Formulation, etc. will be defined in the
Properties application

MESHING SURFACES
● Have two surface meshers
● IsoMesh: used only with simple (parametric) surfaces (green)
● Paver: used with all surfaces (simple or trimmed)
● Meshing controlled by adjacent meshes, mesh seeds,
associated points and curves, and the global edge length
● If the surfaces are congruent, the surface meshes will be
congruent; if the surfaces are not congruent, the surface
meshes will not be congruent, and it may be necessary to
either edit the surfaces, or use mesh seeds or associated
points
● Node Coordinate Frames allows the specification of local
coordinate frames for analysis results (Analysis Coordinate
Frame) and node location (Refer. Coordinate Frame)

CASE STUDY: ISOMESH SET OF CONGRUENT
SIMPLE SURFACES
● Import set of geometric surfaces
● File/Import/IGES
● Select file set_param_surfs.igs.
● Click Apply.

SIMPLE SURFACES
● Display surfaces
● Change view
● Shrink surfaces
● Shade surfaces

SIMPLE SURFACES
● Look for surface free edges
● Geometry: Geometry Actions / Verify
● Rotate the model to see the free edge markers
● There are no surface free edges internal to the set

of surfaces
● 2D meshing of these surfaces will result in
congruent meshes
SIMPLE SURFACES
● IsoMesh the set of surfaces
● Meshing: Meshers / Surface

SIMPLE SURFACES
● Look for element free edges
● Meshing: FEM Actions / Verify
● Display Type: Free Edges

SIMPLE SURFACES
● Connect adjacent elements at geometric interfaces using
equivalence
● Meshing: FEM Actions/ Equivalence
● Option: Retain lower node id
● Equivalencing Tolerance: 0.005

SIMPLE SURFACES
● Look for element free edges
● The meshes are congruent

SIMPLE SURFACES
● Final Quad mesh
● All Quad elements at geometric boundaries have been connected
● This was possible because the simple surfaces are congruent

CASE STUDY: EFFECT OF ADDED VERTEX ON
PAVER
● Import the following geometry
● Set Source to IGES.
● Select trimmed_surf.igs.
● Click Apply.
● Turn on labels
● Increase the size of Point markers, from Home Tab: Misc. /
Point Size.

PAVER
● The model should appear as follows:

PAVER
● Copy Surface 1
● From Geometry Tab, Select Surface from the
Transform Group.
● Enter <2 0 0> for Direction Vector.
● Click Apply.

PAVER
● Create a point on the right edge of surface 2
● From Geometry Tab, select Extract from the Points Group.
● Select the curve icon in form.
● Enter 0.667 for Parametric Position.
● Select edge Surface 2.6 for Curve List.
● Click Apply.

PAVER
● Use point just created to create (add) a
vertex to Surface 2
● From Geometry Tab, select Edit from the
Geometry Actions Group.
● Set Object / Method to Surface / Add
Vertex.
● Select Surface 2 for Surface.
● Select Point 17 for Point List.

PAVER
● Paver mesh both surfaces using the same
value of Global Edge Length.
● From Meshing Tab, select Surface from the
Meshers Group.
● Select the Paver Mesher.
● Deselect the Automatic Calculation toggle.
● Click Apply.

PAVER
● The model should now look as follows:
● The mesh for the surfaces are different because of the

vertex added to Surface 2. Note that a mesh node has been
placed at Point 17.
EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 6 “Frame Surfaces Model
Analysis” in your exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 5 “Finite Element Model of a
Space Satellite” in your exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 6 “Meshing Aircraft Wing
Surfaces ” in your exercise workbook.

ASSOCIATED POINTS / CURVES
● Associated points/curves are used for controlling meshing of regions
(including interior) of the model
● Only the Paver mesher recognizes associated points/curves inside
surfaces
● Associated points/curves are regular geometric entities that have been
associated with parent geometry
Surface quad
meshed
Surface
created by Face quad
extruding meshed
Curve 1 up 1
Hex mesh
created by
sweeping quad
elements down
Edge of surface associated with the face of solid
POINT ASSOCIATE / DISASSOCIATE
● Associated points are used to guide the meshers
● Points can be associated with curve and surface geometry
● Associated points are a restriction to the meshers
● Only the Paver uses associated points interior to surfaces
After Association After Paver Meshing
● It is only possible to associate points to curves or surfaces which are within the global
model tolerance of the points
● Associated points can be disassociated

CURVE ASSOCIATE / DISASSOCIATE
● Associated curves are used to guide surface meshing
● Associated curves can be mesh seeded
● Associated geometry is a restriction to the meshers
● Only the Paver uses associated curves interior to surfaces
● Can only associate curves which are within the global model tolerance
of surfaces
● Associated geometry can be disassociated
After Association After Paver Meshing

CASE STUDY: EFFECT OF ASSOCIATION ON
PAVER
● Import the following geometry
● Select spiral_surf.igs.
● Click Apply.
● Change the view using the icon

PAVER
● Associate bottom edge of spiral surface to horizontal
surface
● From Geometry Tab, select Associate from the Geometry Actions
Group.
● Select edge Surface 2.4 for Curve List.
● Click Apply.

PAVER
● The association is indicated by the triangles.

PAVER
● Paver mesh both surfaces
● From Meshing Tab, select Surface from the
Meshers Group.
● Select the Quad Elem Shape.
● Select the Paver Mesher.
● Select Quad4 for Topology.
● Deselect Automatic Calculation, and enter 0.5
for Global Edge Length.
● Click Apply.

PAVER
● Equivalence the element nodes-connect the elements
● Meshing: FEM Actions/ Equivalence
● Click Apply.

PAVER
● See what elements have free edges
(edges not connected to other edges).
● Select Free Edges for Display Type.
● Click Apply.

PAVER
● View of Connected Elements

TRANSITION SURFACE MESH USING MESH
CONTROL
● Surface Mesh Control is
used to create transition
mesh between regions (*)
● Regions where Mesh

Control is specified is
meshed with element
edge length equal to Before Meshing
mesh control
● Region where Mesh
Control is not specified is
meshed using the
mesher Global Edge
Length
● Only for Paver mesher
Quad Meshes From Paver
CREATING A 2D MESH FROM A 2D MESH
● Meshes using an existing
congruent 2D mesh
● Uses existing mesh, not
geometry
● 2D elements must be
connected
● Features for controlling the
meshing
● Mesh with QUAD4 or TRI3
elements
● Feature recognition
● Hard node, hard bar, soft bar
● Mesh refinement of a region
● IsoMesh a region

CREATING A 2D MESH FROM A 2D MESH
● Use Mesh Parameters to
● Use Curvature Check to control
the number of elements on
curved element free edges
● Use Washers around Holes to
control the number of layers of
elements around a hole
● The layers of elements are well
arranged

CREATING 2D MESH FROM 2D MESH (Cont.)
Selecting “Use
Selection Values”
Selecting “Feature toggle causes
Recognition” toggle Vertex Nodes,
causes Edge Angle(*) Boundary Hard
and Vertex Angle(**) Nodes, etc. to be
to be used used
Elm 2 Can use both

** “Feature
* Recognition” and
Elm 1
“Use Selection
Values”

CASE STUDY: 2D MESH FROM 2D MESH
● Import IGES file with doubly curved surface
● Select file surf_mesh_on_mesh.igs

● Change the display of the surface
● Rotate the surface
● Show display lines on the surface
● Hide the origin symbol “+”
● Shade the surface

● Create a 2D Quad mesh from the 2D Quad Paver mesh
● Delete (original) Elements: yes
● IsoMesh: no
● Topology: Quad4
● Feature Recognition: no
● Feature Selection: no
● 2D Elem List: Elm 1:130
● GEL: 1.5

CREATING A 2D MESH FROM SET OF
SURFACES
● The Sheet Body mesher can
create a quality mesh for a set of
congruent geometric surfaces, that
contain sliver and/or skewed
surfaces
● Time consuming effort to modify
surfaces can be required in order
to produce a satisfactory mesh
● The set of surfaces must be
congruent
● Surfaces in the set can be simple
or trimmed
● In this example, the mesher
ignored the internal surface edges

CASE STUDY: USING SHEET BODY MESHER
● Create a 2D shell mesh on a set of congruent surfaces,
some of which are sliver surfaces
● Import an IGES file using File/Import/IGES.
● Select file named cong_surfs_sliver.igs
● Click Apply

● Look at the surfaces using a different view
● Change the view using the Mouse rotate XY icon.
● Display the surface labels using the Label Control icon.

● Determine if the surfaces are congruent
● Un-display the surface labels
● Geometry Tab : Geometry Actions / Verify
● Verification Criteria: Topology

● Create a 2D shell mesh on the set of
surfaces
● From Meshing Tab, select Sheet Body from the
Meshers Group.

● Create a 2D shell mesh on the set of
surfaces (continued)
● Click on Undo icon
● From Meshing Tab, select Sheet Body from the
Meshers Group.
● Use a smaller global edge length

ADVANCED SURFACE MESHER
● Advanced Surface Mesher (ASM)
Capabilities
● Handles complex surface models
● Non-congruencies
● Gaps
● Overlaps
● Slivers
● Small edges
● Provides optional global and local editing tools to
accommodate meshing with specific requirements

ADVANCED SURFACE MESHER (Cont.)
● ASM Capabilities (Cont.)
● Automatic and manual tools for set of surface
meshes
● Fill holes and gaps
● Make congruent
● Stitch gaps
● Break face
● Merge faces
● Delete faces
● Auto correct
● Added meshing enhancements to
● Recognize features
● Support hard points and hard curves

ASM BENEFITS
● Benefits
● Drastically reduce analysis modeling time
● The example part can now be meshed in less than a minute
● With other methods it would take at least 30 minutes
Gap
Non-congruent
surface edges
● Build quality finite element models with minimal user interaction

MESHING PARAMETRIC SOLIDS
● IsoMesher is used with any parameterized solid, i.e.
ParametricTriCubic, ExtrudedSolid
● Same IsoMesh Parameters … as for surfaces
● Solids (set of) should be congruent for congruent
mesh creation
● Material will be assigned in the Properties
application
Congruent Simple Solids Hex Elements from IsoMesh

CASE STUDY: HEX MESH FOR SET OF
CONGRUENT SIMPLE SOLIDS
● Import set of congruent parametric
(blue) solids:
● File / Import / Neutral
● Select file set_param_solids.out.
● Click Apply.
● Change view to Iso 3 View.
● Display the entire model in viewport
using Fit view icon.

● Display the geometry
● Shade the geometry using the Smooth shaded icon.

● Display the geometry (continued)
● Shrink the simple solids to see them better.

● Check to see that two adjacent solids are congruent:
● Geometry Tab : Geometry Actions / Verify
● Select one solid face, Solid 85.1  Hold down the shift key, then select
the other solid face, Solid 84.4

Get message: $# There are no free surface edges.
● Hex mesh the set of solids using IsoMesh:
● Solid List: Solids 72:95
● Use default value of the global edge length

● Find Hex element free edges:
● Finite Elements: Verify / Element / Boundaries

● Connect Hex elements at geometric interfaces:
● Finite Elements: Equivalence / All / Tolerance Cube
● Option: Retain lower node id
● Equivalence Tolerance: 0.00411327

● Find Hex element free edges again:
● Finite Elements: Verify / Element / Boundaries

● Final Hex mesh
● All Hex elements at geometric boundaries have been connected
● This was possible because the simple solids are congruent

TETMESHING SOLIDS
● Specify element topology
● TetMesh Parameters… allow control over the mesh
generation
● Input List is used to specify geometric solids (e.g. Solid 1:14)
or 2D elements (e.g. tri elements)
TetMesh B-rep Solids

TETMESHING SOLIDS (Cont.)
● TetMesh Parameters…
● The P-Element option generates a coarse
mesh (good for P-element analysis)
● Internal Coarsening causes a coarser mesh
(larger elements) to be created away from
geometric edges/faces
● The number of elements in curved geometry
is specified by the value of Maximum h/L
● The smallest element edge length is
specified using Global Edge Length * list
entry factor, e.g. Global Edge Length * 0.2

TETMESHING SOLIDS (Cont.)
● Assembly Parameters…
● Create Duplicate Nodes set to no (default)
causes coincident nodes at geometric
interfaces to be automatically equivalenced
(elements are connected)
● Match Parasolid Faces causes continuous
tet meshes to be created for parasolid solid
assemblies

ISOMESH VERSUS TETMESH
● Original Parasolid solid as imported
into Patran
● Set of Parametric solids created
from original solid
● IsoMesh of Parametric solids
● Additional work to create
Parasolid Solid Parametric Solids
Parametric solids, but with Hex
elements
● Auto tetmesh (TetMesh) of original
Parasolid solid
● Less work to TetMesh than
IsoMesh
IsoMesh TetMesh

SAMPLE STRESS RESULTS FOR ISO AND TET
MESHES
● A model with constraints and pressure

SAMPLE STRESS RESULTS FOR ISO AND TET
MESHES (Cont.)
3576 Hex8 elements, 5802 Nodes 3576 Hex20 elements, 20842 Nodes
17927 Tet4 elements, 4349 Nodes 17927 Tet10 elements, 53969 Nodes
Note: 1) two elements through thickness, 2) von Mises stress obtained by

inter-element averaging
TETMESH WITH ADJACENT MESHES
● Creates meshes congruent to adjoining meshed regions that are topologically
congruent (only for Patran native B-rep solids)
● 2D meshes on any number of faces and/or 3D meshes
● 2D meshes on solid faces
● Adjoining 3D meshes for congruent Patran native B-rep-s
Tet mesh on
congruent
Tri mesh on solid(s)
one or more
solid faces
Tet mesh this solid
● Creates meshes that follow mesh seeds, and hard points and
hard curves
CASE STUDY: TETMESH WITH ADJACENT
MESH FOR PATRAN NATIVE B-REP SOLIDS
● Import native solids to Patran using a STEP file
● File/Import/STEP
● Select file two_cong_solids.stp.
● Un-toggle Import to Parasolid.
● Click Apply.
● Turn on solid labels.

● Change view and shade
● Change the view using the given icon
● Shade the solids using the given icon

● Create 2D tri6 mesh on one solid face:
● From Meshing Tab, select Surface from the Meshers
Group.
● Select Tria for Elem Shape.
● Select Paver for Mesher.
● Select Tria6 for Topology.
● Select solid face Solid 1.6 for Surface List.
● Deselect Automatic Calculation.
● Enter 0.1 for Value.
● Click Apply.
● Set display to wireframe.
● Refresh the graphics.

● Create Tet10 mesh for Solid 1:
● Set Action / Object / Type to Create / Mesh / Solid.
● Select Tet for Elem Shape.
● Select TetMesh for Mesher.
● Select Tet10 for Topology.
● Select Solid 1 for Input List.
● Set Global Edge Length to 0.5.
● Click Apply.

● Tri6 and Tet10 mesh for Solid 1
Location of
tri6 mesh on
Solid 1.6

● TetMesh Solid 2
● From Meshing Tab, select Solid from the Meshers
Group.
● Click Apply.

● Equivalence coincident nodes:
● Finite Elements: Equivalence / All / Tolerance Cube
● Click Apply.

● Create tri6 elements on free faces of Tet10
elements at the interface between geometric
solids:
● Set Action / Object / Method to Create /
Element / Edit.
● Select Tri for Shape.
● Select Elem Face for Pattern.
● Click inside the Face box.
● Select “Free face of element”
icon from the select menu.
● Pick element faces at interface.
● Click Apply.
● Erase geometry and Tet10 elements:
● Click Display.
● Select Plot/Erase.
● Select Erase under Geometry.
● Select “Tet element” in the select menu.
● Select all the tet elements, then Erase.
● There are no tri elements at the interface.

TETMESH PARASOLID SOLID ASSEMBLIES
● The Parasolid solids (from any
source) do not have to be congruent
● What are the approaches that can be
used to create a continuous TetMesh
through all the solids?
● TetMesh all solids simultaneously using a
single Global Edge Length
● Make the solids congruent before
TetMeshing, e.g. use Imprint. Then,
TetMesh each solid individually, each
with a different Global Edge Length.

TETMESH TWO PARASOLID SOLIDS
SIMULTANEOUSLY
● The two solids are not 2
congruent
● Create a continuous tet mesh
through both solids by
TetMesh-ing both solids
1
simultaneously
● Select Solid 1 and 2 for Input
List
● Select Assembly Parameters…
● Select Match Parasolid Faces
● Select Solid 1 or 2, or both, or
leave List blank
● The meshes are equivalenced
automatically – the tet
elements at the interface are
connected

SIMULTANEOUSLY (Cont.)
● TetMesh Parameters…
● Additional parameter available when using
Match Parasolid Faces
● Face Matching Options
● If Proximity Tol.> gap dimension the
tetmesh will bridge (cross) the gap

SEPERATELY
● Make the two solids congruent
using something like imprinting,
2
Geometry: Edit/Solid/Imprint
● TetMesh cylinder, Solid 2, first
using Global Edge Length of
0.75
● TetMesh block, Solid 1, second 1
using Global Edge Length of
2.0
● Select Assembly Parameters…
● Select Match Parasolid Faces
● Select the solid already
meshed, Solid 2
● The resulting TetMesh-es must
be equivalenced manually if the
tets are to be connected

MESH FOR PARASOLID SOLIDS
● Import 2 Parasolid solids:
● File / Import / Parasolid xmt
● Select file two_cong_solids.xmt_txt.
● Click Apply.
● Turn on solid labels.

● Change view and shade
● Change the view using
● Shade the solids using

● Create 2D tri6 mesh on one solid face:
● Click Finite Elements Applications button.
● Select Paver for Mesher.
● Select solid face Solid 1.6 for Surface List.
● Enter 0.1 for Value.
● Click Apply.
● Set display to wireframe.
● Refresh the graphics.

● Create Tet10 mesh for Solid 1:
● Set Action/Object/Type to Create/Mesh/Solid.
● Select Tet for Elem Shape.
● Click Apply.

● Tri6 and Tet10 mesh for Solid 1

● TetMesh Solid 2:
● Create/Mesh/Solid
● Select Match Parasolid Faces.
● Select the solid already meshed, Solid 1.
● Click Apply.

● Equivalence coincident nodes:
● Set Action/Object/Method to Equivalence / All /
Tolerance Cube.
● Click Apply.

● Create tri6 elements on free faces of Tet10 elements at the
interface between geometric solids:
● Set Action/Object/Method to Create/Element/Edit.
● Select Tri for Shape.
Free face of
● Select Elem Face for Pattern. element
● Click inside the Face box.

● Select “Free face of element” icon in the select menu.
● Pick element faces at interface.
● Click Apply.

● Erase geometry and all Tet10 elements:
● Click Display.
● Select Plot/Erase.
● Click on Erase under Geometry.
● Select “Tet element” in the select menu.
● Select all Tet elements, then Erase.
● There are no tri elements at the interface.

TETMESHING USING 2D ELEMENTS
SURROUNDING VOLUME
● Tet meshing volume with just 2D triangular elements
(no quadrilateral elements permitted)
● Create 2D mesh with IsoMesh and/or Paver for all
surfaces that bound the entire volume
● Equivalence nodes to connect all adjacent 2D
elements
● Verify there are no elements with free edges
● Orient all element normals so they are pointing
outward
● Select bounding 2D mesh for Input List

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 7 “Parasolid Solid Example” in
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 7 “Parasolid Solid Example”
in your exercise workbook.

FEM CREATION TOOL TRANSFORM
● Transform constructs new elements by
performing a rigid-body or curvilinear translation
● Mirror: Reflect Elements and Nodes about a mirror
plane
● Translate: rigid-body or curvilinear translation
● Rotate: rigid-body rotation
Mirror Plane

SWEEP MESHING
● Sweeping creates higher dimension elements by
sweeping lower dimension elements through a
prescribed path
● Nodes to Bars, Bars to Quads, Quads to Hexes
● Several sweep methods are available, i.e. Arc,
Extrude, Glide, Vector field, etc.
● Sweeping is applied to base mesh (set of elements
specifying cross-section)
● Used for constant cross-section
● Number of elements through thickness is determined
by the Mesh Control form
● Can generate non-uniform mesh through thickness
● Mesh is not associated with geometry

SWEEP MESHING (Cont.)
Extrusion
direction
(Vector)
● Direction Vector is the direction of

extrusion
● Extrude Distance is the total distance to
extrude (“thickness”)

● Sweep, Arc
● Sweep bars about an axis
● Initial Offset to Sweep Angle

● Sweep, Normal
● Sweep elements along the lower dimensioned
elements normal
● If elements that are swept are associated to a
geometric surface, the surface normal is used
● If the swept elements are not associated to a
surface the average of the element normals is
used for a shared node
● Sweep quads to
create a 3D model Quad
Hex

● Sweep, Glide-Guide
● Sweeps elements along glide curve, and
maintains orientation by the guide curve
● Can be used to mesh ducting
Glide bar elements

along Curve 61
Guide bar elements

with Curve 62

● Sweep, Loft
● Creates elements by sweeping 2D base
elements to 2D top elements
● Must have same number of base and top
elements
Base and top 2D elements
Hexes created by lofting between

shells
FEM CREATION TOOL ELEMENT/EDIT
● The Finite Element application has many
tools to create finite elements without using
a mesher
● Create allows the user to create elements by
selecting existing nodes, points, or vertices

FEM CREATION TOOL ELEMENT/EDIT (Cont.)
● FE: Create/Element/Edit
● Element Shape and Topology are selected
from the form
● Pattern allows for creation of elements on
the face or edge of higher dimensioned
element
● Quad and Tri from element face
● Bars from element edge or piecewise linear
Quad elements
skinned from hex Bar elements
faces generated on
element edges
EQUIVALENCING

EQUIVALENCE -- CONNECT ELEMENTS
Before During After
13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16
7 8 9
9 10 11 12 9 10 11 12 9 10 11 12
4 5 6
1 1 1
5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8
2 1 2 3 2 2
1 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4
29 30 31 32 29 30 31 32
16 17 18
25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28
13 14 15
2 2 2
21 22 23 24 21 22 23 24 21 22 23 24
10 11 12
17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20
Use cube or sphere to

establish closeness
EQUIVALENCING
● Replaces nodes to tie elements together
● User can select to delete higher or lower node IDs
● User can select to not collapse elements or to collapse them
● Equivalence algorithm is controlled by a tolerance
parameter
● Changes propagate through all selected FEM data

EQUIVALENCE FORM
● Equivalencing can be done using All (the entire
model in the database), Group (selected
groups), or List (a specific list of nodes)
● Node Id Options: keep lower or higher node
IDs
● Collapsed Node Options
● Allow Tolerance Reduction
● No matter how large the tolerance is set Patran will not
collapse an element edge, e.g. quad shape to tri
shape, because the tolerance will be reduced
automatically as needed
● $# The current value for the equivalencing tolerance,
0.3, would cause the collapse of at least element 27. The
equivalencing tolerance will be reduced automatically to
PAT301, Section 4, May 2010 0.18 to prevent this.
EQUIVALENCE FORM (Cont.)
● Collapsed Node Options (continued)
● Allow Collapsed Elements
● The equivalencing tolerance is not changed, allowing some elements to
be collapsed
● $# The current value for the equivalencing tolerance, 0.3, will cause the
collapse of at least element 27. Processing will continue with the collapsed
element.
● Stop on Collapsed Element
● The equivalencing tolerance is not changed, and the nodes are not
equivalenced
● $# The current value for the equivalencing tolerance, 0.3, will cause the
collapse of at least element 27. Processing will stop to allow the situation to
be addressed.
● The equivalencing tolerance is either specified by the user,
or defaults to the global model tolerance
● Selected nodes can be excluded from Equivalencing
● Tolerance Cube is the recommended method (because of the speed of
processing)

● Equivalence using Group
● To be used for several groups simultaneously

● Equivalence using List
● May need to use if geometry is not congruent
Gap between elements due
to non-congruent surfaces
0.025
VERIFICATION

IRREGULAR MESHES
● Irregular meshes (elements) usually
occur with
● Irregular geometry
● Mesh transition
● Irregularity or distortion is measured
with respect to a basic shape, i.e.
square, equilateral triangle, cube
● Distorted elements generally result in
less accurate answers
● It is the USER’S RESPONSIBILITY to
carry out element quality checks to
specify the maximum allowable
distortion

IRREGULARITY CHECKS
● General mesh/element checks
● Boundary or “Crack” detection
● Elements Duplication
● Normals
● Nodal connectivity
● Jacobian
● Element specific distortion checks
● Deviation from basic element shape, e.g. taper
● Curvature and singularity tests for quadratic elements
● Color-coding based on node or element ID numbers

VERIFY ELEMENT BOUNDARY
● Plots the boundary as free edges, or optionally, as free
faces
● Free edge/face of an element is the edge/face of the
element not common (tied) to others
● Cracks or free edges appear along geometric boundaries
prior to equivalencing

VERIFY ELEMENT BOUNDARY, FREE EDGES
Hex mesh example:
Hex mesh Free edge display Free edge display* after

before equivalencing equivalencing
* What would happen if the geometry were not congruent? Dashed
(blank) area
Tet mesh example: Solid line indicates indicates
only one tet more than
one tet
Tet mesh Free edge display Free edge display after

Copyright© 2010 MSC.Software Corporation
S4 - 149
VERIFY ELEMENT BOUNDARY, FREE FACES
Hex mesh example:
Hex mesh Free face display Free face display after


DISTORTION CHECK OF HEX ELEMENTS
● The Test option gives an

overview for the current group

TYPICAL VERIFY FORM
● Sketch describes the test. More information can be found in
the on-line help
● Test threshold can be set by user. Default value usually
provides a good start.
● Normalize button
● Default off: slidebar represents actual value of verification test
threshold
● If on: Threshold value is normalized to lie between zero & 1.
The value of zero will represent the most reliable configuration
for this element type.
● Control icon allows the option to highlight elements
exceeding the reliability threshold, or click on the icon to
switch to an automatic fix.
● Reset Graphics will undo rendering. Render style and
spectrum display will be returned to the setting they had
before the Apply button was hit.
DISTORTION CHECKS RESULTS DISPLAY
During Check After 59.57
56.35
53.13
49.91
46.69
43.47
40.26
37.04
33.82
30.60
Y 27.38
Y 24.16
X Z
X Z 20.94
17.72
14.50
11.28
Elements exceeding Everything above the threshold

threshold will be highlighted will be color-coded to the
and listed in the history box highest spectrum color (default
is red)
● Plot Failed Elements Only can be used to
create a group of failed elements
34.3659
30.0802
32.2694

NON-CONGRUENT MESHES AND
MESH REFINEMENT

NON-CONGRUENT MESHES AND MESH
MODIFICATION
● Non-congruent meshes are the result of
meshing non-congruent geometry
● Approach before meshing
● Associate surface vertex points to adjacent surface
edges
● Create mesh seeds at element nodes, assigning
them to an adjacent surface edge
● Approach after meshing
● Create and mesh a tessellated surface
● TetMesh improvement
● TetMesh adjusted/modified based on Collapse
Ratio and/or minimum Jacobian value
● For either parameter, user specifies Acceptance
Value
● Manual editing, e.g. move nodes and
equivalence
NON-CONGRUENT MESHES AND MESH
MODIFICATION (Cont.)
● Sometimes a few finite elements must be modified/refined in
light of verification checks or analyzing stress results
● Patran provides tools to edit elements or nodes

CONGRUENT SURFACE MESHES VIA HARD
POINTS
● Associating points to adjacent surface
edges will cause created meshes to be
congruent
● Same mesher Global Edge Length must be
used
● Can use Meshing Tab : Mesh Control /
Auto Hard Points Associate vertex points
Associated (hard) point

Copyright© 2010 MSC.Software Corporation S4 - 157 Congruent surface meshes
CONGRUENT SURFACE MESHES VIA AUTO
HARD POINTS Coincident vertices
● Create hard points
automatically (quickly) 1 2
● Good if have a need

for many hard points –
good if many areas of 3
incongruency
● Specify the following No vertex
Before auto hard point
● “T” point tolerance is
(Target Element
1 2
Edge Length)/20
● Surfaces for which
auto hard points
may be created 3
Auto hard point

PAT301, Section 4, May 2010 One auto hard point
CONGRUENT MESHES VIA MESH SEED AT
NODES
● Create mesh seeds on
adjacent surface edges
● Use nodes of existing
meshes Gap = 0.1
● Tolerance must be > the

distance between adjacent Pick these nodes Pick this edge
surface edges, e.g. 0.11
● Created surface meshes
will be aligned because
they will follow seeds on
their surface edges
Mesh seed

CREATE CONTINUOUS MESH FROM
DISCONTINUOUS TRI MESHES
● Mesh a given number of non-
congruent surfaces with tri
elements
● Tie the non-congruent tri
elements together using the
Sew command under Finite
Elements
● Create a single surface using
the congruent tri elements –
create tessellated surface
● Finally, create a mesh by
meshing the tessellated
surface

EXAMPLE: CREATE CONTINUOUS MESH FROM
DISCONTINUOUS TRI MESHES
4 surfaces with gap Surfaces with tri mesh

(Gap in the center)
Mesh after Modify/Mesh/Sew Tessellated surface mesh

(No gap present)
CASE STUDY: CREATE A SURFACE FROM 2D
MESH
● File / Import / Neutral.
● Select non_cong_surfs.out.
● Click Apply.

MESH
● Determine where the surface free edges are
● Select the Geometry Applications button.
● Set Action/Object/Method to
Verify/Surface/Boundary.
● Select all the surfaces for Surface List by holding
down the left mouse button and dragging a
rectangle around the model.
● Click Apply.

MESH
● Note that there are numerous locations where there are
surface free edges (each shown by a magenta circle)

MESH
● Create tri3 mesh using the IsoMesh (able to
use IsoMesh because all the surfaces are
parametric).
● Select IsoMesh for Mesher.
● Select all the surfaces in the display for Surface
List.

MESH
● All surfaces were meshed with 2D tri3 elements

MESH
● Sew the elements together. This command is similar to the
Equivalence Command.
● Set Action/Object/Type to Modify/Mesh/Sew.
● Enter 2.0 for Target Element Edge Length.
● Select all the tri elements for Tria Element List.
● Click Apply.

MESH
● Now, see where the element free edges are
● Set Action/Object/Test to Verify/Element/Boundaries.
● Select Free Edges for Display Type.
● Click Apply.
Hole in tri3
mesh

MESH
● Create a group for the surface to be created
from the tri3 elements. Make the group
“current”, so when the surface is created it
will be placed in it.
● Click on Group form in the main menu and select
Create.
● Set Action/Method to Create/Select Entity.
● Enter tess_surf for New Group Name.
● Select Make Current.
● Click Apply.

MESH
● Create a surface from the 2D tri3 mesh
● Select the Geometry Applications button.
● Set Action/Object/Method to
Create/Surface/Mesh.
● Select the tri3 elements for Element List.
● Select four corner nodes for Outer Corner
Nodes. No additional nodes are selected, so a
parametric surface will be created.
● Select None for Inner Loop Options.
● Click Apply.

MESH
● Display only the group with the new surface,
tess_surf
● Select Group from the main menu and select
Post from the drop down menu.
● Select tess_surf for Select Groups to Post.
● Click Apply.
Display Line

MESH
● Change the view by holding down the middle mouse button

MESH
● Mesh the new surface using IsoMesh (use
larger element size)
● Select Quad for Elem Shape.
● Select IsoMesh for Mesher.
● Select Quad4 for Topology.
● Deselect Automatic Calculation, and enter 6.0 for
Global Edge Length.
● Click Apply.

MESH

MESH
● Smooth the new 2D surface mesh using
an application in Finite Elements
● FE: Modify/Mesh/Surface
● Select the newly created tessellated surface,
Surface 602.
● Click Apply.
● Erase the geometry so can see the mesh
better.

MESH
Before Smoothing After Smoothing

EXERCISE
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 8 “Surface Meshing for Non-
congruent Surfaces” in your exercise workbook.

MODIFY TETMESH USING COLLAPSE RATIO
AND/OR JACOBIAN PARAMETER
● After a Tetmesh has been created,
elements can be modified if some
elements have too small a collapse ratio
and/or minimum Jacobian value
● Specify Hard Nodes (not to be moved)
● FEM Volume Control
● Can allow volume of boundary elements to
change or force it to remain constant
● Use of either Collapse Ratio or Jacobian
Minimum, or both
● User must specify an Acceptance Value
for each
CASE STUDY: IMPROVE TETMESH USING
MODIFY
● Import the following Geometry
● File/Import/Parasolid xmt
● Select hex.x_t
● Click Apply.
● Rotate the model using the following icon.

MODIFY
● TetMesh the Parasolid solid using default
parameter values
● Set Action/Object/Type to Create/Mesh/Solid.
● Select Tet for ElemShape.
● Click Apply.

MODIFY

MODIFY
● Determine the quality of the Tet10 mesh:
● Set Action/Object/Test to Verify/Tet/All.
● Click Apply.

MODIFY
● Modify the Tet10 mesh by specifying the minimum collapse
ratio:
● Set Action/Object/Type to Modify/Mesh/Solid.
● Deselect Jacobian Minimum… toggle.
● Click Collapse Ratio… and enter 0.2 for Acceptance Value.
● Select Solid 1 for Input List (Element/Solid).
● Click Apply.

MODIFY
● Results of Verify
● The minimum collapse ratio is now closer to 0.2

FEM EDITING-NODE/MOVE
● Node modification tools
● Move a node from one position to another
● This tool can be used to fix non-congruent meshes

FEM EDITING-NODE/OFFSET
● Node Offset - moves a node along a defined vector
by a given magnitude
● Example
● Move a node to produce a less skewed element
● Create vector by “Tip and base points” icon
● Magnitude is calculated upon selection of two nodes,
1.2205, reset to 0.12205 for 10% increments.
● Select node to move
● Linear movement
Vector direction

FEM EDITING-NODE/OFFSET (Cont.)
● Cartesian or curvilinear node offset
Direction Vector = <0 .25 0>
Direction Vector = <.25 0 0>

FEM EDITING-NODE/PROJECT
● Node project; Project onto
● Curve – project using the closest approach
to a curve or edge
● Surface – projection along normal to
surface that passes through node, or
specify a vector to project along
● Plane – same as for surface

FEM EDITING-NODE/PROJECT (Cont.)
● Example: project the nodes to Z = 0 for
Coord 4
Plane 1

NODE EDITING EXAMPLE
● Use node editing to realign the nodes on Edge 3 of Surface
1 with the nodes on Edge 1 of Surface 2
1
2
Z
X

NODE EDITING EXAMPLE (Cont.)
● To change the location of a node, first
identify its new location by specifying
coordinate values or by using the select
menu options for Node Locations
● Using Node List, identify the node to be
relocated
Before After
1st click 15
15,4
2nd click 4

NODE EDITING EXAMPLE (Cont.)
1
2
Z
X
Final node editing result

Question: how many nodes are there along the common
boundary between Surface 1 and Surface 2 ?
Also, how could equivalencing be used to do the
same thing ?
MESHING SUMMARY
● Patran provides many meshing tools to generate a finite
element model
● Different meshers
● Mesh control tools
● Sweep/transform tools
● Editing tools
● An understanding of the geometry tools and characteristics
of the geometry will make meshing easier.
● Mesh control tools are to be used prior to meshing to help
achieve the desired result.
● Editing tools allow the user to modify a mesh to achieve an
improved mesh.
EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 8 “Various Methods of Solid
Meshing ” in your exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 9 “Various Methods of Solid
Meshing” in your exercise workbook.

SECTION 5
VIEWING AND DISPLAY

VIEWING
● Orientates view of model in the viewport
● Translation, rotation, zoom
● Fitting model in screen
● Local zoom
● Along vector
● Clipping (cutting) model
● Changing the view does not alter the model

TRANSFORMATIONS OF VIEW
Transformation
Translation and Rotations control parameters
Zoom actions about axes
Fit View
These parameters also affect mouse settings

FIT MODEL TO SCREEN AND SELECT
NEW CENTER
● Fit View fits model into viewport
● Move viewport’s focal point to mouse-defined location
● Choose Select Center from the pull down menu, move cursor to the
selected point and click left mouse button
Current window
Original center
Fit View View

Center
New window
New center

SELECT CORNERS (LOCAL ZOOM) AND ZOOM
BY FACTOR
Use tool Select Corners
to zoom into a display
region
Current window
Select Corners
New window
SPECIFY VIEW USING ANGLES
● Change the view of model by changing the view angle of
rotation about the axes of either the global or screen
coordinate system
“View” terminology
Model Global model axes stay fixed to the model
Screen Screen axes are fixed to the graphics screen
Absolute Rotations relative to the zero rotation position
Relative Rotations relative to the current position
● Screen axes are fixed to graphics

device and never move
● Model axes are “body-fixed” and
move with the model

USER DEFINED VIEWS
● Standard model views can be selected for display
● Custom views can be created and stored for future reference
Typical icon
Z X Default view
Y X Top view
Z
X Y
Z
Side view
GENERAL CLIPPING PLANES
● Clipping planes can be created, displayed, modified, or
deleted using the Arbitrary Clipping… form
● Clipping planes can be created using a direction/location,
vector, or plane
● Clipping planes can be specified to move with the model
● Multiple clipping planes may be active concurrently
(maximum of 6 at one time)

DISPLAY

DISPLAY
● Display tools are used to organize and enhance the appearance of the model in viewports
● Two types of display modes:
● Entity mode targets entities by type (i.e. all curves are yellow, all quads are white)
● Group mode targets by group (i.e. default group is wireframe, bracket group is shaded yellow)
● Display type is global (affects all open viewports)
● Only one type of display mode may be used at a time

ENTITY TYPE DISPLAY
● Modify entity display properties
● Model Render Style applies to all entities
● Shade Color applies to all entities
● Colors of each Entity Type are unique for each entity
● Show or hide Entity Labels
● Label Font Size applies to all entities

GROUP DISPLAY
● Modify display properties by group
● Select a set of groups
● Render style
● Shade color
● Labels on or off
● Label size
● Toolbar, quickpicks
● Unique for a given group

PLOT / ERASE
● Unclutter graphics display by temporarily removing entities
from the display
● Actions affect only the display
● Settings will not be saved when the database is closed
● Erase is different from Delete
Toolbar, quickpick
button for plot/erase

EXAMPLE: PLOT / ERASE
Hidden line plot when geometry Hidden line plot with only the
and FEM overlap(at the same FEM displayed (geometry
location) erased)
● Select Display, then Plot/Erase

● Click on
● Repaint the screen
CASE STUDY: PLOT / ERASE
● Create a new database:
● File / New
● Enter plot_erase for the file
name and click OK.

● Create a 1x1x1 solid:
● Under the Geometry Tab click XYZ in the Solids group.
● Enter <1 1 1> for the Vector Coordinates List.
● Click Apply.
● Under the Home tab, click the Iso2 View icon in the
Orientation group and then Fit View in the Viewport
Group.

● Edge blend all the solid edges:
● Under the Geometry Tab click Edit in the
Geometry Actions group.
● Set the Radius to 0.25
● Select all the solid edges by dragging
a box over the solid, and click Apply.

● TetMesh the solid:
• Under the Meshing tab, click the icon for Solid in the
Meshers group.
● Make sure Tet, TetMesh, and Tet10 are all selected.
● Select the solid, Solid 1.
● Remove check for Automatic Calculation, and enter
0.2 for Global Edge Length Value. Click Apply.

● Shade both, the geometry and the mesh:
● Click on the Smooth Shaded icon.
● Note that all element free faces cannot be seen because the
geometry is also displayed.

● Use the Plot/Erase command to erase the geometry and
get a better picture of the mesh:
● Under the Home tab, click the Plot/Erase Geometry icon in the
Misc. group to trun off.

● Similar to the previous step, erase the FEM and plot the
geometry:
● Under the Home tab, click the Plot/Erase Geometry icon in the
Misc. group to trun on.
● Click the Plot/Erase FEM icon in the Misc. group to trun off.

HIGHLIGHTING
● Find any posted entity by entering its name and ID number
(i.e. Element 32) …
● Find entities associated to other entities using
Tools/List/Create.
● Highlight color is modified under Preferences/Graphics.
● Dynamic highlighting can be turned on under
Preferences/Picking.

GEOMETRIC ATTRIBUTES
● Geometric properties may
be altered to enhance
display (i.e. display lines,
chordal tolerance,
parametric directions, entity
colors and labels)
● Toolbar, Quickpick buttons
Display Point Labels

Lines Size

GEOMETRIC SHRINK AND DISPLAY LINES
After Before

FINITE ELEMENT AND LBC/ELEMENT
PROPERTY DISPLAY ATTRIBUES
● Display: Finite Elements
● Number of line segments per edge
● Element shrink
● Show only free
● Edges
● Faces
● Node size
● Colors and labels

● Element shrink

● Show only free
● Faces

● Display: Load/BC/Elem. Props
● LBC display toggles
● Colors
● Show on FEM only
● Vector attributes
● Beam display
● Pin DOFs
● Spring DOFs

● Show on FEM only

● Beam display

TITLES EXAMPLE
● Type Title in Target Title listbox
● Select Title Color and Font Size
● Select Create
● Move Title to desired position using cursor
while form is open

TITLES EXAMPLE
162.5
162.5
158.1
158.1
153.6
153.6
Transient - Thermal Analysis of a 149.1
149.1
Simple Plate Model 144.7
144.7
140.2
140.2 Adiabatic Top Edge
135.7
135.7
100 < T(t) 131.3
131.3 T(t) < 162.5
126.8
126.8 100 F
(Constant) 122.3
122.3
Linear
Variation 117.9
117.9
113.4
Y 113.4
Y 108.9
108.9 Adiabatic Bottom Edge
Z X 104.5
104.5 Z X
Before 100.0 After 100.0

SPECTRUMS
● Color spectrum can be modified to
improve understanding of results
and other distributed quantities
● Continuous tone fringe plots can
be rendered and the interpolation
between any two colors controlled
(e.g. 2 = quadratic)
● Modified color spectra can be
created, named and saved for
current and future use

EXERCISE
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 10 “Views of a Space
Satellite” in your exercise workbook.

SECTION 6
GROUPS

INTRODUCTION TO GROUPS
● Allows geometric and FE entities to be divided into separate groups for
various modeling and post-processing tasks
● A group named “default_group” is created automatically when a new
database is created
● Newly created items automatically become members of the current
group
● Any number of groups can be created, and entities may belong to more
than one group
● Groups become permanent members of the database
● Name of current group is displayed as part of the Viewport banner

EXAMPLE OF GROUPS
● What is a Group?
● Any subset of model
● A collection of entities
● Separate groups for geometry & finite elements
Geometry Elements
● Create subsets when working with large models
Middle Ends
Total

GROUP TERMINOLOGY
● Current group
● Group into which newly created entities are placed
● Only one group may be current at a time
● Current group is always displayed(posted)
● Target group
● Group that will be acted upon
● Modify Target Group, e.g. Remove entities
● Modify the appearance of the Target Group under Display/Entity
Color/Label/Render
● Posted group
● Group is displayed in a viewport
● A group may be posted to more than one viewport
● More than one group may be posted to a viewport
GROUP MANIPULATION
● Getting beyond “default_group”
● Manipulate groups by clicking Group in the main menu bar

● Group options can be selected from the Group pull down
menu, or from the Action choice of the Group form

CREATING A GROUP
● Choose Group/Create, or change the Action to
Create in the Group menu
● Assign new group name
● The default is to make the new group the Current
Group (new entities assigned to)
● Use the Group Contents options to select group
member categories, i.e. Add Entity Selection, Add All
Geometry, Add All FEM, Add All Orphans, Add All
Entities
● Loads, boundary conditions, coordinate frames,
fields, load cases and results are not group
members

CREATING A GROUP (Cont.)
Select Entity Select the desired entities from the screen
Property Set Select element property set names (user specified), i.e.
prop_1, prop_2
Property Type Select element property type, i.e. 2D shell, 3D solid
Loads/BCs Set Select load and boundary condition set names, i.e.
lbc_1, lbc_2
Loads/BCs Type Select load and boundary condition types, i.e.
displacement, force
Material Select material set names, i.e. matl_1, matl_2
Element Topology Select element topology, i.e. hex8, quad4
Element Shape Select element shape, i.e. 2D, 3D, bar
Element ID Specify element number range, e.g. start ID = 1, End ID
= 327
MPC Type Select MPC type, i.e. RBAR, RBE2
Boolean Perform set operations on contents of groups, e.g.
operation of union on groups group_A and group_B

DISPLAY A GROUP
● Choose Group/Post, or change the Action to
Post in the Group menu
● Choose which groups are to be posted in the
current viewport
● A single mouse click will highlight one group
● Drag for continuous selection
● Hold down <shift> to select a set of continuous
groups in series
● Hold down <ctrl> to select non-contiguous groups

MODIFYING GROUPS
● Select a Target Group for modification
● Use “Rename…” to rename the target group
● Member List to Add/Remove buttons and
Global Add/Remove buttons modify the target
group’s members
● Selectable Members switch will allow the
group to be visible and selectable. Turning
this switch off will allow the group to be
visible, but not selectable.

MOVING OR COPYING BETWEEN GROUPS
● Used to transfer entities between groups rapidly
● Select “Move” if you want the entities to be moved to “To
Group”
● Select “Copy” to duplicate entities in both, “From Group”
and “To Group”
● Indicate the entities you wish to transfer with the
“Selected Entities…” button

SETTING CURRENT GROUP
● Set Current
● Make a group current by highlighting its name
● Making a group current will post it to the current
viewport
● Entities created will be assigned to current group

TRANSFORMING GROUPS
● Transform members(entities) of groups
● Select transformation method, i.e. Translate, Rotate
● Transform entities in Selected Group(s) Groups are
selected under Select Group(s)
● Transforming can be done using Move
● Move causes transformed (moved) entities to remain
in original groups
● Loads/BCs and Element Properties can be
transformed

TRANSFORMING GROUPS (Cont.)
● Transforming can be done using Copy
● Copy causes transformed (copied) entities to be
placed in the chosen group, i.e. Original, New,
Current
● Loads/BCs and Element Properties can be
transformed

DELETING GROUPS
● Can delete any group except the current
group
● Option given to delete only the name of a
group (keep entities)
● Deleting entities in a group will remove
them from the database, regardless of
possible membership in other groups
● Entities which are exclusive to a deleted
group name will become orphaned entities

NOTES ON GROUPS
● The current group is always displayed
(posted)
● The only way to have more than one render
style displayed simultaneously is to be in
the “group display mode”
● Group display is a useful tool when post-
processing. Different results can be plotted
using different render styles (deformed
shape = wireframe,Von Mises Stress =
fringe, etc.)

CASE STUDY: TRANSFORM GROUPS USING
TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Create a new database and create the
surface:
● File:New
● Enter a name for the database and click OK.
● Under the Geometry Tab click XYZ in the Surfaces
group.
● Enter <1 1 0> under Vector Coordinates List and
set Origin Coordinates List to [0 0 0].
● Click Apply.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Display the surface labels:
● Go to Display: Entity Color/Label/Render….
● Select Label box that corresponds to Surface
under Entity Type Colors and Labels and click
Apply.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Rename the default group:
● Go to Group: Modify and click
on Rename.
● Enter group_1 under Rename
As and click OK.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Create two more groups:
● Under Groups, set Action to Create.
● Enter group_2 under New Group Name and click
Apply.
● Repeat previous step to create group_3.

CASE STUDY: TRANSFORM GROUPS
USING TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Make group_2 the current group:
● Go to Group: Set Current.
● Select group_2 and click Cancel.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Create a new surface in the new group:
● Under the Geometry Tab click XYZ in the Surfaces
group.
● Enter <1 1 0> under Vector Coordinates List and
set Origin Coordinates List to [0 2 0].
● Click Apply.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Make group_3 current and create
another surface
● Go to Groups: Set Current.
● Select group_3 and click OK.
● Click on Geometry and go to
Create/Surface/XYZ.
● Enter <1 1 0> for the Vector
Coordinates List and [0 4 0] for
the Origin Coordinates List, and
click Apply.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Transform group_1 and group_3:
● Go to Group: Transform/Translate.
● Enter <5 0 0> for the Translation
Vector.
● Click on Select Group(s). Hold down
the Control button and select group_1
and group_3, then click OK.
● Click Apply.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Post just group group_1 and check to see
that only Surface 1 is in it:
● Go to Groups : Post
● Select group_1 and click Apply.

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Show the location of Point 1 and make sure it
is in the correct location ([0 0 0] “+” <5 0 0> =
[5 0 0]):
● Under the Geometry Tab click Show in the
Geometry Actions group.
● Select Location for Info.
● Click on Point 1(the bottom left corner of the
surface).

TRANSLATE AND MOVE
● Check to see that group_2 and group_3 only have Surface 2 and 3,
respectively. Also, check to see that the points are at the correct
locations.
● Repeat previous steps to check point locations of Surface 2 and 3

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 9 “Anchor Geometry Creation”
in your exercise workbook
● General: perform Workshop 10 “Tetmeshing Anchor
Geometry and Verifying Mesh Quality” in your exercise
workbook

SECTION 7
LISTS

LIST OVERVIEW
● Create a list of entities based on given criterion

● Lists can be used as input for various Patran applications, such as
Application Regions for element properties
● Criteria for list creation are
● Attributes, such as location, results value, assigned properties
● Association with other entities, such as Points, Edges, Elements, Groups, etc.
● Lists are not stored in the database, but can be added to a Group

HOW TO CREATE A LIST
● Create two lists:
● List A: all nodes at X = 22.0 (+ 1.0 tolerance)
● List B: all elements associated with the nodes in List A
● Create List B
● Create List A
● Elements associated
● Nodes at X = 22 + 1 with nodes in List A
● When using a list as
input, enclose the List
name in back quotes
(e.g. `lista`)

BOOLEAN OPERATIONS
● Boolean operations are used to manipulate lists or groups
● Intersection operation finds items common to both
● Union operation combines items in both
● Results of subtracting one from another
● Example
● Find elements with a von Mises stress result value > 2400 psi and a
temperature result value > 70 F

BOOLEAN EXAMPLE
● Plot von Mises stress ● Plot temperatures

● Create List A ● Create List B
● Find elements with a ● Find elements with a
von Mises stress temperature greater
greater than 2400 psi than 70 Fo

BOOLEAN EXAMPLE (Cont.)
● Use Boolean operation to create List C
● Contents of List C are all elements with a von Mises stress
greater than 20,000 psi and temperature greater than 300 Fo

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 11 “Using Lists and Groups” in
your exercise workbook
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 11 “Using Lists and Groups”
in your exercise workbook

SECTION 8
FIELDS

FIELDS
● Fields are used to define variation of
● Load/boundary conditions
● Material Properties
● Element Properties
● There are three types of fields
● Spatial fields
● Material Property fields
● Non-spatial fields

SPATIAL FIELDS
● Spatial Fields – variation of the field with respect to:
● Physical coordinate system coordinates, e.g. X,Y,Z
● Parametric coordinates, e.g. 1,2
● Analysis results
● User-defined mix of allowable independent variables and compiled
PCL functions
CFD - Inlet Velocity Plate Thickness

MATERIAL PROPERTY FIELDS
● Material Property fields – variations of the field with respect
to:
● Temperature, Strain, Strain Rate, Time, and Frequency
PCL functions

NON-SPATIAL FIELDS
● Non-Spatial fields – variation of the field with respect to:
● Time, Frequency, Temperature, Displacement, and Velocity
PCL functions

SPATIAL FIELD EXAMPLE – PCL / SCALAR /
REAL SPACE
● Describe a variable thickness for a plate
model
● Thickness varies
● 0.2 at the leading edge (T = 0)
● 0.6 at the trailing edge (T = 1.57)
● As a function of SIN, where Theta varies from 0 to 90
degrees 0.6
Thickness = 0.2 + 0.4*SINR(`T)
T=1.57
T
Z R T=0 0.2
SPATIAL FIELD, PCL INPUT
● PCL expressions can be defined with up to 3 spatial variables
Mathematical Expression PCL Expression
Rectangular 0.1x - 0.35y .1*’X-.35*’Y
Cylindrical 0.35r + 0.08qacos(25.6z) 0.35*’R+.08*’T*acosr (25.6*’Z)
Spherical 200r2 - 3 200*’R**2-’P**3
Parametric 10.0z1 – 20.8 z2 10.0*’C1-20.8*’C2
● The following variables are recognized as part of a PCL function

Spatial Non-Spatial
Coordinate Frame
Rectangular XYZ Time t
Cylindrical RTZ Frequency f
Spherical RTP
Parametric C1 C2 C3
● Variables are case sensitive
● Precede all variables with a single quote ( ’ )

PCL MATH FUNCTIONS
● SIND (angle) ● SQRT (n)
● SINR (angle)* ● LN (n)
● ASIND (n) ● EXP (n)
● ASINR (n) ● LOG (n)
● COSD (n) ● ABS (n)
● COSR (n) ● SIGN (n)
● ACOSD (n) ● NINT (n)
● ACOSR (n) ● MAX (n1, n2,…)
● TAND (angle) ● MIN (n1, n2,…)
● TANR (angle)
● ATAND (n)
Note: ‘T and ‘P are in radians for cylindrical and
● ATANR (n) spherical coordinate systems (e.g. use
● ATAN2D (y, x) SINR(‘T))
● ATAN2R(y, x) * R indicates that the angle is specified in
radians
SPATIAL VECTOR FIELD
● Inlet velocity fields can be easily defined with
the vector field option
● Vector fields can be defined with respect to
any reference coordinate system
0.7
Y
0.9
X
1.0 Flow
0.9
0.7

SPATIAL FIELD – TABULAR INPUT
● Tabular input
● Field data values can be entered into 1, 2, or 3
dimensional spreadsheets
● Import/export-to (*) Excel spreadsheet into/out-of (*)
Patran spreadsheets
LEGEND
----- xy1
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 1 2 3

SPATIAL FIELD – TABULAR INPUT (Cont.)
● Import/Export for 1D, 2D, or 3D Spatial/Tabular Input field
● Coordinate system type is Real
● Other types of fields support Import/Export too

SPATIAL FIELD EXAMPLE
● Tabular Input / Parametric Space / Endpoints Only
● Define a linearly varying thickness using corner points
(endpoints) of surface
● Select Coordinate System Type as Parametric
● Select the Geometry Entity for the application of the parametric
field, e.g. Surface 1
● Select dimension (2D) to be used in the field definition
● Input data, e.g. corner thickness
(1,1)
(0,1)
C2 (1,0
)
C1
(0,0)

SPATIAL FIELD EXAMPLE (Cont.)
● Tabular Input/Parametric Space/Endpoints Only Off
● Define a piecewise linearly varying field in parametric
space to represent thickness of Surface 1
170
175
50 70
150 100
100 120
(0,1)
C2 (1/4,1)
1 (3/4,1) (1,1)
(0,0) C1
(1/4,0)
(3/4,0)
(1,0)

FEM FIELDS
● Two types of FEM Fields are available: discrete and
continuous
● Discrete FEM Fields define data associated to a list of nodes or
elements; no interpolation is performed
● Continuous FEM Fields are used to map data (interpolate) from one
analysis to another (thermal to structural) or from one mesh to
another (global to local analysis)
● Vector FEM Fields are created from displacements and
forces
● Scalar FEM Fields are created from pressures and
temperatures

CREATING DISCRETE FEM FIELD
● Specify Discrete, Vector and
Node
● Select or type node IDs into
Select a Node in Input Data
form, then click Return
● Input vector data, e.g.
<x y z>, for Values
● Can use this in Loads/BCs

CREATING CONTINUOUS FEM FIELD
● Procedure to create continuous FEM Field
● Display desired results on mesh, e.g. temperature at nodes.
Field is created using the data that corresponds to the display
● Select Continuous for FEM Field Definition, and select type of
field, e.g. Scalar for temperature
● Select the group that has the results displayed on it. Make
sure the display matches the field type selected
● Choose proper extrapolation option
● Do not delete mesh that was used to create FEM field, e.g.
thermal model
● Use the FEM field in creating a Load/BC,
e.g. structural thermal load

MATERIAL PROPERTY FIELD – TABULAR INPUT
● Material Properties can be specified as a
function of Temperature, Strain, Strain Rate,
Time, and Frequency
● Example: tabular input of elastic modulus
defined as a function of temperature.

NON-SPATIAL FIELDS – TABULAR INPUT
● Time dependent fields may be used to define transient
variation of loads and boundary conditions
● Value vs. Time(t) : values can be entered in tabular
format, (t, value), or as a PCL expression
● PCL Expression uses “t” as the independent variable
10*sinr(100*’t)
100*MYFUNCTION(20.,.3,’t)

SHOWING FIELD DATA
● Fields may be shown with an X-Y Plot
● One independent variable must be
selected

SECTION 9
LOADS and BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

LOAD AND BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
● Loads and boundary conditions are analysis code specific
● They can be applied to geometry or finite elements
● Loads and boundary conditions associated to geometry will be re-
applied to new mesh after re-meshing the geometry, editing, etc.
● Fields are used to define variations in loads or boundary
conditions
● Can use imported results from previous analysis – FEM field

TYPES OF LOAD/BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
● Some of the Load and Boundary Conditions that are
supported
● Displacement ● Temperature
● Initial velocity ● Heat source
● Inertial load ● Heat flux
● Force ● Convection
● Pressure
● Radiation
● Also, view factor
● Distributed load
● CID distributed load
● Total load
● Inflow
● Outflow
● Contact
STRUCTURAL LOAD/BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
SELECTION TEMPLATES
● Load and boundary condition choices are dependent upon
the specified analysis preference

CREATING LOAD/BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
● Select the appropriate Load/BC from the Groups (i.e.
Pressure, Temperature, Inflow, …)
● Select the Load Case applicable to this load/boundary
condition
● We recommend not using more than 31 characters for
set names
● Enter Target Element Type if required
(1-D, 2-D, or 3-D)
● Input the appropriate data on the Input Data form
● Specify region (Application Region) to apply the
Load/BC.

LOAD/BCs INPUT DATA SYNTAX
● The correct syntax is shown above the
databoxes
● Displacement boundary condition syntax
● Translation and rotation
Null = free degree-of-freedom
0 = fixed degree-of-freedom
Non-zero number = enforced o or qo
Example: <0, ,0> : Ux = Uz = 0, Uy = free

EXAMPLE NODAL CONSTRAINTS
● Markers displayed at visualization lines
when Loads/BCs are applied to geometry
Constraints for
nodes on edge
Translations <0 0 0>
Rotations <0 0 0>

APPLICATION REGION INPUT METHODS
● Loads and boundary conditions may be
applied to Geometry, FEM, or Region
● When selecting Geometry the Application
Region selection box will look like:

APPLICATION REGION INPUT METHODS
● When selecting FEM the Application
Region selection box will look like:

APPL REGION INPUT METHODS (Cont.)
● When selecting Region(s) the Application Region selection
box will look like
● It is necessary to first create regions using the Regions…
selection under Tools in the main menu bar
● The entities that can be used to define a region are

Geometry, FEM, and/or groups
● Create Region under Tools
● Specify New Region Name, Target Entity Type, e.g. Node, and
Application Region.

● Clicking on Add will add the contents of
the Select box to the Application Region
● The contents of the Application Region
can be edited using standard databox
editing features
● Clicking on OK will accept the entities in
the Application Region box and close the
form

PRESSURE LOADING USING SPATIAL FIELDS
● Specify pressure load as -68.6 *COSR(‘T) in cylindrical
coordinate system 1
● Create the spatial field using coordinate
system 1
● Specify the field in Load/Boundary Conditions

EXAMPLE: TIME DEPENDENT LOAD
● Create a time dependent
field
● Time dependent load case
must first be defined prior to
creating the load under
Loads/BCs
Pressure
Time

EXAMPLE: TIME DEPENDENT LOAD (Cont.)
● Create the load set
● The spatial and time dependence functions are
multiplied

FORCES IN AN ALTERNATIVE COORDINATE
SYSTEM
● Forces in radial direction of 100 are
applied using Coordinate Frame Coord 3
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0
100.0 T 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0 Z 100.0
R 100.0
100.0
100.0 3 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0 100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Coordinate Frame Coord 3 is cylindrical

THERMAL LOAD & BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
● Load & boundary conditions form is analysis code and
analysis type sensitive. Shown are the load & boundary
condition sets supported by Patran Thermal.

CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER EXAMPLE
● Simulate a steady-state temperature distribution across an
aluminum plate
● Create a spatially varying convection coefficient along one
edge using the field directive
● Convection coefficient is specified under Loads/BCs
300.0
300.0 11.5
Aluminum Plate
300.0 11.34
300.0 11.17
1m h=(1.5*y)+10 (W/m2 K)
300.0 11.0
T=300K 300.0 3000. 10.9 300.0
Tambient=300 K 300.0 10.67
q=3000 W/m2
300.0 10.5
300.0 10.34
1m Y Y 300.0 10.17
300.0 10.0
Z X
THERMAL LOAD & BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
● Varying edge Convection Coefficient
is specified
● The Application Region is determined
by using the select menu (element,
element edge, or free edges)

PLOTTING LOADS/BCs
● Fringe plots of any Loads/BCs can be plotted such as:
● Temperatures
● Components of a vector
● The desired vector must be selected from the Select
Data Variable box
● The vectors must now be used to create a scalar for
plotting
● The plot can be applied to all of the groups in the
current viewport
● To display Loads/BCs set, applied to geometry, on the
FEM, first, activate “Show on FEM Only” toggle in
Display/Load/BC/El. Props form, then Plot Markers in
the Loads/BCs form

SHOWING LOADs/BCs
● Created load and boundary conditions can be verified using
● Marker plots showing created Loads/BCs icons
● Displacement
● Rotation
● Displacement and rotation
● Temperature 788.0
● Force 100.0
● Contour plots of any scalar data quantity (fringe and element fill)
● Display tables showing the Loads/BCs in a spreadsheet format

EXAMPLE: PLOTTING LOADS/BCs
● Fringe plot of varying force is rendered for the
elements in group FA_gp, while the other
elements in default_group are plotted with null
data

DISPLAY OF LOAD/BCs
● Applied Loads/BCs become part of the graphics display. Screen
refreshes and view changes will not remove them.
● Control of all or individual Loads/BCs display is done through the
Display : Load/BC/El. Props form.
● Allows color coding of Loads/BCs Markers
● Evaluate load & boundary condition sets applied to geometry on finite
elements by selecting Show on FEM Only
● Labeling and scaling of vectors are adjusted in the Vectors/Filters
section

ASSOCIATION OF FINITE ELEMENTS TO
GEOMETRY
● When geometry (i.e. curve, surface, solid) is meshed, the
mesh is associated automatically to the geometry
● If a mesh is “imported” onto geometry (e.g. File/Import,
Finite Elements/Transform), it is not automatically
associated to the geometry; it can be associated manually
using Finite Elements: Associate
● It is generally useful to have mesh associated with geometry
for convenience in applying LBCs and element properties

LOAD CASES

LOAD CASE CREATION
● Group multiple load/boundary conditions

● Static, Time Dependent, or Combination
● Priorities to add or overwrite load/boundary
condition sets can be specified

LOAD CASE CREATION (Cont.)
● Load cases may be created prior to the
creation of load/boundary conditions
● Specify a load case name (not more than 31
characters)
● Current load case is what Loads/BCs are
assigned to
● Select load case type
● To specify time dependent load/boundary
conditions, it is necessary to first create Time
Dependent load case
● Resolving intersecting load/boundary
conditions is done under Input Data
INPUT DATA
● Select the desired load/boundary conditions in Select Individual
Loads/BCs section
● Specify the scale factor for each LBC by clicking in a cell under Scale
Factor, then input data in Scale Factor box
● Prioritize “intersecting”
load/boundary
conditions by clicking
in a cell under Priority,
then enter the priority
(e.g. 1) in the Priority box

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 12 “Anchor Loads and
Boundary Conditions Using a Field” in your exercise
workbook.

SECTION 10
MATERIALS

MATERIALS
● Material model is a named group of individual properties
● Materials can have multiple constitutive models (e.g. Elastic,
Plastic, and Creep material properties, all assigned to one
material name)
● Material data can be obtained directly from the
MSC.MVISION material database through the Materials
Selector
● Materials can be defined to vary as a function of
temperature, strain, strain rate, time, and frequency

MATERIAL PROPERTY CREATION
● Material properties are entered in an easy to
use template customized to the selected
analysis code
● Three methods can be used to specify
material properties
● Manual Input (i.e. enter E, ,  in the forms)
● Materials Selector (i.e. import material data using
MSC.Mvision
● Externally Defined (i.e. create only the material
name label, then input the data in solver input file)

MATERIAL PROPERTY CREATION (Cont.)
● Supported Elastic Structural Material Models
Isotropic Isotropic structural material (2 Elastic Constants)
2D Orthotropic 2-Dimensional orthotropic material (6 Elastic Constants)
3D Orthotropic 3-Dimensional orthotropic material (9 Elastic Constants)
2D Anisotropic 2-Dimensional anisotropic (6 Elastic Constants)
3D Anisotropic 3-Dimensional anisotropic (21 Elastic Constants)
Various composite material models

Laminate Composite (with a choice of stacking sequence convection)
Composite Rule of Mixtures
Five Halpin-Tsai Models
Short Fiber (1-D and 2-D)

● Supported Thermal Material Properties
Isotropic Isotropic thermal material
2D Orthotropic 2-Dimensional orthotropic thermal material
3D Orthotropic 3-Dimensional orthotropic thermal material
2D Anisotropic 2-Dimensional anisotropic thermal material
3D Anisotropic 3-Dimensional anisotropic thermal material
Various composite material models (constant temperature)

Laminate Composite
Composite Rule of Mixtures
Five Halpin-Tsai Models
Short Fiber (1-D and 2-D)

● Variable properties are
defined using fields
● Change Material Status is
used to
activate/deactivate
constitutive models
● Existing materials may be
used as a template to
create new materials, i.e.
use session file or
template database

MATERIAL PROPERTY INPUT
● First, the constitutive model of interest
must be selected
● Linear Elastic
● Nonlinear Elastic
● Creep
● The property value data boxes are
customized for the analysis code and
the constitutive model used
● When an input databox allows the use
of a field, the field list box will appear,
e.g. Temperature Dep/Model Variable
Fields

ACTIVATING AND DEACTIVATING MATERIAL MODELS
● Click on the button
to obtain the form shown here
● Existing constitutive models of a
material will appear in either the
Active or Inactive list boxes
● Selection of a constitutive model
from a list box would move it to the
other list box. (e.g. from Active to
Inactive)
● Only active constitutive material
models will be used by Patran

EXAMPLE: ISOTROPIC MATERIAL MODEL
● Create an Isotropic material data set for Nastran as follows:
E = 30 x 106 psi  = 0.30
y = 70000 psi Hardening slope = 7000 psi
● Make the Elastic Constitutive model “Active” and the

Elastoplastic constitutive model “Inactive”

EXAMPLE: ISOTROPIC MATERIAL MODEL (Cont.)
● Specify the material name
● Choose Linear Elastic as the
Constitutive Model
● Enter the elastic properties and click
Apply

EXAMPLE: ISOTROPIC MATERIAL (Cont.)
● Change Constitutive Model to
Elastoplastic
● Choose Hardening Slope (to
define the non-linear portion of
the stress-strain curve), input the
values, and click Apply.
● From the Materials menu, select
Change Material Status,
deactivate the Elastoplastic
constitutive model, and Apply.

EXAMPLE: COMPOSITE MATERIAL
● Create a nine-layered composite material with the Y
following properties 0
● Nastran  is from CQUAD4 xmaterial axis, e.g. at xmaterial Z 90
axis  = 0 0
 90
● ABAQUS  is from projection of Patran global X axis 0
onto shell element, or from Element Properties 90
9 0
Orientation System(CID) 8 90
● Base ply material 7 0
6
E11 = 40e6 E22 = 1e6 n12 = 0.25 5
G12 = G13 = 0.6e6 G23 = 0.5e6 4
3
● Ply thickness 2
1 X
.01/ .0125/ .01/ .0125/ .01/ .0125/ .01/ .0125/ .01/
● Ply orientation (longitudinal direction) , 

0/ 90/ 0/ 90/ 0/ 90/ 0/ 90/ 0/

EXAMPLE: COMPOSITE MATERIAL (Cont.)
● Create the ply material (2-D orthotropic)
● Enter 2-D orthotropic material property data

EXAMPLE: COMPOSITE MATERIAL (Cont.)
● Create the composite using the ply material
● Specify ply material thickness and orientations

EXTERNALLY DEFINED MATERIALS
● Used to define set names for proprietary
material properties where material constants
are loaded into the solver input file (e.g.
*.bdf file) externally to Patran
● The material name created can be used in
the physical property (Element Properties)
specifications
● Input Properties are ghosted out as the user
is not allowed to enter material data inside
Patran

MATERIALS SELECTOR / MVISION OVERVIEW
● Materials Selector provides direct access to material data
stored in any MSC.Mvision databank
● MSC.Mvision uses a relational database in which the
material data is stored in a spreadsheet tabular format
● Attributes are displayed through the “Column Headers”
● “Query” sets criteria to sort materials data
● Allows fast search of material properties
● Exports material data automatically to solvers such as
Nastran, Marc, ABAQUS, etc.
● Provides for conversion of units from the databanks into the
solver’s units
MSC/MVISION DATABANKS AVAILABLE
Based on The Military Handbook for Metallic Materials and Elementsfor Aerospace
MIL-HDBD-5
Vehicle Structures
Based on the Military Handbook of Plastics for Aerospace Vehicles, Part1-Reinforced

MIL-HDBK-17
Plastics
PMC-90 Engineering Data on Advanced Composite Materials from UDRI
Producer Databanks Based on the Manufacturer’s Datasheets for Plastics, Metals, Ceramics, and Composites
Materials Selector Based on the Machine Design’s 1994 edition of Materials Databank Selector
ASM structural Data on Structural Steels from Batelle, ASM, AND SAE Steels Handbooks
GE Plastics Engineering and design data on GE Plastics and Databank Resins
Fatigue Databank Collection of typical fatigue data for engineering materials
Fiber Databank Collection of typical composite fiber test data
Thermal Databank Collection of typical thermal data for engineering materials
Electromagnetic Collection of typical electromagnetic data for a broad Materials Library range of materials

MATERIAL SELECTOR QUERY PANEL
● Criteria can be set to filter irrelevant materials from the
MSC.Materials Selector list
● Combinations of attributes and operators can be used to
build the query command
● Example
● CNAME like ‘*Alum*’ and YS11T > 7e4
● Query command can be entered directly in Material
Selector Query Panel form

MATERIAL SELECTOR QUERY PANEL (Cont.)
Material Selector Query Panel

Select an Attribute Select an Operator
Attributes Attribute Information = != < > <= >=
ARC_RESIST Name: CNAME
CF_K Trade Name of Ceramic
CNAME + - * / ( )
CP Type: Character
CTC In Relation: DESCRIPTION
CTE and or not
DENS
E_T
like exists
Build the Query Command

CNAME like ‘*Alum*’ and YS11T>70000
-Apply- Clear Cancel

SHOW MATERIAL PROPERTIES
● Created material properties can be verified
using the Show Action
● Material properties are shown in tabular
form
● Material compliance or stiffness matrices
can be shown

STIFFNESS/COMPLIANCE MATRIX
● The status of each of the constitutive models may be shown
● Material stiffness/compliance may be inspected

AVOID RE-ENTERING MATERIAL PROPERTY DATA
● There are at least two ways this can be done
● Store material data in session file(s)
● At any time, begin recording to a new session file,
File/Session/Record/Apply
● Enter material data into Patran database, e.g. Materials: Create/3D
Anisotropic/Manual Input
● When creating material set(s) is completed, stop recording to session file,
File: Session/Record/Stop
● The material data can be specified in a database by using File:
Session/Play…
● Store material data in a new Patran template database
● Create a new empty Patran database
● Create material set(s)
● Close database and save it as a new template

EXERCISE
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 12 “Materials, LBCs, and
Load Cases” in your exercise workbook.

SECTION 11
ELEMENT PROPERTIES

ELEMENT PROPERTY DEFINITION
● Element Property form is used to specify:
● Element type and formulation
● Nastran lumped point mass, CONM2
● ABAQUS solid element standard formulation, C3D8
● Cross-section properties
● 0-D : lumped mass, mass matrix
● 1-D : A, Iyy, Izz, J
● 2-D : thickness, plate offset, material orientation
● 3-D : material, integration scheme
● Region of application
● Geometry
● FEM
● Region(s)

ELEMENT PROPERTY DEFINITION (Cont.)
● Properties associated with geometry will automatically be
applied to new mesh after re-meshing
● Element properties may vary in space as described by
fields.
● Example : thickness = 0.10*’Y + 0.20*’X**2
● Property forms are specific to application code, element
type, and configuration

ELEMENT PROPERTY CREATION
● First, if necessary, select the desired analysis
code in Preferences/Analysis
● Select the dimensionality of the element
● 0-D (Mass, Spring)
● 1-D (Beam)
● 2-D (Shell, 2D Solid)
● 3-D (Solid)
● Specify a name (maximum 31 characters)
● Select element Options
● Enter properties in the Input Properties form
● The Select Application Region form is used
the same as that for LBCs
PHYSICAL PROPERTY INPUT FORM
● Data templates are finite element
solver, element type, and
configuration specific
● Materials may be selected by
clicking the Matl Prop Name icon,
then selecting from the choices in
the Select Existing Material window

PHYSICAL PROPERTY INPUT FORM (Cont.)
● If an appropriate Field exists,
it can be selected, e.g. select
thickness2 for Thickness.

PHYSICAL PROPERTY INPUT FORM (Cont.)
● Brackets around a data item
name denote that the
specification of the item is
optional, e.g. [Nonstructural
Mass] indicates Patran will
process the data in the Input
Properties form without non-
structural mass

BEAM ELEMENT PROPERTIES
● Bar and Beam elements require a vector to define the orientation of the
cross-section (the orientation of the element coordinates y and z)
● In Patran, this vector is defined using either the Patran global X,Y,Z (Coord
0) or a local coordinate system, e.g. Coord 3
● The cross-section moments I11 and I22, and the torsional cross-section
moment J, not polar section moment, are defined with respect to the
element coordinate system.
● To recover bending stress, stress recovery points must be defined
relative to the element coordinate system
● Called C,D,E,F for Nastran
● Used to determine “c” in the classical equation s = Mc/I
● Nastran and ABAQUS beam cross-section orientations are explained in
a figure of a subsequent page

BEAM PROPERTY SPECIFICATION EXAMPLE,
Nastran
● Define a material property
● Input the physical properties
● Apply the physical properties to the model
(i.e. Edge 2 of Surface 6)
X
Z

BEAM PROPERTY SPECIFICATION EXAMPLE,
Nastran (Cont.)
● Beam [Section Name]
● Material “Aluminum” is selected
● Vector specifying beam cross-section
orientation; < v1 v2 v3 Coord m >
● Beam is offset –1.5 in the Patran global Y
direction; < v1 v2 v3 Coord n >
● Member pinned at one end (local
coordinate system)
● Select here to use Beam Library to
calculate A, I11, I22, and J. Otherwise,
input A, I11, I22, and J manually.

BEAM ELEMENT ORIENTATION
Nastran
PATRAN Bar Orientation ABAQUS
Ye Y PATRAN
Vector C I2 Definition of 1”
<0 0 1> XY Plane* J
D J
I1 I1
Node 2
Node 2 X, t
Xe E I2
F 2”
2” Node 1 Vector
Node 1 <1 0 0>
Plane1 Z, n1
1” Ze n2
Z
Z Y
Y
* Normal to plane
X Coordinate system
X Coordinate system for beam is t, n1, n2
for beam is Xe, Ye, Ze Patran global CS
Patran global CS

BEAM LIBRARY
● Optionally, beam sections can be
created, viewed, and stored in the
database
● A library of standard shapes is
available to automatically
calculate A, I11, I22, and J
● Beam Library is available from the
Input Properties form of Element
Properties, or under Tools: Beam
Library
● Beam sections assigned to
elements can be graphically
viewed for each element
● Cross-section properties can be
calculated for arbitrary shapes

MESHING WITH BAR ELEMENTS EXAMPLE
● Construct a 64” x 64”
stiffened plate
● Mesh the surfaces with
quad4 elements
● Mesh the edges of the
surfaces with Bar2
elements
● Create a beam property
using the tee section
Z Y
defined previously
X

DISPLAYING BEAM SECTIONS
● Beam sections and offsets can be
displayed by using
Display/Load/BC/Elem.
Props…and choosing, for
example, 3D:FullSpan+Offsets
X
● The actual cross-section and Z
Y
orientation is displayed as shown

● Only if the beam’s cross-section is
defined with Beam Library
● If cross-section specified with
Area, I 1,1, etc. use …+Equiv. I or
A
CASE STUDY: MESHING WITH QUADS AND
BARS
● File: Import / Neutral
● Select four_surfs.out.
● Click Apply.
● Turn on surface labels by clicking on , then

BARS
● IsoMesh the surfaces:
● Click Apply.
● Shrink the surfaces so the edges are more
visible:
● Click on Display in the main menu
● Select Geometry…
● Use Geometric Shrink slide bar to shrink the
display of the surfaces slightly
BARS

BARS
● Mesh surface edges with Bar2 Topology:
● Set Action/Object/Type to Create/Mesh/Curve.
● Select Bar2 Topology.
● Select edges Surface 1.1 1.3 2.3 3.3 4.3 for Curve
List.
● Click Apply.

BARS
● Create a material for the “T” shaped cross-
section:
● Under the Properties tab click Isotropic in the
Isotropic group.
● Enter Steel for Material Name.
● Click Input Properties.
● Enter desired values for Elastic Modulus and
Poisson ratio.
● Click OK.
● Click Apply.

BARS
● Create the beam element properties for the
Bar2 topology:
● Under the Properties tab click Beam in the 1D
Properties group.
● Enter Tee for Property Set Name.
● Click Input Properties…

BARS
● Enter the beam
properties:
● Select Steel from Mat Prop
Name for Material Name.
● Click the ICL Beam Library
icon.
● Enter Tee_cs under New
Section Name, and click the
“T” button.
● Enter 3 for W and H.
● Enter 0.5 for t1 and t2.
● Click on Calculate/Display.

BARS
● The following window appears:
● Click OK in the Beam Library window.

BARS
● Specify the cross-section Bar
Orientation:
● Under Input Properties…enter
<0 0 1> for Bar Orientation.
● Enter <0 0 2.07> for Offset @
Node 1.
● Enter <0 0 2.07> for Offset @
Node 2.
● Click OK.

BARS
● Specify the application region, and
complete the creation of the property:
● Under Select Members, select the five surface
edges that were selected previously, Surface 1.1
1.3 2.3 3.3 4.3
● Click Add.
● Click OK.
● Click Apply.

BARS
● Display the beam cross-section
● Click on Display in the main menu, and select
Load/BC/Elem. Props.
● Select 3D:FullSpan+Offsets for Beam Display.
● Click Apply.
● Set the geometry shrink to zero.
● Change the view as needed.
● Shade the model.

BARS

BEAM LIBRARY, ARBITRARY SECTION
● A Beam section definition can
be created for an arbitrary
shape
● The library of standard
shapes is not used, instead,
the dimensions of the cross-
section are provided for the
calculation of A, I11, I22, and
J
● Beam sections assigned to
elements can be graphically
viewed for each element

CASE STUDY: 1D BAR USING ARBITRARY
SECTION
● Import a planar trimmed surface:
● File: Import/IGES
● Select file named arb_sec_surface.igs.
● Click Apply.

SECTION
● Create a curve and corresponding mesh for which the cross-section is to
be used:
● Create Curve.
● Under the Geometry Tab click LineByXYZ in the Curves group.
● Enter <0 0 50> for Vector Coordinates List and [22 2.5 0] for Origin.
● Click Apply.
● Create Mesh,
● Under the Meshing tab, click the icon for Curve in the Meshers group.
● Select Curve 1, 10.0, Apply
● Materials:
● Under the Properties tab click Isotropic in the Isotropic group.
● Enter properties for Steel.

SECTION

SECTION
● Create 1D Beam properties:
● Under the Properties tab click Beam in the 1D
Properties group.
● Input Properties…, ICL… Beam Library

SECTION
● Use the imported surface to
define the cross-section:
● Beam Library: Create /
Arbitrary Shape / Boundary
Loops
● Option: Select Surface
● Select Surface: Surface 1
● Max h/L: 0.1
● Click OK.

SECTION
● Observe the coordinates of the points and the display:

SECTION
● Increase the number of points that are
used to define the inner loop
● Click Calculate/Display

SECTION
● Click OK under Calculate/Display

SECTION
● Finish defining Input Properties:
● Select material.
● Specify Bar Orientation as
<1 0 0>.
● Click OK.

SECTION
● Finish defining the 1D Beam property:
● Under Select Members, select Curve 1.
● Click Add to define the Application Region.
● Click OK.
● Click Apply.

SECTION
● Display the cross-section:
● Display: Load/BC/Elem. Props…
● Beam Display
● 3D:FullSpan

SECTION
● Change the Bar Orientation
vector to <0 1 0>

SECTION
● Create another cross-section property:
● Under the Properties tab click Modify Property in
the Property Actions group.
● Select bar.
● Select Create
Sections…

SECTION
● Create new section:
● Option: Input Points
● Select Clear Loop.
● Enter point coordinates.
● Click Calculate/Display.

SECTION
● Click OK under Calculate/Display

SECTION
● Finish defining Input Properties:
● Select material.
● Specify Bar Orientation as <0 1 0>.
● Click OK.

SECTION
● Display the cross-section
● Display: Load/BC/Elem. Props…
● Beam Display.
● 3D:FullSpan

PROPERTY SPECIFICATION USING FIELDS
● Variable Thickness Plate
● (t = 0.10 + 0.05 * X2 + 0.05 * Y3)
● Create and Apply the field to the plate as input to the
property “thickness”
● Show scalar plot of the resulting thickness
.59
.55
.52
.48
.44
.40
.36
.32
.29
.25
.21
.17
.13
.096
.058
MASS PROPERTIES
● Mass Properties application is available under Tools for 2D
and 3D calculations
● Can be calculated for selected groups, and can include
Geometry, FEM, or both
● Output includes mass, volume, center of gravity, principal
inertias at the center of gravity, the radii of gyration
corresponding to the principal inertias at the center of
gravity
● A user specific coordinate frame may be used
● Data can optionally be output to a text report file

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 13 “Cantilevered Beam Using
1D or 2D Elements, and Analysis” in your exercise
workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 13 “Element Properties for
the Space Satellite” in your exercise workbook.

SECTION 12
ANALYSIS SETUP

ANALYSIS SETUP
● The Analysis forms are automatically set to correspond
to the user-selected analysis code, e.g. MD.Nastran.
● Analysis parameters are specified using these forms.
● Optionally, can submit and monitor the status of the
analysis job(s) across the network.
● Access the solver results file
● For Nastran, this form can also be used to read an
existing bulk data file into the Patran database; Nastran
files can also be read using File/Import.

SOME ANALYSIS FORMS
● These forms show, in brief, some of the
possible choices:

SETTING UP THE ANALYSIS
● The comments below are specific to Nastran.
However, there are similar features for other
solvers, e.g. Marc.
● The analysis model may be prepared for:
● Entire Model – the entire model in the Patran
database, regardless of what is posted to the
viewport, is submitted
● Selected Group – the model in only the specified
group, e.g. group_1, is submitted
● After selecting the desired group click the Cancel
button

SETTING UP THE ANALYSIS (Cont.)
● The analysis model may be prepared for (continued):
● Existing deck – direct Patran to submit an existing Nastran deck (file)
for an analysis. Simply select the analysis Job Name. Can also edit
the analysis deck from within Patran.
● Restart – set-up a restart analysis deck (file) using an existing
analysis Job Name and creating a new restart Job Name. This is
only supported for SOL 101, 103, and 106.
● Interactive – allows the set-up of a modal frequency response
analysis using modes from a previously run normal modes analysis.
Loads and output requests may be defined, a fast restart performed,
and results viewed. Can be used only if the model was created in
Patran.

● Job Name
● Important entry in the Analysis form
● Serves several purposes
● Prefix name of analysis deck (file), jobname.bdf, and resulting analysis
files generated by Nastran, i.e. jobname.f04, jobname.f06.
● Name stores all the settings of the Analysis form used to generate the
job, going from Patran to Nastran
● Can create a Job Description that “tags” along with Job Name in the
Patran database for future reference
● Serves as a cross-reference link when importing results between
database stored subcase / load case names and result file subcase /
load case names
● Be careful when deleting job names. All files generated using that job
name (in the database directory) will also optionally be deleted.

● Select Translation Parameters… to specify:
● Tolerances
● Used for numerical manipulation during export
translation
● “Division” tolerance used to prevent divide by zero
errors; default is 1.0e-8.
● “Numerical” tolerance used in determining if two real
values are equal; default is 1.0e-4.
● “Writing” tolerance used to determine when a field
entry is approximately zero; default is 1.0e-21.
● Bulk Data Format
● Sorted Bulk Data - Option to write out alphabetically
sorted entries
● Card Format - determines whether entries are written
in small or large format (or a mixture)
● Write Stored Precision – writes double precision data
if available
● Select Translation
Parameters… to specify
(continued):
● Precision Control Options
- Specifies precision to
use when writing various
values. For instance if
this value is specified as
2 the number 1.3398 will
be written out as 1.34.

● Select Translation Parameters… to
specify (continued):
● Nastran Version
● Export the model using that version of Nastran,
i.e. version 2005, 2001, 70.7
● For a “Full Run”, analysis causes the
submission of the job to that version of the
Nastran executable
● Write Properties on Element Entries
● Bulk data element entry with properties on it,
e.g. CELAS2
● Write Global Ply IDs
● Convert CBARs to CBEAMs

● Select Solution Type… to specify the type of
solver analysis and apply appropriate
parameters

● Solution Parameters
● Database Run
● Switching off will invoke old
unstructured solution sequences,
e.g. SOL1
● Automatic Constraints - sets
AUTOSPC
● Other check boxes invoke additional
solution sequences
● Plate Rz Stiffness Factor
● Specifies K6ROT

● Results Output Format
● Specify type of results output desired (PARAM,POST)
● XDB or OP2, with or without f06 output, & with or without Punch file
● Results written to MASTER or MASTER/DBALL
● XDB buffer size, e.g. 1024

● Direct text input (DTI) allows the insertion into
the Nastran input file of any extra data that may
be needed to define the run.

● Direct text input (continued)
● Commands/entries may be entered in the various sections of the
input file, i.e. Executive, Case Control, and Bulk Data Sections
● Nastran System Cell commands may also be defined via DTI
● “Reject” cards from a Nastran Deck (file) import may be exported to
a newly created deck

● Create subcases under
Subcases…
● In Patran a Subcase is the
combination of a Load Case,
Subcase Parameters, Output
Requests, DTI, Superelement
definitions, and Selected
Explicit MPCs

● Subcase creation:
● Subcases are automatically
generated for each Load
Case. Can also manually
create new ones.
● For specified new Subcase
Name, select an existing Load
Case under Available Load
Cases.
● Specify Subcase Parameters,
Output Requests, DTI, and
Explicit MPCs.
● Click Apply.

● Select the subcases already defined
using Subcase Select…
● The run-ready file can be submitted
directly to Nastran from within Patran, or
the file can be submitted outside Patran

● Subcase Output
Requests
● Two ways to specify
Output Requests:
1. Output for single
Subcase

● Output Requests, one Subcase
● There are two types of forms: Basic and Advanced
● Basic
● Basic simply allows for the selection of a result type, and the acceptance
of the defaults of the output request
● Advanced
● Advanced allows for more options
● Select a result type for the chosen SOL type, and choose the
appropriate options for the output request, including whether or not to
output results to the .f06 file
● Any group that is created can be used as an Nastran SET. It is not
necessary to output results for all entities.
● Click OK for the form, and Apply for the Subcases form to save the
selections
● Subcase Output Requests (continued)
● Two ways to specify Output Requests
2. Output for multiple Subcases

● Output Requests, multiple Subcases
● Subcases/Action: Global Data
● Select Subcases that are to have the same output requests, and
click on Output Requests… button
● Select column or individual cells for which output is desired
● Select SETs where appropriate, along with Output Request options
● Click OK in the middle of the form to insert Output Request
Command to cell(s)
● When finished with Spreadsheet, click OK on the panel, and click
Apply in Subcases/Action: Global Data form

RESULTS TRANSLATION INTO PATRAN
● Results can be accessed by Attach XDB, Read Output2,
Attach MASTER, Attach T16/T19, or Attach d3plot
● In general, either the results or model, or both can be
accessed
● Result Entities: stresses, displacements
● Model Data: nodes, elements
● Both: both model and results

RESULTS TRANSLATION INTO PATRAN (Cont.)
● Patran does not read the results .XDB data file into the
database. It attaches the .XDB file which results in the
storing of only metadata (result case names and the .XDB
file location) in the Patran database. After attaching the file,
the .XDB file must be kept in the file system. MASTER and
T16/T19 do the same thing since they use a similar DRA
(direct results access) method to attach the files.
● OP2 import physically imports and stores the results in the
Patran database. The OP2 file is not needed after import.
● .XDB attached results can be accessed more quickly from
Patran than OP2 imported results.

● All Options have 3 choices for what to import, except for
T16/T19 which has only results or model
● Results Entities -- attach/import only the results portion of the file
● Model Data -- import only enough of the FE model so the results can
be displayed on the FE entities
● Both -- attach/import results and skeleton portion of the FE model
● Model Data (only model) characteristics
● XDB -- imports grids, element topology, coordinate frames, and
superelement group information
● OP2 and T16/T19 -- imports grids, element topology, and coordinate
frames
● MASTER -- reuses the .bdf import capability

● If an XDB file gets changed (contents or time/date stamp) or gets
moved, and it is attached to an Patran database, it will be necessary to
delete the attachment and re-attach the file
● Attach XDB requires that the file be “seen” on the system. It can be
either local or NFS mounted to the machine
● There is no limit to the number of XDB files that can be attached to an
Patran database, or to the number of users attaching to a single XDB file
● A Control File called <jobname>.jbr is created by the OP2 import or the
T16/T19 attachment. The File describes what translator and options
were used, along with the file imported.
● Failure indices can be imported into Patran via the OP2 file, but not
currently the XDB file.
● OP2 results file import is no longer being enhanced in Patran. Only bug
fixes and general maintenance is being done.
● Translation parameters are used to direct the
importing process
● Tolerances
● Additional results to be imported

● Translation Parameters
● Frequently ignored by many Patran users. Not a good thing!
● Direct the import translator on the additional types of results quantities to
import, i.e. rotational nodal results, stress/strain invariants, etc.
● Suggest turning switches on for Rotational Nodal Results and Stress/Strain
Invariants
● T16/T19 Attachments do not provide these options but provide a Translation
Parameters button
● Even though Element Results Positions is defaulted to Nodal, ALWAYS
set to Both
● Ensures that Patran is importing Nastran results for all result positions
(Centroidal/Nodal)
● Reduces the opportunity for Patran to be used to manipulate the Nastran
results data

READING NASTRAN BULK DATA FILE
● Existing Nastran bulk data files can be read
into Patran to verify and update models that
were not created inside Patran
● The Nastran bulk data file reader is used to
translate the model into Patran
● Any statement not recognized will be
optionally displayed in a window by area, file
management section, executive section, case
control section, or bulk data section
● Numbering offsets can be set to none,
automatic, or manually input for each entity
type
READING NASTRAN BULK DATA FILE (Cont.)
● Entity Packets allows the filtering of what is
imported into Patran from an Nastran input
deck (file)
● Option available to create Material and
Property Groups upon import
● Option to retrieve Patran Material and
Property set names from comments such as
● $ Material Record : steel
● $ Elements and Element Properties for region :
quad4
● Instead of pshell.1 and mat1.1, the sets would be
called quad4 and steel, respectively

READING NASTRAN BULK DATA FILE (Cont.)
● Define Offsets
● Offset set to Auto by default
● To have no offset, click on
column heading Offset or
desired cells in column Offset,
and input either 0 or None
● Be sure to click return in the
input box
● This form automatically resets
itself each time it is opened
● Be aware of this if it is desired
to open the form to “check” the
entries

EXERCISES
● General: perform Workshop 14 “Anchor Material and
Element Properties” in your exercise workbook.
● General: perform Workshop 15 “Anchor Analysis” in your
exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 14 “Static and Normal
Modes Analysis of a Space Satellite” in your exercise
workbook.

SECTION 13
VIEWPORTS

VIEWPORT
● What is a Viewport?
● Graphics window
● Has a unique name (shown in the banner)
● Has an associated view

● Any number of viewports may be created and posted
● Each viewport can be moved, resized, iconified, posted and
unposted

WHY USE VIEWPORTS
Different groups in separate viewports Different views of same groups
Different results in different viewports – each

Different results in different viewports – each
with its own range
with its own range
Part
Whole

CREATING VIEWPORTS
● No limit to the number of viewports that can be created

POSTING VIEWPORTS
● Viewport/Post controls which viewports are displayed

TILING VIEWPORTS
● Viewport / Tile arranges posted viewports neatly
● Can also use Utilities/ Viewport/ Tile Multiple Viewports for additional
tiling options

CURRENT VIEWPORT
● The Current Viewport is the
● Viewport in which view commands will
be applied
● Viewport in which titles will be posted
● Viewport in which post-processing will
be done
● Only one viewport can be current at a Current Viewport
time
● To change Current Viewport Posted Viewport
● Windows: Click on the viewport title bar
to make it current
● Or go to Viewport/Modify/Change
Target Viewport…/Make Current

CURRENT VIEWPORT (Cont.)
● To change Current Viewport
● Unix: move the cursor to just inside the window border; icon will
change to a hand. Click left mouse button and a red border will
appear in the viewport – this shows the viewport is current
● Or go to Viewport/Modify/Change Target Viewport…/Make Current
Current Viewport Posted Viewport

VIEWPORTS AND GROUPS
● Any number of groups may
be assigned to a viewport
● Only one group is current
per viewport. Each viewport
may have a different current
group

VIEWPORT SETTINGS
● Viewport/Modify controls viewport settings

SECTION 14
RESULTS

RESULTS INTRODUCTION
● The Results post processing module can be used to
process scalar, vector, and tensor results into a variety of
graphical display types
● Results can come from many analysis types
● Structural, thermal, CFD, electromagnetic
● Static or dynamic

RESULTS INTRODUCTION (Cont.)
● The results can be read through
● Standard translators, e.g. Analysis menu for Nastran preference
● PATRAN 2.5 .dis, .els, or .nod formats in File/Import/Results
● Read into database via PCL
● Results from various analysis runs can be stored in the same database
under different result cases
● Static
● Transient – each time step = 1 Result Case
● Non-linear – each load increment = 1 Result Case
● More than one load case can be operated on simultaneously
● Results can be filtered based on attributes or numerical values

RESULTS INTRODUCTION (Cont.)
● Results can be displayed in any coordinate system
● Vector components in a local coordinate system
● New results may be derived by linearly combining existing
results, using a user-defined PCL expression or PCL
function, etc.
● Any plot can be saved in a file and retrieved for future use

THE RESULTS MAIN FORM
● Procedure
● Set Action to Create and select
type of plot (the Object)
● Select the Result Case(s) and the
result type
● Apply to add the plot to the display
● Plots can be animated by
clicking the Animate button
(lower left) when the plot is
created

QUICK PLOT
● Results: Fringe / Deformation in Quick Plot Group.
● A combined, yet simplified, version of the Deformation and
Fringe tools
● Designed so that as few as four clicks are needed to create
a combined Deformation / Fringe plot
● Four icon menu options
● Select Results
● Fringe Attributes
● Deform Attributes
● Animation Options
● Data manipulation options (averaging, coordinate
transformation, etc.) can only be changed by editing the file
settings.pcl variables
● Changing settings means Quitting out of MD.Patran, editing
settings.pcl, and restarting MD.Patran

DEFORMATION
● Results: Create/Deformation
● The Deformation tool is specifically designed to deal with
displacement-type plots
● Five icon menu options; unlike Quick Plot
● Select Results
● Target Entities
● Display Attributes
● Plot Options
● The Select Deformation Result listbox may include “non-
displacement” type results because all vector type results
are listed
● Can display either Component or Resultant
● Form settings may be saved to a “plot name” in the
database

FRINGE
● Results: Fringe under Results Plots Group.
● The Fringe tool provides fringe display capabilities that
are not provided in Quick Plot
● GUI based results transformation, averaging options, display
options
● Five Icon menu Options
● Select Results (same as Quick Plot for selection, position,
and quantity; same as Deformation for the remainder)
● Target Entities
● Display Attributes (same as Quick Plot)
● Plot Options
● Animation Options (same as Deformation)
● One of the more misunderstood tools in attempting to
correlate Patran results to Nastran results
● May process multiple result cases

MARKER
● Results: Create/Marker
● Scalar, Vector, or Tensor plots
● Displacements and constraint forces are vectors
● Element stresses/strains/forces are tensors
● A vector plot displays arrows to represent the vectors
● A tensor plot can be as detailed as a six component tensor
cube
● A scalar plot is simply a marker shape with a number/value
alongside of it
● Five icon menu choices
● Select Results (same as Deformation)
● Target Entities
● Plot Options (same as Fringe)
● Animation Options (same as Deformation)

CURSOR
● Results: Create/Cursor
● Create a Scalar, Vector, or Tensor tool that when
activated, picked entities, e.g. element, will have
result value label shown at their location in the
viewport
● Three icon menu choices
● Select Results
● Plot Options

CONTOUR
● Results: Create/Contour/Lines
● Generates “old style” contour line plots in color or black &
white
● Fringe post-processing rules apply for this tool
● Five options of this form are similar to those of the other
forms
● Select Results (Same as Deformation)
● Target Entities
● Plot Options (Same as Fringe)
● Animation Options (Same as
Deformation)

ISOSURFACE
● Results: Create/Isosurface (Pre-Release)
● By Result Value
● Create isosurfaces based on results
● By Coordinate Value
● Create planes of constant coordinate value, e.g. X = constant
● Display fringe on the planes
● Fringe post-processing rules apply for this tool
● Five options of this form are similar to those of the other
forms
● Select Results (similar to Deformation)
● Target Entities
● Plot Options (similar to Fringe)
● Animation Options (similar to
Deformation)

ISOSURFACE (Cont.)
● Results: Create/Isosurface (Pre-Release)
● By Result Value
● Create isosurfaces based on results
● By Coordinate Value
● Create planes of constant coordinate value, e.g. X = constant
● Display fringe on the planes
● Create flat planes with constant coordinate value
● Select Results – specify coordinate axis normal to plane
● Target Entities – similar to Deformation
● Display Attributes – similar to Fringe
● Plot Options – specify name of isosurface
● Display fringe of result value on planes

GRAPH
● Results: Create / Graph / Y vs X
● A tool to plot results in X-Y plot format
● Plot Result vs Coordinate Axis, a defined Path Length,
or other Result
● Select Results
● Target Entities
● Graph created using an XYWindows plot
● Additional Graph/Window control is not available in this
tool. It can be managed using the XY Plot application.

ANIMATION
● Results: Create/Animation
● Stand-alone Animation tool for existing
results plots
● 2D or 3D Graphics, Preview, VRML, and
MPEG are the same as the Animation
Options tool for forms like Deformation and
Fringe
● No icon menu options

REPORT
● Results: Create/Report
● Facility to export and format results reports (file) from the
Patran database
● Select result cases, results types, positions, quantities, and
entities to have in the report
● Select Results
● Target Entities
● Three methods
● Preview -- show report in UNIX shell or DOS stdout window
● Overwrite File -- if file exists, overwrite; if not, create new file
● Append File -- if file exists, append to file; if not, create new file

REPORT (Cont.)

RESULTS: CREATE RESULTS
● One can Create Analysis Results (within
Solver & Engineering Guidelines) without
Re-running the Analysis
● 7 Methods of Results Creation
● Combine
● Maximum / Minimum
● Sum
● Average
● PCL Function
● Demo (Facility to Create Sample/Test Results
To Demonstrate the Results Tools)

FREEBODY
● Results: Create/Freebody
● The freebody tool is used to create freebody
diagrams for loads or displacements
● The tool is accessed under Results
● Results: Create/Freebody
● Under that there are three methods
● Loads – graphical vector display of freebody loads at all
perimeter nodes of the target entities
● Interface – causes the calculation of the total force and
moment acting across a boundary (interface) at a point
● Displacements – similar to loads except that displacements
are displayed on the perimeter nodes instead of loads
● Summation Point – forces and moments are summed
about the specified point/location, e.g. Point 4
● Transform Results – transform results using an
MSC.Patran local coordinate system, e.g. Coord 1

QUICK PLOT
● Procedure for post-processing using Results: Create/Quick
Plot forms

QUICK PLOT FORM
● Quick Plot result display form has been designed to
accommodate easy access to basic post-processing
feature such as
● Fringe plots
● Deformed plots
● Combined fringe and deformation plots
● Quick animation
● Simple Deformed, Fringe, or combination plots can be
created and animated with very few menu selections
● Select Result Case(s)
● Select Fringe Result
● Select Deformation Result
● Click on Animate (if desired)
● Apply

QUICK PLOT FORM (Cont.)
● Result Quantities
● For Vector type results
● Magnitude, X-Component, Y-Component, and Z-Component are
available
● For Tensor type results
● Many types shown are not computed by the analysis code
● MSC.Patran can use imported tensor data to calculate result quantities
that are not generated by the analysis code
● MSC.Patran online help describes the computed Quantity derivations in
great detail -- Using MSC.Patran, results_postprocessing, Numerical
Methods, Derivations

● Engineering vs True (tensor) strain results
● Tensor Result Quantities
● X, Y, and Z Component
● XY, YZ, and ZX Component vs XY, YZ and ZX Engr. Component
● Patran translators convert engineering strain values to scientific (True
(tensor)) strain values by dividing the shear strain components by 2, e.g.
exy = gxy/2
● Analysis codes such as Nastran and ABAQUS calculate engineering strain
values
● Patran does this conversion (True (tensor)) to calculate other result
components and to transform results into other coordinate systems

● Engineering vs True (tensor) strain results
● To distinguish between engineering and True (tensor) strain values, and
to allow Patran to display the same results as the analysis code, the
above quantities were made available
● Keep in mind that these quantities are shown whenever any tensor result is
selected. Be aware that the engineering Components are intended only for
shear strains and no other results, such as shear stresses or shell forces.

RESULTS: QUICK PLOT
Engineering Shear Strain
True Shear Strain

● Position sub form
● Select and Filter Positions on elements to be displayed
● Several types
● Non-Layered (2D and 3D Solids)
● Z1 / Z2 (2D shell elements)
● Layer i; i=1 to maximum number of plies (laminate shells)
● Center C, D, E, F (bars/beams)
● One or more positions may be selected for Quick Plot
● For Quick Plot, multiple positions can be selected for one or
more Result Cases since only one Result Case is processed
at a time
● For other Results tools (e.g. Fringe), if multiple Result Cases
are selected only one position may be selected since these
tools will process multiple Result Cases into one picture

● Position Sub Form (cont)
● Options
● Maximum: Plot the Maximum value for each element from either the multiple
result positions selected, or from multiple result cases at a singular result position
● Minimum: Plot the Minimum value for each element from either the multiple
result positions selected, or from multiple result cases at a singular result position
● Average: Plot the Average value at each element from either the multiple result
positions selected, or from multiple result cases at a singular result position
● Sum: Plot the Sum value at each element from either the multiple result positions
selected, or from multiple result cases at a singular result position
● Merge: This option will Plot the first existing value encountered from any
particular layer or Result Case. For instance if both top and bottom stresses are
selected then only the top will be reported. This is useful for layers that are
associated with certain element types. That way a layer with shells, a layer with
solid, and a layer with beam elements can all be displayed simultaneously on the
graphics screen in one operation.

● Fringe Attributes
● Controls the display of Fringe plots
● Easy access to Spectrum and Range controls
● Control Fringe Style
● Discrete/Smooth, Continuous, Discrete/Flat are all targeted towards nodal
type fringe plots
● Element Fill is targeted towards Centroidal fringe plots (“checker board”
pattern)
● Fringe overlaid onto elements can be shrunk using Shrink Factor
● Great in combination with Show Fringe Label checkbox when wanting to
display fringe values without colors, especially when comparing results to
Nastran .f06 file
● Element edge color and display of element edges can be altered
● Edit title content using Title Editor
● Option to display Max/Min labels on plot
● Change Label Style for Fringe plot

● Deform Attributes
● Provides ability to modify the display of a deformed results
plot
● Deformation shading controlled by Render Style of this
form (not toolbar shading icons)
● Model scale
● Model Scale is defined as the maximum length of the model’s
bounding box in the current viewport, multiplied by the Scale
Factor specified in the form. The resulting value is the Scale
Factor applied to the deformations to be displayed
● True Scale is always recommended for non-linear analyses
and scale factor type plots (e.g. 100x displacements shown)
● Option whether or not to display Undeformed shape
● Control color of Undeformed model in this form as well
● Result title and label styles of plot may be adjusted

● Choose to Animate Fringe and/or Deformation plots. They are
available when a single Result Case is selected.
● Constant Range value option available when multiple Result Cases
are selected
● Two Animation Methods. This is for a single Result Case only.
● Modal -- Animate from –1x to +1x the displayed result values
● Ramped -- Animate from 0x to +1x the displayed result values
● Animation Graphics control
● 2D -- Animate without the ability to change view of the model
● 3D -- Animate with the ability to change view of the model
● Preview -- shows only 1 cycle of the Animation
● VRML -- generate a VRML file format of the Animation. This is for a single
Result Case only.
● MPEG -- generate an MPEG-1 recording of the displayed Animation.
Suggest using default window size to get a manageable MPEG file. This is
for a single Result Case only.
● Select the number of frames to display for the Animation
● Must use the Animate checkbox of the Select Results form icon to
initiate the Animation

● The results are always displayed on the entire model that is
displayed in the current viewport. If it is desired to display
the results on only a part of the model it is necessary to
create a group with just that part of the model. Then post
just that group and display the results.
● Other Results tools have another form icon that allows the
selection of just some of the elements.

● Changing settings for Quick Plot that correspond to Create/Fringe/Plot
Options
● Can change the value of variables within settings.pcl for Quick Plot defaults,
as well as Fringe and Marker defaults
● Is invoked doing the following
● pref_env_set_string(“result_…”, “string value with quotes”)
● Example: pref_env_set_string(“result_quick_transform”, “CID”)
● result_quick_transform
● Default (default for Quick Plot)
● None (same as the GUI setting of As Is)
● CID
● ProjectedCID
● Global
● Material
● ElementIJK
● Note: for Quick Plot and 2D shells, the default transformation is projected Global
● Changing settings for Quick Plot that correspond to
Create/Fringe/Plot Options (continued)
● result_quick_avg_domain
● All (default)
● Material
● Property
● Etype
● Target
● Element (same as the GUI setting of None)
● result_quick_avg_method
● DeriveAverage (default)
● AverageDerive
● Difference
● Sum
● Changing settings for Quick Plot that correspond to
Create/Fringe/Plot Options (continued)
● result_quick_extrap_method
● ShapeFunc (default)
● Average
● Centroid
● Min
● Max

QUICK PLOT ANIMATION FORM
● Deformed Shape (static or modal) and/or fringe
animation can be performed
● The defaults are to animate both fringes and
deformation with the modal method in 2D, 8 frames
● These selections can be changed using the
Animation Options form
● Modal animation creates frames by multiplying the
results from –1.0 to +1.0; Ramped goes from 0 to
+1.0
● 2D uses in plane animation; 3D permits the rotation of
the model, using the middle mouse button, while the
model is still animating
● The more frames specified the more continuous the
animation, but the more computer resources are
needed
QUICK PLOT ANIMATION FORM (Cont.)
● Process multiple Result Cases
● Can process multiple Result Cases at once, but the display will show
only one Result Case for each frame/picture. Thus, there will be just
one cycle for each Result Case. This will not enable a Max/Min
Fringe “carpet plot” single picture, like Create/Fringe, to be done.
However, the fringe animation will allow either a constant
Range/Spectrum or variable Range/Spectrum during the animation.

POST-PROCESSING PROCEDURE
● Procedure for post-processing using Results forms

RESULTS POST-PROCESSING PROCEDURE
● Set Action to Create
● Select the plot type (Object), i.e. Deformation, Fringe,
Marker, etc.
● Select the Result Case(s), i.e. static, modal, transient, etc.
● Select the result type, i.e. deformation, stress, strain, etc.
● Select the position, e.g. layer in shell
● Select the Quantity, i.e. Min. Principal, Component, etc.
● Show as Component, i.e. XX, YY, Y+Z
● Animate
● Modify Target Entities, Display Attributes, Plot and Animation
Options as desired using the five icons at the top of the form
SELECT RESULTS FORM
● If multiple result cases are in the View
database one or more of them can Subcases
be selected from the Select Result

Case(s) list using the mouse
● Click on one to select it
● Select a continuously listed set using
click and drag
● Select a discontinuous set by Ctrl-
clicking
● If desired, filter using View
Subcases, then Select Subcases

SELECT RESULTS FORM (Cont.)
● Result Case Filtering
● Two icons appear when there are multiple
Result Cases using the same prefix
● View Subcases (Compress/Expand toggle icon)
● Select Subcases filter icon
● The default is to have a compressed listing if
Compressed Format
more than 30 Result Case names have the
same prefix
● settings.pcl variable controls this
● pref_env_set_integer(
"result_loadcase_abbreviate", 30 )
● The Select Subcases filter icon only appears if
View Subcases (Compress/Expand toggle
icon) is depressed (activated)
Expanded Format
● Filter Results Case(s)
● When in compressed format it is necessary to enter the filter form to
select Result Cases
● Click on Select Subcases
● Setup one or more filters using Filter Method
● Depending on the analysis type; i.e. modal, transient; Filter Method
variables may change
● Global Variable, e.g. time
● Character String -- text within Result Case names; may use wildcards
for search.
● Subcase Ids -- filter by ID or range of IDs
● All -- select all Result Cases
● Select Filter button to see the resulting list for Selected Result
Case(s)
● Click Apply if the list is what is wanted

● Position (ply/layer) selection for beam or
plate layered results
● A particular result value component or
derived quantity can be selected from
Quantity or Show As menu

TARGET ENTITIES FORM
● Results in the Select Result Case(s) can be
plotted for targeted entities based on
● Current Viewport – all entities currently posted
● A set of Elements or Nodes – a subset of the set
of all entities
● Groups – select entities by group
● Materials, Properties, or Element types – select
entities by material, etc.

TARGET ENTITIES FORM (Cont.)
● Depending on the plot type, additional display
controls include
● Nodes
● Elements
● Faces/Free Faces
● Edges/Free Edges
● Corners
● Element Centroids
● Element Nodes
● Element All Data
● Remember that lists can also be created and
used with groups to act as user-defined filters
(e.g. elements with 10,000<von Mises
stress<20,000)
DISPLAY ATTRIBUTES FORM
● Display Attributes form will change to match
the plot type and results entity selected
● Parameters are filtered such that only those
appropriate for the currently selected plot type
are displayed

PLOT OPTIONS FORM, NODAL VECTOR
● Plot Options
● Used to control three things
● Coordinate transformation
● Results scaling
● Allows Deformations, etc. to be scaled. This is
independent of effect of scale factor in Display
Attributes.
● Constant or PCL function scaling available
● Saving plot settings to database

● Coordinate Transformation
● As Is: No Transformation; Numbers Exactly from Solver Code
● CID: Transformed WRT a Selected Coordinate Frame (which can be
created on the fly in MSC.Patran; does not have to be part of the
Analysis)
● Projected CID: Transformed WRT a selected Projected Coordinate
Frame Axis onto an Element
● Global: Transformed WRT the MSC.Patran Global Axes
(MSC.Nastran Basic)
● Default: Transformed WRT the Projected MSC.Patran Global Axes
● Nodal: Transformed into the Node’s Analysis Coordinate System
● Patran user manual provides detailed information on these
transformations
● Save *** Plot As:
● Name saved in database which contains all
settings and results used to generate the plot
● May be posted at a later time using Results:
Post/Plots form
● Up to 31 characters may be used to define the
name
● Nomenclature used for plot names are
● <First 3 letters of plot type>_<saved name>
● Example, VEC_john plot
● Note that if a name is not used to save the settings,
an automatically overwritten name is created
containing the last plot settings using the format
● <First 3 letters of plot type>_default_<plot tool>
● Example, VEC_default_Vector

CASE STUDY : VECTOR COMPONENTS IN
LOCAL COORDINATE SYSTEM
● Create a new database and import the existing IGES file
● Create a new database and go to File:Import
● Set the source to IGES, select vector_CID.igs
● Click Apply

● Change views and mesh the surface
● Click on the Iso 3 icon
● Click on Elements and set Action/Object/Type to
Create/Mesh/Surface
● Select Quad, IsoMesh, and Quad 4
● Remove check from Automatic Calculation and
change the Global Edge Length to 0.75
● Select the surface and click Apply

● Create demonstration results for the quad4
mesh
● Click on Results and set Action/Object/Method
to Create/Results/Demo
● Select Scalar, Vector and Tensor
● Click Apply

● Create a vector plot using the demo
results for the mesh
● Under Results, set Action/Object/Method
to Create/Marker/Vector
● Select the result case Derived Results, Demo
● Select the vector result type Nodal Vector, Demo
Result1
● Change Show As: to Component and select
XX, YY, and ZZ

● Change the display attributes options
● Click on the Display Attributes icon (middle icon
at top)
● Remove checks from Show Spectrum and Show
Viewport Legend
● Change Length to Screen Scaled and enter 0.2 for
Scale Factor
● Remove check from Show Title and Show Vector
Label

● Change the Plot Option settings
● Click on the Plot Options icon (fourth icon from the
left at the top)
● Change Coordinate Transformation to CID and
select Coord 1 as the coordinate frame.
● Click Apply

FRINGE PLOT OPTIONS FORM
● Using Plot Options form under Results: Create/Fringe

PLOT OPTIONS FORM, FRINGE
● The Plot Options form is used to control the following:
● Coordinate Transformation, e.g. transform stress
components.
● Scale Factor – multiply the results by a factor.
● Filter Values – filter results displayed using result values.
● Averaging Domain and Method – how element results
are combined.
● Extrapolation method – how results are combined in an
element.
● Use a PCL Expression.
● Re-loading of an existing plot.
● Saving current plot for future use.

PLOT OPTIONS FORM, FRINGE (Cont.)
● Coordinate system transformation options for scalar
results
● As Is – no transformation. Results in solver coordinate
system(s).
● CID – Patran local coordinate system, e.g. Coord 3
● Projected CID – coordinate system projected onto element,
e.g. Coord 2.1
● Global – Patran global coordinate system, Coord 0
● Default – projection of Patran global coordinate system
onto element
● Material – element coordinate systems based on a material
definition and angle. Only for quad and tri topology.
● Element IJK – Patran defined element coordinate systems.
These can be different from solver element coordinate
systems.
● Patran user manual provides detailed information on
transformations
COORDINATE TRANSFORMATION EXAMPLES


y
x y
x
x
y x
y
CID, Select Coordinate Frame Coord 1 Projected CID, Select CF Axis Coord 1.2,
o
changing axis changes xx direction by 90
x
x x
x
Coord 0
Global – uses Patran Coord 0 Element IJK – uses first two element nodes for xx
direction
● Within Plot Options, it is possible to Filter what Values
are shown on a Fringe plot
● None -- no value filtering is applied.
● Minimum -- values below this setting will not be displayed.
● Maximum -- values above this setting will not be
displayed.
● Range -- only show values between the min/max settings
defined for this range.
● Exclude -- show all displayed values except those within
this min/max range.
● Entities falling outside the Filter parameter values are
shown with a black fill (for black backgrounds).

● Example of Fringe Results Filtering

● Averaging Definition provides different options to
determine the result values at nodes (*) shared by
adjacent elements. The dots (red) represent element
results at the node (*), not at element Gauss points.
● Domain
● All Entities -- all result values at a node (from all elements
using that node (*)) are averaged producing a single value
● Material – average the result values at a node, where the
values corresponds to elements that have the same
material property
● Property – average the result values at a node, where the
values corresponds to elements that have the same element
property set
Elm 1 Elm 2
n
 Node  (  Element i ) / n *
i 1
Elm 4 Elm 3
● Averaging Definition
● Domain
● Target Entities – average the result values at a
node, where the values correspond to elements
that have been selected under the Target Entities
form of the Create/Fringe form
● Element Type -- average the result values at a
node, where the values correspond to elements of
the same type, e.g. Quad4
● None -- no averaging at nodes
Elm 1 Elm 2
Elm 4 Elm 3

CASE STUDY: FRINGE/PLOT OPTIONS FOR
COARSE AND FINE MESH MODEL
● Two identical models, except for difference of mesh density
● 2 x 1 surface
● Elliptical hole
● Constrained on left vertical edge
● Distributed load on right vertical edge
Coarse Mesh Fine Mesh

CASE STUDY: COORDINATE TRANSFORMATION FOR
COARSE MESH MODEL
● Display Fringe and Marker/Tensor results using different
coordinate transformations for coarse mesh model
sxx , Coord Trans As Is, Average All Elements sxx , Coord Trans Global, Average All Elements
CASE STUDY: AVERAGING DEFINITION/DOMAIN
FOR COARSE MESH MODEL
● Fringe results for coarse mesh model
● X Component of stress
● Coordinate Transformation Global
● Averaging or no averaging of element results
Average All Element Results No Averaging of Element Results

CASE STUDY: AVERAGING
DEFINITION/DOMAIN FOR FINE MESH MODEL
● Fringe results for fine mesh model
● X Component of stress
● Coordinate Transformation Global
● Averaging or no averaging of element results
Average All Element Results No Averaging of Element Results

● Averaging Definition options (continued)
● Method
● When both deriving and averaging of a result invariant, e.g. von Mises
stress from the stress tensor, are to be performed the user has the
following options
● Derive/Average -- calculates the result invariant (Derive) at the integration
points, extrapolates the result invariant to the element nodes, for all the
elements, then causes plotting the average (Average) for the contribution of
each element to each node
● Average/Derive -- extrapolates the component values to the element nodes,
averages (Average) them, then calculates the result invariant (Derive) using
the average nodal component values
● Difference – causes plotting the absolute value of the difference between the
largest and smallest of the values at a node. The plot is sometimes called a
Stress Jump Plot when plotting stress. It is a quality check method. Must use
Domain option other than None to make this work properly.
● Sum – causes plotting the sum of all values at an element node
CASE STUDY: AVERAGING DEFINITION/METHOD FOR
● Fringe results for Difference for coarse and fine mesh model
Difference, Coarse Mesh Difference, Fine Mesh

 Extrapolation of element results to the element’s
nodes can be done as follows
 Shape Fn. -- result value at the element’s nodes is
determined from fitting an extrapolating surface
through the known element result values
 Average -- result is averaged within the element,
then the value from averaging is assigned to the
element’s nodes
 Centroid -- the centroidal value from the
extrapolation surface is used at the element’s nodes
m
 Element i Node  (  Element
j
i)/ m
j 1

 Extrapolation (continued)
 Min -- the smallest of the integration point values is
used
 If the only result is at the centroid, the minimum value is
set equal to the centroidal value
 Max -- the largest of the integration point values is
used
 If the only result is at the centroid, the maximum value is
set equal to the centroidal value

CASE STUDY: EXTRAPOLATION/AVERAGE FOR
● Fringe results for Extrapolation/Average for coarse and fine
mesh model
Average, Coarse Mesh Average, Fine Mesh

AVERAGING
● Comments on averaging
● There are pluses and minuses about averaging
● Pluses
● Great way to determine if the mesh has enough density to predict the
results accurately. If the results from averaging appear to be the same
as those from not averaging, then the mesh is considered adequate.
● “Smooths” peaking results or results approaching a singularity
● Minuses
● “Blind” averaging can hide peak results
● Never average
● Across different material boundaries
● Across different thicknesses
● Across elements with different coordinate systems
● Across elements not in the same plane
● Amongst different element types
AVERAGING (Cont.)
● Averaging Examples
4 Regions, 2 Different Materials 4 Regions, 4 Different

Properties/Thicknesses
POST PROCESSING USING FRINGE FOR
NASTRAN
● Settings that need to be used to have Patran display a fringe so its
values are the same as those in the Nastran .f06 file
● Centroidal results read into Patran
● Display Attributes: Element Fill; optionally, shrink fringe 100% and show fringe
values
● Plot Options: Domain: None, Extrapolation: Centroid
● Nodal results read into Patran
● Display Attributes: Discrete/Smooth; optionally, shrink fringe 100% and show
fringe values
● Plot Options: Domain: None, Extrapolation: Shape Fn.
● Note: if comparing invariants, e.g. von Mises, from Tensor, unless
Averaging Domain is specified, Method: Derive/Average and
Average/Derive will produce the same values

 Define PCL Expression
 There is only one Independent
Variable. It is named SCALAR. It
is the scalar variable that is being
used to create the fringe plot, e.g.
Von Mises stress under Select
Results/Quantity
 Can use standard arithmetic
operations (e.g. +) and Intrinsic
Functions (e.g SIND)
 Input the desired PCL Expression,
e.g. $SCALAR + 273.15
 Only one result case is allowed. If
multiple result cases are needed
use Utilities/Results/Result
Toolbox.
MARKER/SCALAR, VECTOR, TENSOR
● Processing Scalar, Vector, or Tensor results using Markers

CREATE/MARKER/SCALAR, VECTOR, OR
TENSOR
● Use the Results:
Create/Marker form
● Scalar
● Vector
● Tensor

SCALAR, VECTOR, TENSOR
● Scalar, Vector or Tensor plots
● Temperature is a scalar
● Displacements and Constraint Forces are vectors
● Element stresses/strains/forces are tensors
● A scalar plot is simply a set of markers, e.g.
sphere, with a number/value alongside it
● This eliminates the need of doing a Fringe plot,
turning off the fringe colors, and displaying the fringe
value labels
● A vector plot is an arrow plot
● A tensor plot can be as detailed as a six
component tensor cube
MARKER/VECTOR COMPONENTS
● Display Marker/Vector Components in plots
● Combined Components
● Resultant of two or three Components
● Normally used to determine resultant shear within a
plane
● Set Show As: to Component
● Select individual Components XX, YY, ZZ
● Select sub-resultant X+Y, Y+Z, Z+X, or even
complete resultant X+Y+Z

SHELL ELEMENT FORCE
● Shell element force convention, Patran vs Nastran
● Fx, Fy, Fxy in Patran correspond directly to the Nastran convention
● Transverse shear forces
● Transverse shear forces are shown as Qx and Qy in the .f06 file
● Nastran Linear Static Analysis guide shows these as Vx and Vy for the element
● Patran shows these as Fyz = Vy = Qy and Fzx = Vx = Qx

SHELL ELEMENT FORCE
● Shell element force convention, Patran vs Nastran
● Fx, Fy, Fxy in Patran correspond directly to the Nastran convention
● Transverse shear forces
● Transverse shear forces are shown as Qx and Qy in the .f06 file
● Nastran Linear Static Analysis guide shows these as Vx and Vy for the element
● Patran shows these as Fyz = Vy = Qy and Fzx = Vx = Qx

SHELL ELEMENT MOMENT
● Shell element moment convention, Patran vs Nastran
● The convection for moments is different
● It might be thought that Mxx is a moment acting normal to the X-face
of the element
● Patran shows this as a vector in the X-direction, giving the
impression that it is a torsional moment acting normal to the X-face
● That is not true
● If it is pointing in the positive X-direction, then the moment is positive
along the X-face (in the plane of the X-face) of bending, and the
Nastran convention can be used for that direction
● The same thing is true for Myy.

SHELL ELEMENT MOMENT (Cont.)
● Shell element moment convention, Patran vs Nastran
(continued)
● For Mxy this is a torsional moment on either the X- or Y-face of the
shell element. However, it is seen as a in plane shear force on the
element. Patran sees this as a XY quantity and displays it as such.
The same conventions apply for the positive and negative directions.
Don't confuse this for a moment acting along the X- or Y-face.
● The same holds true for displays in alternate CIDs

MARKER/TENSOR COMPONENTS
● Display Marker/Tensor Components in plots
● Combined Components
● Any combination of six Components
● Normal Components XX, YY, ZZ
● Shear Components XY, YZ, ZX
● An application of Marker/Tensor
● Crow’s Foot plot
● Select normal and in-plane shear components
● Scale arrows and labels accordingly
● Do not display Tensor Box

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MARKER PLOTS
● Notes on Marker Plots
● It is Strongly Suggested for correlation with Nastran .f06 results to use Tensor results
with Marker/Tensor & Vector results with Marker/Vector. For cross-plotting, e.g.
Tensor results using Marker/Vector, consult Patran Help: Using Patran,
results_postprocessing, Numerical Methods.
● A common misuse of Additional Display Control (ADC) is to display element nodal
results at nodes (e.g. Grid Point Forces). This is incorrect. Patran currently does not
have the ability to display this type of quantity. The best that can be done with Patran
in this situation is to process the element nodal results around a common node, by
averaging, and display one value at the node. This is incorrect. Therefore, use
elements as ADC option, and compare to element Centroidal results.
● For scalar marker plots be careful with element nodal results. If these results are
processed with ADC=Nodes the results are averaged, regardless of what Plot Options
settings are used. If the results are strictly nodal based doing this is correct.
Otherwise, use ADC=Elements and use Plot Options/Averaging Definition/Domain:
None, and Extrapolation: Centroid.

EXERCISES
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 15 “Post-processing Static
Results of a Space Satellite” in your exercise workbook.

TEXT REPORT OF RESULTS
● Write a text file with Results

TEXT REPORT WRITER
● Writes out requested results information to the Patran
parent window (preview option) or to a file
● Report type options:
● Full – results and all related information
● Summary – max/min and associated Nodes or Elements
● Data only
● Results, Target Entities and Plot Options are very similar to
those of other Plot Types

TEXT REPORT WRITER (Cont.)
● Report type Method are Preview, Overwrite
File, and Append File
● Available data includes
● Loadcase, subcase, and layer ID
● X, Y, Z location of integration point or node
● Stress components
● Stress invariants
● Magnitude of deformation
● X, Y, Z components of deformation
● Result CID
● Material name and ID
● Property name and ID
● Analysis CID of node

TEXT REPORT WRITER (Cont.)
● Display Attributes form
● Format
● Report format and column
ordering can be adjusted to
the users needs
● Page title, header and
footer can be specified
● Real and integer number
format can be specified

CREATING RESULTS
● Create a new Result Case from a set of Result Case(s)
● Combine
● Maximum
● Minimum
● Sum
● Average
● PCL Function
● Demo

CREATE RESULTS
● The Create/Results form is used to select,
manipulate, and combine results
● Create derived results based on using the
following operations for the specified set of
results
● Combine – linear combination of set members
● Maximum – new result case with maximum from
set of results
● Minimum – minimum from set of results
● Sum – sum results in result set
● Average – average results in result set
● Demo – create dummy result case for existing
mesh

CREATE RESULTS (Cont.)
● PCL Function for user defined
expression
● Independent Variables that are
available are dependent on type of
results being used, i.e. Nodal Scalar
has $SCALAR, Nodal Tensor has $XX,
$YY, etc.
● Can use standard arithmetic operators
(e.g. +) and Intrinsic Functions (e.g.
SIND)
● Input desired PCL Expression, e.g.
SQRT($XX**2 + $YY**2) This
represents (xx2 + yy2)1/2 for tensor
results
● Only one result case allowed. Use
PCL expression for multiple result
cases by using Utilities/Results/Result
Toolbox.

CASE STUDY: USING PCL EXPRESSIONS
● Create a new database and import the existing model
● Go to File:New
● Enter a name for the database and click OK
● Go to File:Import
● Change Source to IGES and select surfmesh.igs file
● Unselect Import to Parasolid
● Click Apply

● Create demonstration results for the
elements
● Click on Results and set Action / Object /
Method to Create / Results / Demo
● Click on Element, set scale factor to 1.0, and
select At Centroid
● Click Apply

● Change the name of the default group
● Go to Group: Modify.
● Click on Rename and enter sigma_x under
Rename As.
● Click Apply.

● Create two more groups, each having
the entire model
● Under Groups, set Action to Create
● Enter sigma_y under New Group Name
● Click on Entity Selection and select all entities
from the viewport and click Apply
● Repeat steps and create a new group called
SQRT that also has all the entities in it

● Rename existing viewport and create two viewports so there
will be one viewport for each group.
● Go to Viewport: Modify, and use Rename to change name
default_viewport to vp1
● Go to Viewport: Create
● Enter vp2 as a New Viewport Name and click Apply
● Create one more viewport called vp3
● Go to Viewport:Tile

● Post each group to a separate viewport
● Click on the top left viewport to make it current.
● Go to Group:Post
● Select group sigma_x and click Apply
● Post the other two groups so that each group is
posted in its own viewport.

● Create a result case using a PCL Function
(expression) using the existing result case
● Click on Results and set Action/Object/Method to
Create/Results/PCL Function
● Select Derived Results, Demo from Select Result
Case(s)
● Select Element Tensor, Demo Result1 from
Select Result
● Set New Result Type to Scalar

● Finish the PCL function
● Click on Define PCL
Expression…
● Under PCL Expression,
input the expression
SQRT($XX**2 + $YY**2)
● Click OK, then click Apply

● Post the results for the sigma_x group
● Change Quantity to X Component and click Apply

● Post the results for the sigma_y group
● Keep everything the same as for the sigma_x
group, except change the Quantity to Y
Component and click Apply

● Post the results for the SQRT group
● Under Select Result Case(s), select Derived
Results, Subcase 1 and click Apply

● The PC window should look like this

MISCELLANEOUS
● The following are miscellaneous items

DISPLAY FRINGE PLOT FOR INSIDE OF 3D
MODEL
● Show results color fringe
for interior of 3D model
● Create a clipping plane,
e.g. Viewing/Arbitrary
Clipping
● Create a fringe plot using
Results, including Target
Entities/Addtl. Display
Control/Faces
● Or better, can use Insight;
create a fringe plot on
planes of constant
coordinate value

RESULTS WITH MULTIPLE VIEWPORTS
● Same model in both viewports, but displays created using
different groups
Fringe Plot of Von Mises Stress Values Wireframe Deformed Shape

SPECTRUM AND RANGE
● Why is it sometimes important to create customized
spectrums and ranges ?

VALUE OF SPECTRUM AND RANGE
● Spectrums and Ranges are used to create fringe plots
● Also, they are used for some marker plots
● It is possible to create custom Spectrums and Ranges for these types of
plots
● Spectrums and Ranges are saved to the Patran database. These can be
used in a template database.
● How can this be done effectively?

CREATE SPECTRUM OR RANGE
● Can create spectrums or ranges
in several places in Patran

CREATE SPECTRUM
● The Spectrums form is divided into three regions
● Current Spectrum
● Create/Rename/Delete Spectrum
● Spectrum Attributes
● Select colors
● Click Apply to create the Spectrum
● After creating a Spectrum, to use it, it is
necessary to create a Fringe or Marker plot.

EXAMPLE SPECTRUM
● New spectrum
● Map colors from Color Table to Spectrum
Fringe based on the new

Fringe based on a spectrum
spectrum

COMMENTS ON SPECTRUM
● Maximum number of color regions is 16
● The color above the upper range value is reserved for no-
data
● No data available to plot for the entities displayed
● A 15 color spectrum is great when the background color is
reversed, whereas a 16 color spectrum can cause confusion
● There are four predefined 12 and 16 color spectrums called
coldhotxx and hotcoldxx that define blue to red and red to
blue spectrums (xx = 12 or 16), respectively

CREATING A RANGE
● To create a new range
● Results: Create / Fringe
● Click on Display Attributes
● Select Range and click on Define
Range
● Display: Ranges in the Patran
main menu

CREATING A RANGE (Cont.)
● Under Ranges several Actions can be performed, e.g.
Create, Copy, Modify, etecetra.
● Existing Ranges can be used if desired; if not, enter a new
name under New Range Name
● Calculate Range under Data Methods
● The method of calculating the Range is specified under Algorithms

● Calculate Range under
Data Methods
(continued)
● Enter the Number of Sub-
ranges, click Fit Results,
then select posted or un-
posted plot
● Click Calculate to
calculate the Range, and
enter the values into the
spreadsheet

CREATING A RANGE
● ALGORITHMS
● Auto
● Allows the specification of Start Value (upper end
of Range) and End Value (lower end of Range)
● Difference between any two adjacent values is
constant
● Clicking Fit Results button automatically enters
the current plot’s maximum value in Start Value
and the plot’s minimum value in End Value
● If this is all that is to be done make sure to press
the Calculate button to calculate the Range
values and enter them into the spreadsheet

● Delta
● Specify the Start Value (upper end of Range)
and a value to increment or decrement by
(Delta) (e.g. start @10000 and increment by
–500 to obtain a range of 10000, 9500, 9000,
etc.)
● Clicking Fit Results button automatically
enters the current plot’s maximum value in
Start Value, and the Delta value necessary to
define the entire Range
● If this is all that is to be done make sure to
press the Calculate button to calculate the
Range values and enter them into the
spreadsheet

● Cluster
● Data is D1 < D2 < D3 < … < Dn
● First Sub-range
● Lower end: has D1
● Upper end:
● Has D2 IF D2 – D1 <= Bin Size
● Does not have D2 IF D2 – D1 > Bin Size
● Second Sub-range
● Lower end
● Has D2 IF D2 – D1 > Bin Size
● Has D3 IF D2 is upper end of First Sub-range
● Upper end
● Has D3 IF
● D3 not lower end of second Sub-range, AND
● IF D3 – D2 <= Bin Size
● Other Sub-ranges …

● Manual
● Define Sub-ranges by entering data into the cells
in the Values column of the Ranges spreadsheet
● None – data must be entered into all cells
● From and To – data must be entered into all From
and To cells; Middle values are calculated
● From gets To – data must be entered into all
From cells; the To values are set equal to the
adjacent Sub-range From values; Middle values
are calculated
● To gets From - data must be entered into all To
cells; the From values are set equal to the
adjacent Sub-range To values; Middle values are
calculated

● Delta Log
● The (upper) end value of a Sub-range is equal to its (lower) end
value times (x) 10 to the power of Delta Log
n
End Sub  range n  Start Value  10 Delta Log
i 1
● Example
● End of Sub-range 2
● Start Value = 5.0
● Delta Log = 0.5
● End Sub-range 2 = 5.0 x 100.5 x 100.5 = 50.0

CREATING A RANGE
● Thresholds are used to manually specify the size of the

upper and lower Sub-range. The intermediate Sub-ranges
are created using the Data Methods Algorithm selected, e.g.
Auto.
● After defining Thresholds Sub-ranges, click Apply

● Lower
● Specify a Range value just above the minimum value of the
Range
● All values above this value will be equally spaced to the
value on the top of the Range
● Example
● Want to see all values from 30,000psi to the minimum value
shown in blue
● All values between 30,000psi and the maximum value are
shown with different spectrum colors

● Upper
● Specify a Range value just below the maximum value of
the Range
● All values below this value will be equally spaced to the
value at the bottom of the Range
● Example
● Want to see all values from 50,000psi to the maximum
value shown in red
● All values between the minimum value and 50,000psi are
shown with different spectrum colors

● Use Percentages
● Specify Lower and Upper as result values
● If a result value is entered then the Lower and Upper sub-range intervals
will be defined to have a value of the minimum result value and
maximum result value, respectively.
● Specify Lower and Upper as percent of the result values
● Negative Percent Values produce lower thresholds below the lower
range value. Percent Values greater than 100% produce threshold
values above the upper range value. Percent values between 0% and
100% produce threshold values between the lower and upper range
values.

CREATING A RANGE
● Attributes
● Allow Overwrite
● If unselected this option will not allow the range’s definition to be
modified when attributes of a tool that uses it are changed. This is to
prevent accidental overwriting of the range by an auto-range result plot.
● Force Result Update
● When selected it allows the range definition to be modified if the results
value associated to a plot that uses the range is changed. It causes the
sub-range intervals to be recalculated every time the range is used. It
does not work in conjunction with Data Methods/Algorithms Manual.
● Post When Used
● This option causes the range to be posted to a viewport if a Results tool
that is posted to the same viewport references it.

CREATING A RANGE
● LABEL, ETC.
● Selections for Label, etc.

RANGE CONTROL FORM
● Appears only when select Range… from any
Fringe or Marker plot form using Display
Attributes/Range…
● Control whether the values for the Range are
overwritten for each new plot
● Control posting a range to a given viewport

EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 16 “Stiffened Plate” in your
exercise workbook

XY PLOT

XY PLOT
● Manages appearance of XY windows

● Manages display of curves in XY windows
● Fully integrated with results, loads,
properties, and material data

XY PLOT TERMINOLOGY
XY Plot: database_name: XYWindow1 Legend
Analysis versus Test

Test Data
temp_vs_time
Load Case 4 Titles
0. 1.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 7.50 9.00
27.0
Temperature (C) Y Axis

22.5 Versus
Time (sec) X Axis
18.0
Grid Line
13.5
9.00
Primary
Tick Mark
4.50
Node 6 Secondary
0. Tick Mark
0. 1.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 7.50 9.00

CURVE DATA FROM FILE
● Read contents of (x,y) data pair text file into Patran using XY Plot
● XY Plot: Create/Curve, Curve Data Input
Curve name
File Format
XY DATA XYDATA, beautiful_curve
If XY pairs -3. -2.8
-2.3 -2.
-2.099999 -1.3
-1.7 -0.30000001
-1.6 0.660000003
Data set 1
-1.3 1.3
-0.899998 2.2
-2.330001 2.7
0. 1.7
0.3300001 0.4000001
YDATA YDATA, new_curve
If Y only 100.
(X initial 100.
and Xdelta 300.
Data set 2
will be 300.
specified 500.
under curve 500.
data 400.
attributes) 300.
200.
0.

SCALE AND RANGE
● Scale
● Linear
● Semi-Log
● Log-Log
● Range
● Controls method used to determine
start and end points for the X and Y
axes

TITLES
XY Plot: database_name: XYWindow1
LEGEND
quadratic_load
Load Case 4
20.0
0.
-20.0
% distance from -40.0
left of window
-60.0
% distance from
-80.0
top of window
-100.
-1.05 -.700 -.350 0. .350 .700 1.05

MODIFY DISPLAY PARAMETERS
● Virtually anything you see on the
screen can be modified XY Plot: database_name: XYWindow1
Analysis versus Test

● XY Window: Border, background, Test Data
temp_vs_time
color Load Case 4
0. 1.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 7.50 9.00
● Curve: Line style, name, data, 27.0
symbols, color, thickness, curve fit 22.5

Temperature (C)
Versus
method 18.0
Time (sec)
● Legend: on/off, location, border,

13.5
text, background, color
9.00
● Axis: Line style, scale, label
formats, titles, tick marks, grid lines 4.50
Node 6
● Plot Titles: Location, size, color, 0.
0. 1.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 7.50 9.00
post/unpost

MODIFY XY WINDOW
XY Plot: database_name: XYWindow1
LEGEND Border
Variable_load
20.0
Background
0.
-20.0
-40.0
-60.0
-80.0
-100.
-1.20 -.800 -.400 0. .400 .800 1.20

MODIFY CURVE
 Available symbol types

Dot Square Fill Diamond
Circle Fill Square Arrowhead
Fill Circle Triangle Fill Arrowhead
X Fill Triangle Hexagon
Plus Diamond Fill Hexagon
LEGEND
Variable_load
20.0
0.
-20.0
-40.0
-60.0
-80.0
-100.
-1.20 -.800 -.400 0. .400 .800 1.20

EXERCISES
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 16 “Post-processing Modal
Results of a Space Satellite” in your exercise workbook.

SECTION 15
RESULTS ANIMATION

RESULTS ANIMATION
● Modal and transient animation can be
performed in Results
● Transient animation can be performed with
respect to any global variable, such as time,
load case, or frequency
● All posted tools will be displayed during an
animation, but only the tools with animation
enabled will change from frame to frame
● Animation controls appear automatically
when a plot is animated

TYPICAL RESULTS ANIMATION
Frame 1 Frame 7
Frame 13 Frame 20

QUICK PLOT ANIMATION
● To perform a simple modal
animation, select Action:
Create, Object: Quick Plot
● Select the desired fringe
and/or vector result
● Click on and click Apply
to create the animation
frames

ANIMATION CONTROL SETUP
● So far we have discussed setting up
and controlling Quick Plot animation
of a single Results Case
Animation
● Animation sequences pertaining to Options
Button
global variables (e.g. transient
animation) and modal analysis can be
performed in greater detail by clicking
the Animation Options button when
the plot is created

ANIMATION OPTIONS FORM
● When creating a plot, clicking the Animate
button sets the Animate Method pull-down
menu on the Animation Options form to a
value, e.g. Global Variable
● Animate Method:
● Global Variable – allows the animation of a tool
with respect to any global variable (only available
when more than one Results Cases have been
selected)
● Modal – applies a sine function (-1 < sine < 1) to
the tool’s response
● Ramp – allows animation of a tool’s response by
multiplying the response by a range of scale
factors from 0 to 1
ANIMATION CONTROL
● Once the animation has stared, you can
pause and change the animation attributes
● Animation Sequence:
● Cycle: animation cycles in a circular manner
(frame 1,2,…, max,1,2, …,max, etc.)
● Bounce: animation cycles from max to min (frame
1,2,…,max,max-1, etc.)
● Once the animation is paused, it can be
advanced forward one frame at a time and
the start/end frames may be changed
● To terminate the animation tool, select the
Stop Animation button
SETTING UP NON-QUICK PLOT ANIMATION
● Procedure for setting up an animation
In the Animation Options form
In the Select Results form
Set Action to Create an
Object to the desired Set Animation
plot type Method to
Global Variable
Select Animation
Options button Select global
variable, e.g.
Select a set of Time
Result Case(s) and
a result type
Select the
number of
frames
Click on Click Apply

Animate
CASE STUDY: POST PROCESSING TRANSIENT
RESPONSE
● Create a new database
● File/New…
● Enter plate for a new database name.
● Click OK.
● Under New Model Preferences, select Default Tolerance.
● Select Nastran for Analysis Code.
● Select Structural for Analysis Type.
● Click OK.

RESPONSE
● Import the plate model and results.
● Under the Analysis tab click Output2 in the
Access Results Group.
● Select Both for Method.
● Click Select Results File….
● Select plate_vibration.op2 and click OK.
● Click Apply.

RESPONSE
● Change the view and display:
● Click the following icon to switch to Iso1 View
● Fit view the display by clicking on

RESPONSE
● Select Results:
● Under the Results tab, click Deformation in the
Result Plots group.
● Click the Select Results button. View
Subcases
● Click the View Subcases and Select Subcases
button.
Select
● Select Global Variable for Filter Method. Subcases
● Select Range for Values.
● Enter 0.0 for Min.
● Enter 0.04 for Max.
● Click Filter.
● Click Apply.
● Click Close.

RESPONSE
● Finish selections for deformation display:
● Select Component for Show As.
● Select ZZ.
● Select Animate.
● Do not click Apply yet.

RESPONSE
● Specify target entities – results are to be
displayed on target:
● Click the Target Entities Button
● Select Current Viewport for Target Entity.

RESPONSE
● Specify deformed color, line style, scale
factor:
● Click on the Display Attributes button
● Under Deformed, select the color desired.
● Select a line style for Line Style.
● Enter 0.25 for Scale Factor.

RESPONSE
● Set animation parameter values.
● Click on the Animation Options icon
● Select Global Variable for Animation Method.
● Select Time for Select Global Variable.
● Select 3D for Animation Graphics.
● Enter 20 for Number of Frames.
● Click Apply.

RESPONSE
Time=0.00211 sec Time=0.0105 sec
Time=0.0126 sec Time=0.0147 sec

RESPONSE
● In Animation Control, change the animation
sequence to Cycle
● Change the number of frames
● Click Stop Animation.
● Enter 10 for Number of Frames.
● Click Apply.
● Stop the Animation and reset the graphics
● Click Stop Animation.
● Click the icon to reset the graphics

RESPONSE
● Create an XY plot of nodal degree of
freedom versus time:
● Set Action / Object / Method to Create / Graph / Y
vs X.
● Click the Select Results button.
● Select Z Component for Quantity.
● Select Global Variable for X.
● Select Time for Variable.

RESPONSE
● Create an XY plot of nodal degree of
freedom versus time (continued):
● Click on the Target Entities Button.
● Select Nodes for Target Entity
● Select a node (e.g. Node 2) for Select Nodes.
● Click Apply.

RESPONSE
● The XY plot should look like the following
● Its appearance can be modified using XY Plot

EXERCISES
● General: perform Workshop 17 “Box Beam With Transient
Load” in your exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 17 “Box Beam With
Transient Load” in your exercise workbook.

SECTION 16
FILE MANAGEMENT

REVERTING YOUR DATABASE
● Reverting to the original database allows you to
eliminate the changes you have made in the current
modelling session
● Reverting to original database occurs if
“revert_enabled” is set to “TRUE” in the settings.pcl
file
● Edit file manually
● Or set Enable Revert Operation to on, then quit out of
Patran

REBUILDING A DATABASE
● Using a journal file

● Run Patran, but do not open a database
● Select Rebuild from File/Utilities
● Select a journal file of choice
● Click Apply

SIMMANAGER INTEGRATION
● Publish and retrieve Patran databases from within Patran using a
SimManager client. Once logged on, it is possible to publish (to), retrieve
(from), and browse the SimManager db.
Can retrieve, then open db in

Patran
GENERATING HARDCOPY PLOTS
● Choice of printing single or multiple viewports or XY windows on a single
page or multiple pages

GENERATING GRAPHICS FILES
● Choice of creating a variety
of types of graphic files for
viewport or XY window
● Supported file formats: BMP,
JPEG, MPEG, PNG, TIFF,
VRML

CUSTOMIZATION FILES
● For Unix OS, add printers by editing the p3_printers.def file
● p3_printers.def file is located in the $p3_home directory, e.g.
/msc/patran2002
● Customize printer options by copying the p3_printers.def file to your
local or home directory
● The Patran search path is .,~, $p3_home
● p3 toolbar.def and p3quickpick.def files are available to
customize the toolbar (add icons) and quickpick pulldown
menu, respectively.

ADVANCED START-UP FILES
Name Edit Location Comments
settings.pcl ASCII edit with System Editor Working directories, home, or Settings for Patran variables (hardware or
p3_home software imaging, automatic refresh of
viewports, plotter parameters, options for
warning messages, etc.)
p3prolog.pcl ASCII edit with System Editor Working directories, home, or PCL files read at Patran start-up are used to
P3midilog.pcl p3_home pre-define PCL variables, precompile PCL
p3epilog.pcl functions, and create user-defined or
customized widgets
template.db Binary edit within Patran p3_home (default) A “pristine” database that is copied when a new
database is created. Can be preloaded with
desired settings, selections, data, etc.
base.db Binary edit within Patran P3_home Identical to template.db, but database contains
no analysis preferences. Many times, this
database is used to make a template database
with a reduced set of analysis preferences.

CHOICE OF DATABASE TEMPLATE
● Can change which template is copied to the new database
● By default, Patran looks in the p3_home directory folder,
e.g. C:\MSC.Software\Patran\2010
Select Change Template Allows the selection of a different

button template database, e.g. base.db
EXERCISE
● General: perform Workshop 20 “Connecting Rod Using 3D
Elements From Sweep” in your exercise workbook.
● Aerospace: perform Workshop 19 “Stiffened Plate With
Pressure Loading” in your exercise workbook.
● General: perform workshops in Appendix A in your exercise
workbook.
● Aerospace: perform workshops in Appendix A in your
exercise workbook.

SECTION 17
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE FINITE ELEMENT

METHOD

METHODS FOR SOLVING ENGINEERING
PROBLEMS
● As show below, the finite element method is one of several
methods for solving engineering problems
Engineering Analysis
Classical Methods Numerical Methods
Finite Element
Closed-form
Finite Difference
Approximate Boundary Element

PROBLEMS (Cont.)
● Classical Methods:
● Closed-form solutions are available for simple problems such as
bending of beams and torsion of prismatic bars
● Approximate methods using series solutions to governing differential
equations are used to analyze more complex structures such as
plates and shells
● The classical methods can only be used for structural problems with
relatively simple geometry, loading, and boundary conditions

PROBLEMS (Cont.)
● Numerical Methods:
● Boundary Element Method
● Solves the governing differential equation for the problem with integral
equations over the boundary of the domain. Only the boundary surface
is meshed with elements
● Finite Difference Method
● Replaces governing differential equations and boundary conditions with
corresponding algebraic finite difference equations

PROBLEMS (Cont.)
● Numerical Methods (continued)
● Finite Element Method (FEM)
● Capable of solving large, complex problems with general geometry,
loading, and boundary conditions
● Increasingly becoming the primary analysis tool for designers and
analysts
● The Finite Element Method is also known as the Matrix Method of
Structural Analysis in the literature because it uses matrix algebra to
solve the system of simultaneous equations

WHAT IS THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD?
● The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical
approximation method. It is a method of investigating the
behavior of complex structures by breaking them down into
smaller, simpler pieces.
● These smaller pieces of structure are called (finite)
elements. The elements are connected to each other at
nodes.
● The assembly of elements and nodes is called a finite
element model. The piston head shown on the next page is
an example of a finite element model.

SAMPLE FINITE ELEMENT MODEL
Node
Element
Sample Finite Element Model

FINITE ELEMENTS
● Finite elements have shapes which are relatively easy to
formulate and analyze. The three basic types of finite
elements are beams, plates, and solids.
Beam Plate Solid

(1D) (2D) (3D)
ONE DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS
● 1D beam elements are used to model long, slender
structural members as demonstrated in this communications
tower finite element model

TWO DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS
● 2D plate elements are used to model thin structural
members such as aircraft fuselage skin or car body

THREE DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS
● 3D solid elements are used to model thick components such
as the piston head shown below:

BUILDING A FINITE ELEMENT MODEL
● The Finite Element Method approximates the behavior of a
continuous structure with a finite number of elements.
● As one increases the number of elements (and hence,
decrease the size of the elements), the results become
increasingly accurate, but the computing time also
increases.
● MD Patran provides numerous modeling tools to help the
user build finite element models with the right balance
between accuracy and computing time.

HOW DOES FEM WORK ?
● Basic Approach
● A given problem is discretized by dividing the original domain into
simply shaped elements.
Y
X
Z
● Elements are connected to each other by nodes.

HOW DOES FEM WORK ? (Cont.)
● Each node is capable of moving in six independent
directions: three translations and three rotations. These are
called the degrees of freedom (DOF) at a node.
y
uy Three translations (ux, uy, uz)

Three rotations (qx, qy, qz)
x {u} = displacement vector
ux
= [ ux uy uz qx qy qz ]T
uz
z

● The relationship between an element and its surrounding nodes can be
described by the following equation:
[ k ]e { u }e = { f }e
● The elemental stiffness matrix [ k ]e is derived from geometry, material
properties, and element properties.
● The elemental load vector { f }e describes the forces acting on the element.
● The displacement vector { u }e is the unknown in this equation. It describes how
the nodes move as a result of the applied forces.
[ k ]e { u }e = { f }e
Elemental Equation
● Next, the elemental stiffness matrices are assembled into a
global stiffness matrix. The loads are also assembled into a
global load vector. This results in the following matrix
equation for the overall structure:
[K] {u} = {F}
[ k ]e { u }e = { f }e [K] {u} = {F}
Elemental Equation Global Equation

● Next, apply the boundary condition to the model (constrain
the model). Mathematically, this is achieved by removing
rows and columns corresponding to the constrained
degrees of freedom from the global matrix equation.
Boundary Condition
[K] {u} = {F}

Global matrix equation
with boundary condition
applied
● Finally, the global matrix equation is solved to determine the
unknown nodal displacements.
● Element strains and stresses are then computed from the
nodal displacements.
Deformation Plot Stress Fringe Plot

● Summary of the finite element method
Represent continuous structure as a collection of

discrete elements connected by nodes Assemble loads into a global load vector {F}
Derive element stiffness matrices from Apply boundary conditions to constrain the
material properties, element properties, and geometry model
Assemble all element stiffness matrices into a Solve the matrix equation [K] {u} = {F} for
nodal displacements
global stiffness matrix [K]
Compute strains and stresses from

displacement results

REFERENCES
● V. Adams
Building Better Products with Finite Element Analysis
OnWord Press, 1999
● K. J. Bathe
Finite Element Procedures in Engineering Analysis
Prentice-Hall, 1982
● R. D. Cook
Concepts and Applications of Finite Element Analysis
John Wiley & Sons, 1989
● R. H. MacNeal
Finite Elements: Their Design and Performance
Marcel Dekker, 1994

REFERENCES (Cont.)
● NAFEMS
A Finite Element Primer
Department of Trade and Industry, UK, 1986
● J. S. Przemieniecki
Theory of Matrix Structural Analysis
McGraw-Hill, 1968
● B. A. Szabo and I. Babuska

Finite Element Analysis
● John Wiley & Sons, 1991
● O. C. Zienkiewicz
The Finite Element Method
McGraw-Hill, 1994


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Part Number: P3*V2010*Z*Z*Z*SM-PAT301-NT September 2010 Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation

Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation

Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation

Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation

Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

5 - Evaluate and Publish

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Open a new database in Patran.

Select MD Nastran and Structural

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Import the piston head geometry.

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Create a finite element mesh

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Create the finite

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Constrain the two cylindrical holes

Apply 1200 psi to

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Create an element property

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

Submit the model to

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PAT301, Section 1, May 2010

PATRAN GRAPHICAL USER

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

Undo - will undo last command

Abort - Stops operation in progress

Refresh Graphics Display and Viewing Icons

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

Patran Patran for MD Nastran

● It is possible to specify one of several skins

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

Application Tab (here) Status Icon

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

Select databox is used

Data can be inserted

Existing text can be

Slide bar assigns a value to associated variable

PAT301, Section 2, May 2010

 Graphical/interactive (cursor) picking with

Part Number: P3V2010Z*ZZSM-PAT301-NT September 2010 Copyright 2010 MSC.Software Corporation