Patran 2023.2 Reference Manual Part 4 Functional Assignments

Patran 2023.
2
Reference Manual
Part 4: Functional Assignments
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Contents
Functional Assignments
Contents
1 Introduction to Functional Assignment Tasks

Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Naming Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Loads and Boundary Conditions Application

Overview of the Loads and Boundary Conditions Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Summary of Key Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Loads and Boundary Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Structural Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Thermal Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs (other than Patran Thermal). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Thermal Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs (Patran Thermal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Loads and Boundary Conditions Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Create Structural LBCs Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Create Thermal LBCs Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Create Fluid Dynamics LBCs Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Modify LBCs Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Delete LBCs Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Show LBCs Sets Tabular Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Plot Contours of LBCs Set Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Plot LBCs Set Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Display Attributes: Body Pair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Loads and Boundary Conditions Global Display Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3 Element Properties Application

Overview of the Element Properties Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
vi Functional Assignments
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Summary of Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Element Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Element Properties Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Create Element Property Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Modify Element Property Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Delete Element Property Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Show Element Property Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4 Materials Application
Overview of the Materials Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Summary of Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Rules for Creating/Modifying Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Materials Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Create Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Show Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Modify Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Delete Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Composite Materials Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Laminated Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Rule-of-Mixtures Composite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Halpin-Tsai Continuous Fiber Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Fiber Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Halpin-Tsai Continuous Ribbon Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Ribbon Composite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Halpin-Tsai Particulate Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Short Fiber Composite (1D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Short Fiber Composite (2D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Composite Material Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Theory - Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Laminated Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Rule-of-Mixtures Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Halpin-Tsai Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Short Fiber Composite Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Contents vii
5 Load Cases Application

Overview of the Load Cases Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Capabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Rules for Creating/Modifying Load Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Load Cases Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Create Load Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Modify Load Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Delete Load Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Show Load Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Show Assigned Loads/BCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Prioritize Loads/BCs Within Load Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
6 Fields Application
Overview of The Fields Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Capabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Procedures for Using Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Create . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Modify a Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Common Spreadsheet Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Delete a Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Show a Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Fields Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Fields Create (Spatial, PCL Function). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Fields Create (Spatial, Tabular Input). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Time Spatial Fields Create (Patran Thermal only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Fields Create (Material Property, Tabular Input). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Fields Create (Non-Spatial, Tabular Input) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Non-Spatial Field 2D Data Input Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Non Spatial Field 3D Data Input Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Fields Create (Non-Spatial, Discrete FEM) (SAMCEF Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fields Create (General Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Fields Create (Spatial, Discrete FEM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Fields Create (Spatial, Continuous FEM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Fields Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
viii Functional Assignments
Fields Modify (Spatial, PCL Function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

Fields Modify (Spatial, Tabular Input) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Fields Modify (Material Property) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Fields Modify (Non-Spatial) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Fields Modify (Non-Spatial, Discrete FEM) (SAMCEF Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Fields Modify (General Field) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Fields Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Fields Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Spatial PCL Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
275
Chapter 1: Introduction to Functional Assignment Tasks
MSC Nastran Implicit Nonlinear (SOL 600) User’s GuidePatran Reference Manual
Introduction to Functional
1 Assignment Tasks

Orientation 2

Naming Conventions 3
2 Patran Reference Manual
Orientation
Orientation
Functional Assignments are necessary to turn a collection of finite elements into a complete finite element
model. The five Functional Assignment Applications assign element properties, material properties, loads and
boundary conditions, load cases, as well as assign those features as a function of a mathematical field.
The diagram below describes the basic flow of finite element analysis and its relationship to the application
of Functional Assignments. The five Functional Assignment Application tasks are the topic of this chapter.
Geometry FEM Model Analysis Results
Element Properties Load Cases
Material Properties Fields Loads and Boundary Conditions
This area is called Functional

Assignments. They include all the
actions that are necessary to turn a
collection of finite elements into a
complete, ready-for-analysis model.
Each of the five Functional Assignments are accessed by a menu selection in the main form. Each Functional
Assignment area deals with groups of items, typically called sets, that have names and may be of different
types.
A Field is a special kind of Functional Assignment. Fields define spatial and time- or temperature-dependent
distributions of scalar or vector quantities. These functions can be defined by tables or general PCL
expressions in real or parametric space. They are extremely useful tools in defining complex distributions of
element properties, material properties, loads or boundary conditions. Examples include: the temperature or
stress dependence of a material property, the thickness distribution of a shell, and a time-dependent pressure
pulse.
An important feature of Patran is the ability to apply element properties and LBCs to the geometry prior to
meshing. This eliminates the need to reapply them if the finite element model is remeshed.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Functional Assignment Tasks 3
Naming Conventions
The primary Functional Assignment actions are Create, Delete, Modify, and Show. These actions refer both
to the contents of the sets themselves, and to their associativity to the geometric and FEM entities that make
up the model.
Create Used to create the element property sets, material property sets, loads and boundary
conditions sets, load cases, and the various fields used to define these sets.
Delete Used to remove the Functional Assignment sets.
Modify Used to edit the Functional Assignments sets.
Show Provides the capability of displaying information in both tabular and plot format. The
most common plot type is contour plot of the selected data on the model, although in
fields and materials XY plotting of data is also supported. Displays other than contours
are also available such as Marker displays, where annotated symbols that indicate a
material type or load direction are shown.
An important characteristic of the Patran approach to finite element analysis is the ability to retain
information in the database. Thus, the model database includes not only the current analysis but also
elements of all previous analyses: different loads, materials, configurations, etc. This archival ability adds an
important new dimension to analysis: a record of its history.
Many of the actions that are taken in Functional Assignments are analysis code specific. The types of element
properties that can be created, the property input forms, and the types of loads that can be applied all depend
on the code preference selected. It is important that this selection be made before working in the Functional
Assignments areas.
A database inherently assumes that a single code and analysis type are being used. If the analysis code
preference is changed, Patran will attempt to convert all code specific information to the new preference.
Switching the analysis code preferences back and forth will, in general, not result in a complete translation.
To use an existing database with an alternate analysis code, it is recommended that the database be duplicated.
Naming Conventions
Since all Functional Assignments deal with named items or groups of items (sets or cases), it is important that
users be aware of the conventions and restrictions that exist for names. These are summarized below.
 Length - 1 to 31 characters
 Permitted Characters - A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, underscore, hyphen, period
 Not Allowed - Spaces, parenthesis, brackets, commas, +, !, ?, =, etc.
 Case Sensitive - Yes
It is recommended that the user provide names that describe the FA being created.
When a field is to be used as input to a databox, the field name must be preceded by “f:.” This identifies it as
a field. Similarly, materials are preceded by “m:” when they are entered into element property databoxes.
Naming Conventions
Chapter 2: Loads and Boundary Conditions Application
Loads and Boundary

2 Conditions Application

Overview of the Loads and Boundary Conditions Application 6

Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Loads and Boundary Conditions 8
 Loads and Boundary Conditions Form 18

Loads and Boundary Conditions Global Display Parameters 54
Overview of the Loads and Boundary Conditions Application
Overview of the Loads and Boundary Conditions

Application
Purpose
The Loads and Boundary Conditions application (Loads/BCs) provides the ability to apply a variety of static
and dynamic loads and boundary conditions to finite element models. Loads/BCs may be associated with
geometric entities as well as FEM entities. When associated with geometric entities, they can be transferred
to finite elements created on the geometry. Loads and boundary conditions are intended to be created in
multiple single purpose groups referred to as sets. These sets are grouped into load cases in the Load Cases
application. Fields can be used in the definition of loads and boundary conditions. Loads/BCs sets remain in
the database unless specifically deleted and thus provide an archival record.
Definitions
Loads/BC Set: A Loads/BC set is comprised of a collection of data (which may include fields) that are
associated with both an analysis type and geometric and/or FEM entities. Typical examples are displacements
associated with nodes in a structural analysis, or heat fluxes associated with surfaces in a thermal analysis.
Load Case: A Load Case is a group of Loads/BCs sets that together define a single analysis case. Load Cases
are assembled from the entire array of Loads/BCs sets in the Load Cases Application.
Analysis Type: Analysis types currently supported are Structural, Thermal, and Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Nodal: This refers to the case where loads or boundary conditions are associated with finite element nodes. A
typical case is a specified displacement at a node of a structural finite element.
Element Uniform: This refers to the case where the loads or boundary condition is associated with the
element itself and is assumed to be uniform over the element face, or element edge. A typical case is an
element temperature.
Element Variable: This refers to the case where the loads or boundary condition is associated with an element,
but varies in magnitude over the element, element face or element edge. It may thus have different values at
the element’s nodes. This leads to the case where nodes that are common to adjacent elements may be multi-
valued in the loads or boundary conditions. A typical example is pressure applied over an element.
Target Element Type: Target Elements are elements selected to be actual or eventual recipients of the desired
loads or boundary condition. All elements in a set must be of the same type: either 1D, 2D, or 3D. If more
than one type is involved, make a separate set for each. Target Element Types are only required for Element
Uniform or Element Variable Loads/BCs sets.
Dynamic Loads/BCs Sets: Dynamic loads and boundary conditions sets are those which have a time-
dependent component. They must be associated with a time dependent Load Case, which must be the current
case when the set is created. Time and spatial dependencies are assumed to be uncoupled. Dynamic sets are
comprised of a static spatial component multiplied by a time varying component. Fields must be used to define
the time dependency.
Markers: These are the graphic symbols (e.g., arrows, circles) that appear on the screen and provide visual
feedback of the location, type, magnitude and direction of the loads or boundary condition. Their display
Chapter 2: Loads and Boundary Conditions Application 7
Overview of the Loads and Boundary Conditions Application
can be turned on or off in the Plot Marker form, or in the Display/Functional Assignment top menu form.
See Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Loads and Boundary Conditions, 8 for more details.
Type Prefix: As a convenience, each set is given a type prefix that is displayed when sets of different types are
listed together. This prefix is the first five letters of the set type followed by an underscore. For example, a set
of displacements named “set_1” would appear as “displ_set_1” when displayed with sets of other types.
Capabilities
The Loads/BCs application has the capability of creating, deleting, modifying, and displaying loads and
boundary condition sets. Three Analysis Types are supported: Structural, Thermal, and Fluid Dynamics
(CFD).
The sets can be either Static or Time Dependent (dynamic). Time dependency is introduced either through
the inclusion of a time dependent field multiplier, or through use of initial condition options (e.g., initial
displacements).
The loads and boundary condition set types that can be created depend on the analysis selected. The
Loads/BCs set types available are a function for the analysis code set in “Analysis Preferences.” For example,
if MSC Nastran is the current analysis code selection then only Structural Loads/BC set types will be
available. For structural analyses, nine different set types are supported: displacement, force, pressure,
temperature, inertial load, initial displacement, initial velocity, velocity and acceleration. For thermal analyses,
sets can include temperature (thermal), convection, heat flux, heat source, and initial temperature. Fluid
analysis set types are: inflow (incomp), outflow (incomp), solid wall (incomp), symmetry, inflow (comp),
outflow (comp), open flow (comp), solid wall (comp), volumetric and total heat load.
Loads and boundary conditions are created and stored in the database as sets. Each set has a unique name and
is associated with one analysis type (e.g., structural), one loads and boundary conditions type (e.g., pressure),
and one target element type (e.g., 2D), if applicable. All sets are associated with a load case, which by default
is the Current Load Case when the set is created.
Sets can be visually displayed on the screen by markers which show the location, type, magnitude, and
direction of the applied loads or boundary condition. Only the static portion of a dynamic Loads/BCs set is
reflected in the marker display. Sets can also be displayed as tables.
A powerful capability is the display of any set scalar data directly on the model as a fringe plot. For display
purposes, data are treated as “results,” with full user control over the spectrum, method, shading, etc. Data
display is scalar, but the data can be pressures, vector component magnitudes, and vector resultant
magnitudes. Fringe plots can only be displayed on finite elements. Fringes of a dynamic Loads/BCs set may
be displayed at user-specified times.
The use of PCL functions in defining loads and boundary conditions is supported through the use of Fields.
Use the PCL option in the Fields function to create the desired input data distribution. The field can be used
in the Loads/BCs application by simply selecting it from a listbox display.
Loads/BCs can be defined on geometric entities. These are subsequently evaluated on FEM entities associated
to that geometry. This is convenient because remeshing the geometry has no effect on the loads and boundary
conditions.
Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Loads and Boundary Conditions
Summary of Key Features

The Loads/BCs function provides:
 A straightforward, convenient means for taking data, whether from fields or direct input, and
associating it with either FEM or geometric entities. Data are grouped as uniquely named sets. These
sets, in turn, can be grouped into load cases in the Load Cases Application.
 Archival records in the model database of all previous loads and boundary conditions unless
specifically deleted.
 Loads and boundary conditions to be associated with geometric entities (e.g., surfaces). These sets can
then be evaluated on the FEM model. This permits remeshing without impacting the loads and
boundary conditions.
 A means of creating new sets that are modifications of existing sets.
 Full support of the use of Fields in defining data input. This, for example, permits access to PCL
functions in defining Loads/BCs.
 Support for structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis types. Loads/BCs associativity
can be nodal, uniform over the element, or variable over the element. It also provides the addition of
time dependence through the use of time-dependent fields or initial conditions (e.g., initial
displacements).
 The ability to create, delete, modify and show sets. Visual display of sets includes showing the type,
location, magnitude, and direction of applied loads and boundary conditions. Sets can also be shown
in a table format.
 Scalar data (e.g., pressure, temperature, vector components) which can also be displayed as fringe
plots on the model. The data are treated as “results,” with full control over the display (e.g.,
spectrum, shading, type, etc.).
Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Loads and

Boundary Conditions
All Loads/BCs sets created are associated with the Current Load Case. This load case will be the one named
“Default” unless a different one is specified. The current load case can be changed from within the Loads/BCs
application.
Important: A common strategy is to create all sets within the default load case and break them out
into separate named load cases later.
The scope of an individual set is limited to a single analysis type (e.g., structural), a single loads or boundary
condition definition (e.g., displacement), a single data set, and either FEM or geometry entity types.
Important: It is intended that multiple sets be used to define the complete load case. Avoid large
complex sets. This reduces the chance for error and makes modification and set
manipulation easier.
Loads/BCs sets can be created, modified, deleted, and displayed. Set modification is completely general in
that this action essentially deletes the original set and replaces it with the modified set. The Create option
may also be used to modify a set. The only difference is that you will be prompted with a message warning
that the set already exists, and asking whether it can be overwritten.
Creating a new set that is a modification of an existing set is accomplished by selecting an existing set,
renaming it, and making the desired modifications using the Create action.
In many cases, a Scale Factor may be specified in the Input Data form. All data in the set will be multiplied
by this value. The default scale factor is 1.0.
The region of application on the model of the defined set is established using the standard selection tools. If
more than one entity can be selected, a select menu will be displayed. The ID of selected items is displayed
in the selection region databox.
It is important that the analysis code to be used is selected prior to creating Load s⁄ BCs sets.
Important: All loads and boundary conditions sets are integrally related to the specific analysis type
and code selected.
Fields are created in the separate Fields Application (Ch. 6). Fields must be created before they can be assigned
in the Input Data form.
Important: The use of fields to define complex data distributions makes this task easier and is
encouraged.
Depending on the specific analysis code and Loads/BCs type, the loads or boundary condition is associated
with either the elements themselves or the nodes. If values are associated with elements, they can be either
applied uniformly across the element, element face, or element edge (Element Uniform), or vary across the
element based on values at associated nodes (Element Variable). The selection between these two options
depends on the method used by the analysis code. Determine what is required before attempting to define
element loads.
Important: For element variable loads, a node may have multiple load values, if the node is associated
to multiple elements.
Local Coordinate System Definition

Loads/BCs applied to elements are defined in terms of local coordinate systems as follows: The 1, 2, and 3
directions are defined to be either consistent with the geometric entity C1, C2, and C3 directions or with
respect to the element nodal connectivity as shown.
Top Surface
L K
C3 3
C2
I 2 J
C1 1
Bottom Surface
For a rectangular surface, the C1, C2, and C3 directions form a right-handed coordinate system. The top
surface is the side in the plus C3 direction.
For elements, connectivity is used to define a coordinate system. If the connectivity is I-J-K-L, the 1-axis
corresponds to the I-to-J direction, the 2-axis the I-to-L direction, and the 3-axis normal to the plane defined
by 1 and 2 in a right-handed sense. The top surface is on the positive 3-direction side of the element.
Sign Conventions
Displacements, forces, velocities, and accelerations are positive in the positive directions of the Analysis
Coordinate Frame displayed in the Input Data form.
Positive pressures are those that act inward toward the entity. Negative pressures act outward from the entity
and represent a surface “suction.”
Markers
When loads and boundary conditions are created, they are automatically displayed with markers. Markers may
be arrows, circles, squares, etc. Use the Graphics Preferences form to select the marker options. In general,
arrows (also referred to as graphical vectors) are used to display quantities which have a direction. All other
types of markers are used to display scalar quantities. Arrow markers can have one, two, or three heads. For
example, translational displacements, forces, pressures, and translational velocities are displayed as single-
headed arrows. Moments and rotations are displayed as double-headed arrows. Rotational accelerations are
displayed as triple-headed arrows. Displacement constraint markers may have one-, two-, or three-headed
arrows with no tail. For example, if only a translational constraint is specified, a single-headed arrow will be
displayed in the appropriate direction. If only a rotational constraint is specified, then a double-headed arrow
will be displayed. If both a translational and rotational constraint are specified in the same direction, then a
triple-headed arrow will be displayed.
Marker colors can be changed in the Display/Functional Assignment form in the main form. Marker display
for each Loads/BCs set type can be selectively turned ON and OFF from this form.
Units
The Loads/BCs application is nondimensional. Input data units are those required by the analysis code
selected. Scale factors can be used for conversion if model units differ from code required units (e.g., metric
to English).
Set Names
Set names can be up to 31 characters long and must be unique. Use descriptive names with words separated by
underscores. As a convenience, each set is given a type prefix that is displayed when sets of different types are
listed together. This prefix is the first five letters of the set type followed by an underscore. For example, a set
of displacements named “set_1” would appear as “displ_set_1” when displayed with sets of other types. If
only displacement sets are listed, the type prefix is omitted.
Plotting Loads and Boundary Conditions as Contours

purposes, data are treated as “results,” with full user control over the spectrum, display method, shading, etc.
Data display is scalar, of course, but the data to be plotted can be pressures, vector component magnitudes,
and vector resultant magnitudes.
Set Types
The loads and boundary condition set types that can be created depend on the type of analysis being
performed. Three different types are currently supported: Structural, Thermal, and Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
For structural analyses, nine different set types are supported: Displacement, Force, Pressure, Temperature,
Inertial Load, Initial Displacement, Initial Velocity, Velocity, and Acceleration. Thermal analyses sets can
include Temp (Thermal), Convection, Heat Flux, Heat Source, and Initial temperature. Fluid analysis set
types include: Inflow (Incomp), Outflow (Incomp), Solid Wall (Incomp), Symmetry, Inflow (Comp),
Outflow (Comp), Open Flow (Comp), and Solid Wall (Comp), Volumetric Heat and Total Heat Load.
Each set type can, in turn, have different element associativities, target element types, and required inputs.
The tables on the following pages provide maps of all possibilities and options.
Structural Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs
Set Type Association Element Inputs

Displacement Nodal --- Translations <T1 T2 T3>
Rotations < R1 R2 R3>
Analysis Coordinate Frame

Element Uniform 2D Surf Translations <T1 T2 T3>
Surf Rotations < R1 R2 R3>
Edge Translations <T1 T2 T3>
Edge Rotations < R1 R2 R3>

3D Translations <T1 T2 T3>

Element Variable 2D Surf Translations <T1 T2 T3>
Surf Rotations < R1 R2 R3>
Edge Translations <T1 T2 T3>
Edge Rotations < R1 R2 R3>

3D Translations <T1 T2 T3>

Force Nodal --- Force <F1 F2 F3>
Moment < M1 M2 M3>


Pressure Element Uniform 2D Top Surf Pressure
Bot Surf Pressure
Edge Pressure
3D Pressure
Element Variable 2D Top Surf Pressure
Bot Surf Pressure
Edge Pressure
3D Pressure
Temperature Nodal --- Temperature
Element Uniform 1D Temperature
2D Temperature
3D Temperature
Element Variable 1D Centroid Temperature
Axis-1 Gradient
Axis-2 Gradient
2D Top Surface Temperature
Bottom Surface Temperature

3D Temperature
Inertial Load not element Trans Accel <A1 A2 A3>
dependent
(applies to entire
model) Rotationa l Veloc <w1 w2 w3>
Rotational Accel <a1 a2 a3>

Initial Displacement Nodal --- Translations <T1 T2 T3>
Rotations <R1 R2 R3>

Initial Velocity Nodal --- Trans Veloc <v1 v2 v3>
Rotationa l Veloc <w1 w2 w3>


Velocity
Acceleration
Distributed Load Element Uniform 1D Distr Load <f1 f2 f3>
Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

2D Edge Distr Load <f1 f2 f3>
Edge Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

Element Variable 1D Distr Load <f1 f2 f3>
Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

2D Edge Distr Load <f1 f2 f3>
Edge Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

CID Distributed Load
Total Load
Contact Element Uniform --- Friction Coefficient (MU1)
Stiffness in Stick (FSTIF)
Penalty Stiffness Scaling Factor

(SFAC)
Slideline Width (W!)
A Vector Pointing from Master to

Slave Surface
Initial Plastic Strain
Initial Stress
Crack(VCCT) Nodal Crack Inputs
Initial Temperature
Thermal Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs (other than Patran Thermal)

Temp (Thermal) Nodal --- Temperature
Convection Element Uniform 2D Top Surf Convection
Bot Surf Convection
Edge Convection
Ambient Temperature
3D Convection
Ambient Temperature
Element Variable 2D Top Surf Convection
Bot Surf Convection
Edge Convection
Ambient Temperature
3D Convection
Ambient Temperature
Heat Flux Element Uniform 2D Top Surf Heat Flux
Bot Surf Heat Flux
Edge Heat Flux

3D Heat Flux
Element Variable 2D Top Surf Heat Flux
Bot Surf Heat Flux
Edge Heat Flux

3D Heat Flux
Heat Source Nodal --- Heat Source
Element Uniform 2D Heat Source
3D Heat Source
Initial Temperature Nodal --- Temperature
Voltage Nodal --- Voltage
Thermal Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs (Patran Thermal)

View Factor Element Uniform 1D View Factor
2D
View Factor
3D
View Factor
Convection Element Uniform 1D Convection
2D
Convection
3D
Convection
Element Variable 1D Convection
2D
Convection
3D
Convection
Heat Flux Element Uniform 1D Heat Flux
2D
Heat Flux
3D
Heat Flux
Element Variable 1D Heat Flux
2D
Heat Flux
3D
Heat Flux
Heat Source Nodal --- Heat Source
Element Uniform 1D Heat Source
2D
Heat Source
3D
Heat Source
Element Variable 1D Heat Source
2D
Heat Source
3D
Heat Source
Fixed Temperature Nodal --- Temperature
Initial Temperature Nodal --- Temperature
Variable Temperature Nodal --- Temperature Scale
Factor

Mass Flow Nodal --- Mass Flow Rate
Fixed Pressure Nodal --- Pressure
Initial Pressure Nodal --- Pressure
Variable Pressure Nodal --- Pressure Scale
Factor
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs

Inflow (Incomp) Element Uniform 2D Velocity )
Pressure
3D Velocity 
Pressure
Outflow (Incomp) Element Uniform 2D Pressure
3D Pressure
Solid Wall (Incomp) Element Uniform 2D Heat Flux
3D Temperature
Heat Flux
Heat Transfer
Coefficient
Ambient Temperature
Symmetry Element Uniform 2D None
3D None
Inflow (Comp) Element Uniform 2D Velocity )
Pressure
Absolute Temperature
3D Velocity 
Pressure
Loads and Boundary Conditions Form

Outflow (Comp) Element Uniform 2D Velocity 
Pressure
3D Velocity 
Pressure
Open Flow (Comp) Element Uniform 2D Velocity 
Pressure
3D Velocity 
Pressure
Solid Wall (Comp) Element Uniform 2D Temperature
Heat Flux
3D Temperature
Heat Flux
Volumetric Heat Element Uniform 2D Heat Source
3D Heat Source
Total Heat Load Element Uniform 2D
3D

The functions of the Loads/BCs menu are listed and described below in the order in which they appear on
the menu.
Menu Pick Action

Create Structural Sets  Create a new set using structural analysis set type options.
Create Thermal Sets  Create a new set using thermal analysis set type options.
Create Fluid Dynamics Sets  Create a new set using fluid dynamic analysis set type options.
Menu Pick Action

Modify  Change any property or characteristic of a set.
Delete  Remove selected sets from the database.
Show Tabular  View set data displayed in a table format.
Plot Contours  Display contour plots of selected set data on the model.
Plot Markers  Control display of markers (arrows, etc.) on groups.
Create Structural LBCs Sets

This form is used to create all structural loads and boundary conditions sets. Existing sets can be recalled and
used as templates for new sets. Separate forms are used for data input and selection of a region on the model
for application.
Action A new loads and boundary conditions set will be created.

Object The available types of structural sets include (based on set analysis preference):
 Displacement
 Force
 Pressure
 Temperature
 Inertial Load
 Initial Displacement
 Initial Velocity
 Velocity
 Acceleration
 Distributed Load
 CID Distributed Load
 Total Load
 Contact
 Initial Plastic Strain
 Initial Stress
 Crack(VCCT)
 Initial Temperature
Type Sets are ultimately associated with either nodes (Nodal) or elements. Sets can
be associated with the element itself (Element Uniform) or the element’s nodes
(Element Variable).
Analysis Type The analysis type is Structural. The form changes if an alternative analysis type
is selected.
Current Load Case The set will be assigned to this Current Load Case named “Default.” To
change, select this button and make a new selection in the form that appears.
Time-dependent sets require a time dependent load case.
Existing Pressure Sets The names of all sets of the type selected are displayed here. Selecting one
retrieves it from the database.
New Set Name Each new set requires a unique name (31 characters maximum, no spaces).
Target Element Type For element associated sets, select the element type (1D, 2D, or 3D). If more
than one type, create different sets for each. Not used for Nodal types.
Input Data Select this box to bring up the Input Data form containing the appropriate
variables for the set type selected.
Select Application Select this box to bring up forms for selecting the entities to which this set
Region applies. Standard selection methods are used.
Note: The new set is not created until OK is selected.

This tool is available for creating Pressures only when the application region is
FEM. This is a tool that you can use to select connected free faces of solid
elements by selecting a single reference free face and specifying an angle range
such that all adjacent free faces with normals within this range relative to the
normal of the reference element are selected. By pressing the Overwrite
button on this subordinate form, the selected element faces will be overwritten
from any previous query. If the Append button is pressed, than faces from
additional queries are added to previous queries. When the form is canceled,
 Auto Select the list of faces selected from this tool appear in the select databox on the main
form for selecting an application region. Simply add the element faces to the
application region and create the pressure LBC.
Here are a couple of examples of picking you can do with this tool:
 Picking free faces of one-quarter of a solid sphere

 Picking the free faces of a hole of a solid plate for bolt bearing
analysis.
This form is available for creating Contact Body Pairs and differs from the
Application Region form of all other LBCs. It works in two modes: Existing
Bodies and Create Bodies.
Existing Bodies
This mode defines the contact regions for existing bodies.
 Body Pair
Application
Region
Body1 Name: Select the name of the Master Body from the list box. Both
deformable and rigid bodies are listed.
Self Contact: If selected, this check box disables the second body and
automatically places the first body's name in the second body's data box. It is
OFF by default.
Reverse Bodies: Body1 and Body2 names will be reversed after clicking this
button. The current ISEARCH settings (Automatic, Single Sided, and
Double Sided) will not impact reversing contact bodies.
Body2 Name: Select the name of the Slave Body from the list box. Only
deformable bodies are listed.
Create Bodies
This mode creates new bodies based on the selections made on this form and
defines contact regions for them.
Active Region: Select the body and body type from this list box. The options
are Body1-Def, Body1-Rig, Body2-Def, and Self Contact. Other options on
this form get changed based on the selection made here.
Geometry Filter: Here you can select either Geometry, FEM, or Regions. If
you select Geometry or FEM the standard select mechanism appears to pick
entities from the graphics screen. If you select Region, you get a list box to
select existing regions. The selected regions must have elements in them.
Element Type: Select element type here, either 1D, 2D, or 3D (also Nodal,
Surface, Face, or Edge if applicable).
Body1 Name: Type here the name of Body1.
Body2 Name: Type here the name of Body2.

More Help: Application and Preference Guides

 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. ) in the Patran Interface to Abaqus
Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the Patran Interface to ANSYS
Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the Patran Interface to LS-DYNA
Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions - Contact (Ch. 2) in the Marc Preference
Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the Patran Interface to
PAMCRASH Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the Patran Interface to MSC
Nastran Preference Guide
Nastran Thermal
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the Patran MSC Nastran
Preference Guide - Implicit Nonlinear
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the Patran Interface to SAMCEF
Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the PATRAN 2 Neutral File
Preference Guide
Create Thermal LBCs Sets

This form is used to create all thermal loads and boundary conditions sets. Existing sets can be recalled and
used as templates for new sets. Separate forms are used for data input and selection of a region on the model
for application.

Object The available types of thermal sets include (based on set analysis preference):
*Denotes Patran Thermal only.
 Temp (Thermal)
 Convection
 Heat Flux
 Heat Source
 Initial Temperature
 Volumetric Heat (PatranT*)
 Pressure (Patran T*)
 Mass Flow (Patran T*)
 Viewfactors (Patran T*)
 Voltage (Thermal)
Type Sets are ultimately associated with either nodes (Nodal) or elements. With
elements, they can be associated with the element itself or the element’s nodes
(Element Uniform or Element Variable).
Analysis Type The analysis type is Thermal. The form changes if an alternative analysis type
is selected.
change, select this databox and make a new selection in the form that appears.
Time dependent sets require a time-dependent Load Case. (Note: Not
applicable to Patran Thermal.)
Existing Heat Flux Sets The names of all sets of the type selected are displayed here. Selecting one
Note: The new set is not created until Apply is selected.

More Help: Application and Preference Guides

 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. ) in the Patran Interface to Abaqus
Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the Patran Interface to ANSYS
Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions - Contact (Ch. 2) in the Marc Preference Guide
Nastran Thermal
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. 2) in the PATRAN 2 Neutral File
Preference Guide
 Loads and Boundary Conditions (Ch. ) in the Patran Thermal User’s Guide
Volume 1: Thermal/Hydraulic Analysis
Create Fluid Dynamics LBCs Sets

This form is used to create all fluid dynamics loads and boundary condition sets. Existing sets can be recalled
and used as templates for new sets. Separate forms are used for data input and selection of a region on the
model for application.
Load/Boundary Conditions
Action: Create
Object: Inflow(Incomp)
Type : Element Uniform
Analysis Type: Fluid Dynamics
Current Load Case:
Default...
Type: Static
Existing Sets
New Set Name
Target Element Type: 2D
Input Data...
Select Application Region...
-Apply-

Object The available types of Fluid Dynamics sets include:
 Inflow (Incomp)
 Outflow (Incomp)
 Solid Wall (Incomp)
 Symmetry
 Inflow (Comp)
 Outflow (Comp)
 Open Flow (Comp)
 Solid Wall (Comp)
 Volumetric Heat
 Total Heat Load
Type Sets are ultimately associated with either nodes (Nodal) or elements. With
elements, they can be associated with the element itself or the element’s nodes
(Element Uniform or Element Variable).
Analysis Type The analysis type is Thermal. The form changes if an alternative analysis type
is selected.
change, select this box and make a new selection in the form that appears.
Time-dependent sets require a time-dependent Load Case.
Existing Sets The names of all sets of the type selected are displayed here. Selecting one
Note: The new set is not created until Apply is selected.
Input LBCs Set Data (Static Load Case)

Data used to define a static loads and boundary conditions set is input on this form. Although the basic
methodology remains the same, the parameters displayed change depending on both the type of analysis
selected, the LBCs set type (e.g., Pressure), LBCs type (e.g., nodal, element uniform), and the target element
type, if applicable. Inputs for all options are presented in Loads and Boundary Conditions Application (Ch. 2). Fields
can be used as inputs. Sets which include vector quantities may be associated with a coordinate frame.
Load/BCs Set Scale All loads and boundary conditions data variables are multiplied by this Scale Factor. The
Factor default value is 1.0.
Translations All parameters appropriate to the Analysis Type and Loads/BCs type selected appear as input
databoxes. The following rules apply to data entry in these databoxes:
Rotations
1. Commas or spaces may be used as delimiter (e. g., “<1 0 1>”).
Spatial Fields
2. “< >” above the input databoxes indicates that this variable is a vector quantity.
A blank (no entry) is considered a null, or no input, which is the same as zero, except for
displacement (including initial displacements) type sets. A zero value for a displacement
means that the displacement component in that direction is constrained. A null value
indicates that the nodes are free to move. Null values can be indicated by “,,” (e.g., “10 ,, 4”).
3. Data values can be constants, scalar fields, or vector fields. If a vector field is input in
a databox, the vector components are used in sequence as the parameters in the box.
Note: If a field is entered, a vector field must be used to define vector quantities and
a scalar field must be used to define scalar quantities.
4. To use a field, first select the databox, and then a field. name here. The name is
echoed in the databox.
FEM Dependent Data... This button will display a Discrete FEM Fields input form to allow field creation and
modification within the loads/bcs application. Available only when focus is set in a databox
which can have a DFEM field reference. See Spatial Discrete FEM Field Access by Other
Applications, 238.
Analysis Coordinate This is the default coordinate frame specified in Preferences. Select this databox if a different
Frame one is applicable to this set.
Note: For displacements this must be set to the nodal analysis coordinate frame. If there is
a conflict between loads and boundary conditions analysis coordinate frame and nodal
analysis coordinate frames the nodal analysis will be modified to the LBCs analysis
coordinate frame.
Input LBCs Set Data (Time Dependent Load Case)

Data used to define a dynamic loads and boundary conditions set is input in this form. Although the basic
methodology remains the same, the parameters displayed change depending on both the type of analysis
selected and the type of set (e.g., Pressure). Fields can be used as inputs. Sets, which include vector quantities,
may be associated with a coordinate frame.
Important: The resulting data values are calculated as Loads/BCs Set Scale Factor multiplied by both
Spatial Dependence and Time Dependence.
Load/BCs Set Scale All data in this set are multiplied by this Scale Factor. The default value is 1.0.
Factor Note: If the set is constant in space, input one (1.0) as Load/BCs Set Scale
Factor.
Spatial Dependence Spatial, time or frequency dependence must be defined as a field. First, select
Time/Freq. Dependence an input box and then a field name from the corresponding list box below.
Translations All parameters appropriate to the Analysis Type and Loads/BCs type selected
appear as input databoxes.
Rotations
Note: Commas or spaces may be used as delimiters. Blanks (no entry) are
considered a null, or no input, which is the same as zero, except for
displacement sets.
Spatial Fields Spatial, time or frequency dependence must be defined as a field. First, select
Time/Freq. Dependent an input data box above and then a field name from one of these corresponding
Fields list boxes.
FEM Dependent Data... Displays a Discrete FEM Fields input form to allow field creation and
modification within the loads/bcs application. Available only when focus is set
in a databox which can have a DFEM field reference. See Spatial Discrete FEM
Field Access by Other Applications, 238.
Analysis Coordinate This is the default coordinate frame specified in Preferences. Select this
Frame databox if a different one is applicable to this set.
Change Current Load Case

This form allows the current load case to be changed from within the Loads/BCs Application. Any new set
created will automatically reside in the Current Load Case and in no other load case, unless specifically added
to that load case in the Load Cases Application.
Filter If the user has multiple load cases, the filter feature can be used to list only
those Load Cases which match the text shown in the databox to its left.
Note: An (*) is considered a wild card.

Existing Load Cases Select the Load Case which is to be the Current Load Case. The change will
be reflected in the main form on exit.
LBCs Select Application Region

This form is used to select the entities to which the loads and boundary conditions sets will be applied. The
select databox can be used to graphically select the Application Region. Entities may also be selectively
removed from the Application Region.
Geometry/FEM Loads and boundary conditions sets can be associated either directly with
FEM entities or with geometric entities.
Note: It is not permissible to mix geometric and FEM entities in a single

application region.
Sets applied to geometry can be displayed on the associated FEM model by
turning on the “Display on FEM Only” toggle on the Display/Functional
Assignments form (see Display>LBC/Element Property Attributes (p. 387) in the
Patran Reference Manual) and executing either the Plot Markers or Plot
Contours action.
Select Geometric Entities Focus is automatically set to this databox. In the instances where more than
one type entity is valid, a separate selection icon menu appears indicating the
type of entity to be selected (e.g., curve or surface). Use standard selection
tools to select the desired entity or group of entities. The entity types and IDs
of selected items appear in this databox.
Remove Removes selected entities (those appearing in the Select Nodes databox) from
the Application Region.
Application Region When the selected entities are correct, select the Add button. The selected
entities appear in the Application Region listbox.
Modify LBCs Sets

This form permits a selected set to be modified in a general manner. Any property or parameter may be
changed. The selected set is effectively deleted and replaced with a modified copy.
Action Select Modify.

Current Load Case The set will be assigned to this Current Load Case. To change, select this
button and make a new selection in the form that appears. The set will also
remain in the original load case. Time dependent sets require a time-
dependent load case.
Select Set to Modify Select the set to be modified.
Rename Set As Rename the set here.
Target Element Type For element associated sets, the element type (1D, 2D, or 3D) associativity
can be changed. If this is done, however, remove the old types from the
application region and add the new types.
Modify Data Select this box to bring up the Input Data form. Make changes to the set data
as required.
Modify Application Select this box to bring up a form for changing the entities to which this set
Note: The set is not modified until Apply is selected.
Delete LBCs Sets

This action permits any loads and boundary conditions set to be deleted from the database. Multiple sets can
be deleted at once. If a set is deleted in error, it can be reinstated prior to taking further actions.
Action Select Delete.

O bject Select the type of the loads and boundary conditions set that is to be deleted.
The list of options depends on the analysis type selected.
Analysis Type Select the Analysis Type. The options available are a function of analysis code.
Existing Displacement All sets of the type selected will appear in this databox. Select those to be
Sets deleted. Selected sets appear in the listbox below.
Load/BCs to be deleted Selected sets appear in this databox. They can be removed from this delete list
by selecting them.
Note: Nothing is deleted until Apply is selected. Wait for the deleted sets to
be removed from the Existing Sets listbox. Deleted sets may be reinstated by
selecting the erasure icon in the main menu.
Show LBCs Sets Tabular Format

This form permits the contents of a selected loads and boundary conditions set to be displayed in a table
format. For graphical display of set data, use the Plot Contours or Plot Markers Actions.
Action Select Show Tabular.

O bject Select the type of the loads and boundary conditions set that is to be displayed
Analysis Type Select the Analysis Type. The options available are a function of analysis code.
Current Load Case To change the Current Load Case, select this databox and make a new
selection in the listbox that appears. The set will also remain in the original
Load Case.
Existing Load/BCs Sets All sets of the type selected will appear in this databox. Select the one to be
shown.
Note: Selecting Apply brings up the display table. The table is removed from
the screen by leaving the Show Action.
Loads/BCs Set Show Tabular

This table lists all the entities in the set and shows their associated parameters and data values.
Entity Type Column1 is the entity type, its ID number and its Sub ID. All entities are the
same type in a set.
Scale Factor This Scale Factor multiplies all data values in this row.
Note: In many cases, the table is much larger than can be displayed on the screen. Use scroll bars to
view the entire table.
Plot Contours of LBCs Set Data

This form is used to display loads and boundary conditions set data on the model. The method used is to
create a fringe contour plot of the selected variable. It is useful for visual verification of complex loading
conditions. Once created, the plot can be changed using any of the graphics tools located in the display menu
(e.g., change spectrum, shading, etc.).
Action Select Plot Contours.

Object Select the type of the loads and boundary conditions set that is to be displayed.
Analysis Type Verify that this is the Analysis Type being performed.
Current Load Case This is the Current Load Case. To change, select this box and make a new
selection in the submenu that appears.
Existing Sets All sets in the Current Load Case appear in this listbox. Contours for all
Loads/BCs sets in the Current Load Case with the selected data variable are
plotted.
Select Data Variable Select the variable data to display on the model.
Component If the data is a vector, either the magnitude of the resultant or a component
may be selected with this menu.
Time If the Current Load Case is Time Dependent then you may specify the time
at which the loads and boundary conditions set contours will be evaluated.
Select Groups This area of the form permits contour display control by groups. Selecting All
Groups causes contours to be displayed in all groups. Selecting Current
Viewport provides contour display only on those groups in the Select Groups
listbox. At least one group must be selected.
Fringe Attributes See Display Attributes (p. 87) in the Results Postprocessing.
Reset Graphics Select this databox to remove the contour plot and restore the original model
display.
Plot LBCs Set Markers

Loads and boundary conditions markers (e.g., arrows or circles) appear on the screen when sets are created.
This form is used to control their display. The display may be limited to the groups in the current viewport
or may include all groups. Marker display is also controlled from the “Display” form in the main form. (See
Display>LBC/Element Property Attributes (p. 387) in the Patran Reference Manual.)
Action The action will be either to remove (or reinstate) load and boundary
conditions markers from the display.
Modify Vector Display This toggle allows vector Loads/BCs quantities currently displayed to be
displayed in a different coordinate system.
Current Load Case This is the Current Load Case. To change the current load case, select this box
and make a new selection in the listbox that appears.
Assigned Load/BCs Sets These load and boundary conditions sets are assigned to the Current Load
Case. Select the ones you wish to act on. They will be highlighted. Click a
second time to deselect. Only Load/BCs in the Current Load Case can be
displayed with this form.
Group Filter This area of the form permits marker display control by groups. Selecting All
Groups provides a filter list of all groups available in the model. Selecting
Current Viewport provides a filter list of only those groups in the current
viewport.
This is the default form that is displayed when the Modify Vector Display toggle is on. This allows the current
vector Load/BCs display to be displayed in a coordinate frame that is different than one used when the
Load/BC set was created. This feature doesn’t cause the Load/BCs set to be altered. Only the display is
temporarily altered.
Modify Vector Display The Loads/BCs vector display will be restored to its original orientation
whenever: (1) a new Loads/BCs set is created, (2) a Load/BCs set is modified,
(3) a Loads/BCs set is deleted or (4) the database is closed.
Use Existing Selecting the Use Existing switch will allow the user to select an existing
coordinate frame in the Select Coord Frame selectdatabox. This is the
coordinate frame in which selected vectors will be displayed.
Entities Selecting the Entities switch allows the user to select geometric and/or FEM
entities on which the vector display is to be modified. Selecting the Vector
Load/BCs Sets allows the user to display all the currently displayed Load/BCs
set vectors in the selected coordinate frame.
Note: The display of displacements and other Load/BCs set types which use
an implied local coordinate system (e.g., Pressure, Distributed Load) will not
be altered. When the apply button is selected, the Vector coloring method on
the Vector Attributes form is set to component.
Note: In many cases, the table is much larger than can be displayed on the screen. Use scroll bars to
view the entire table.
Selecting the Define Local switch will allow the user to define a local coordinate frame. The local coordinate
system definition is similar to defining a beam cross section orientation. This is the coordinate frame in which
selected vectors will be displayed.
Define Local The Define Local option allows the user to modify vector display on nodes.
Nodes The Nodes selectdatabox allows the user to select the nodes on which the
vector display will be modified. These nodes are also the used as the origin
of the coordinate system.
Nodes on 1-Axis Nodes on the 1-Axis define the orientation of the 1-axis. If this list is empty
the nodes Nodes list are paired sequentially to define the 1-Axis. The last
node in the Nodes list is used for orientation only. If this list is not empty
then the nodes in this list are paired with the nodes in the Nodes list. If there
are more nodes in the Nodes list than in this list, the last node in the Nodes
on 1-Axis is paired with the remaining Nodes list nodes.
Vector(s) in 1-2 Plane Vectors in 1-2 plane define the orientation of the 1-2 plane. One or more
vectors can be used to define the 1-2 plane. If there are more nodes in Nodes
list than in this list then the last vector will be used for the remaining nodes.
If there are more vectors that nodes then the remaining vectors in this list are
ignored.
When the apply button is selected, the Vector coloring method on the Vector
Attributes form is set to “Same For All”
Display Attributes: Body Pair

The LBC display attributes (Show Tabular, Plot Contours, and Plot Markers) for Body Pair differ from that
of the other LBCs and are described in this section
Show Tabular: Body Pair

Show Tabular option is not applicable for the Contact-Body Pair LBC.
Plot Contours: Body Pair

Plot Contours action works exactly like plotting deformable/rigid bodies by color coding them and placing
the label in the upper left corner.
Action: Plot Contours.

Object: Contact
Options: Body Pair
Current Load Case This is the Current Load Case. To change it, click this button and make a new
selection in the submenu that appears.
Existing Sets Select the existing contact pair lbc from this list box.
Entity Highlight If selected, highlights the selected pair. Name of the bodies and its application
region will be shown by same color.
Group Color If selected, highlights and posts the selected pair in new group. Patran database
support limited color ranges so if this is used with multiple pairs then color of
different bodies may get repeated.
Reset Graphics Select this databox to remove the contour plot and restore the original model
display.
Apply Applies the options selected on the form.
Figure 2-1 Body Pair: Entity Highlight

Figure 2-2 Body Pair: Group Color

Plot Markers: Body Pair
Action: Plot Markers

Modify Vector Display If selected, the Loads/BCs vector display will be restored to its original
orientation whenever: (1) a new Loads/BCs set is created, (2) a Load/BCs set
is modified, (3) a Loads/BCs set is deleted, or (4) the database is closed.
Vector Display Coord This is the coordinate frame in which selected vectors will be displayed.
Frame
Use Existing If selected, enables you to select an existing coordinate frame in the Select
Coord Frame databox.
Define Local If selected, enables you to modify vector display on nodes.
Modify Display On Options to modify the vector display on.
Entities If selected, enables you to select geometric and/or FEM entities on which the
vector display is to be modified.
Vector Load/BCs Sets If selected, enables you to display all the currently displayed Load/BCs set
vectors in the selected coordinate frame.
Apply Applies the options selected on the form.
Loads and Boundary Conditions Global Display Parameters
As contact pair LBC is clubbing of two contact LBC's, it can be shown as two contact bodies with their
original markers as it is. Hence, for rigid body(1D) define marker as arrow without head and no anchor, for
rigid body(2D) define marker as one head arrow, for deformable body(1D, 2D, 3D) define representation as
small circles.
In order to show the relation between body1 and body2 of a contact pair, an arrow from body1 towards body2
can be drawn. Self contact of a single body shows the arrow internally to itself from its center to half way to
the furthest point away from its center.
Figure 2-3 Body Pair: Plot Markers
Loads and Boundary Conditions Global Display

Parameters
This section includes display parameters which affect the Loads/BCs application. All of these parameters are
found under the top menu pick “Display.” For more help see Display>LBC/Element Property Attributes (p. 387) in
the Patran Reference Manual.
Form Effect
Display/Functional Assignments  Global control of Functional Assignment marker display.
Allows user to change the colors and turn the display
on/off of set types.
Display/Entity Type  When the graphic preference is set to “entity mode,” the
Display FA Vectors affect whether any Functional
Assignments markers are displayed.
Note: This can be used to quickly refresh the graphical
display, but once this toggle is off, no markers will be
displayed until it is turned on again.
Display/Group  When the graphics preference is set to “group mode,” the
Display FA Vectors affect whether any Functional
Assignments are displayed.
Display/Properties/Vector  Allows user to control whether graphical “vectors” (i.e.,
arrows) are displayed with a constant length or are scaled
relative to their magnitude.
Display/Properties/Geometric  The number of visualization lines parameter affects where
the Loads/BCs markers are displayed on geometric
entities. If this number is greater than 10, markers will
only be calculated at locations corresponding to 10
visualization lines.
Chapter 3: Element Properties Application
Element Properties
3 Application

Overview of the Element Properties Application 58

Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Element Properties 60
 Element Properties Forms 61
Overview of the Element Properties Application
Purpose
The Element Properties application provides the ability to: (1) define sets of analysis code specific element
properties, and (2) apply, or associate these sets with selected finite elements. Element properties are created
in named groups that are referred to as sets. The general use of Fields in defining sets is supported. Element
Property sets also reference material properties created in the Materials top menu selection. Element Property
sets remain in the database unless specifically deleted and thus provide an archival record. The ability to
display individual properties, both in tabular form or visually on the model, is also provided.
Definitions
Element Property Set:
A group of properties (e.g., thickness, mass, density, material name), that when taken together, provide all
necessary information to define a specific element type as required by the selected analysis code. Sets have an
associated name and number. Names are supplied by the user, and numbers are assigned in sequence by
Patran. The only place you will see numbers displayed is in the Show/Marker Plot option. This is because
text information cannot currently be displayed as marker annotation.
Analysis Code:
Each Element Property set is associated with a specific element type of a specific analysis code.
Fields:
A Field is a scalar or vector quantity that is a function of up to three independent variables. It can be defined
by tables or PCL expressions, and can be applied to both the definition of material properties and element
properties. Examples would be a thickness distribution of a shell, or the stress-strain behavior in a material.
Fields are defined in the Fields application switch. In Element Properties, names that are prefixed by f: are
field names.
Markers:
These are the graphic symbols that appear on the screen and provide visual feedback of the location,
magnitude and direction of displayed element properties. They appear as the result of a Show/Marker Plot
action. To remove them from the screen, turn off the “General Marker” display in the Display/Functional
Assignments menu or click on the clear display icon (broom).
Scalar Plot:
Virtually all element properties can be displayed as fringe plots on the model. Select the Show/Scalar Plot
option and then the property to be displayed. To remove the plot from the screen, select the Display/Entity
Types menu and change the Render Style to Wireframe or click on the clear display icon (broom).
Chapter 3: Element Properties Application 59
Tabular Plot:
A table which lists all elements with the selected property in the current viewport or all viewports in sequence
along with the associated Set Name(s), Property Type, and Value.
Property:
A property is any information required to define FEM element properties as required by an analysis code.
These include thickness, spring constants, areas, degrees-of-freedom, offsets, directions, masses, etc. Each
property has a name and is of a specific type.
Property Type:
Each property has an associated property type. There are nine different property types: Integer, Real Scalar,
Real Scalar List, Vector, Material Name, Character String, Node, Coordinate Frame, and Nodal Field Name.
Every Property is classified as one of these types.
Capabilities
The Element Properties application has the capability of creating, modifying, deleting and showing sets of
element properties. Element properties associated with all of the analysis codes listed under
Preferences/Analysis are supported.
The Element Property sets that can be created also depend on the type of analysis being performed. Three
different types are currently supported: Structural, Thermal, and Fluid Dynamic (CFD). Several analysis
codes support both structural and thermal analyses.
Element properties are created and stored in the database as sets. Each set has a unique name and is associated
with one analysis type (e.g., structural), one analysis code (e.g., MSC Nastran), and one element type (e.g.,
QUAD4). If the analysis code or analysis type preference is changed, the existing element property sets are
modified to use the closest matching element type in the new preference environment. All applicable property
data is automatically transferred.
Existing sets can be identified by selection within the respective Existing Sets listboxes, manual entry (modify
and delete) of the set name, or visually selecting associated entities from the screen. If more than one unique
property set results from a screen selection, all unique property set names associated with the screen-picked
entities will be displayed alphabetically in a Selection Listbox to allow the final selection of a single existing
property set. The delete operation has a slightly different behavior where all of the screen-picked property set
names will be echoed in a To Be Deleted listbox.
Sets can be visually displayed on the screen by markers which show the location, type, magnitude, and
direction of the selected property. Sets can also be displayed as tables.
purposes, data is treated as “results,” with full user control over the spectrum, method, shading, etc. Data
display is scalar, of course, but the data can be any nonvector element property.
The use of PCL commands in defining properties is supported indirectly. First, use the PCL option in the
Fields function to create the desired input data distribution. The field can be used in the Element Properties
function by simply selecting it from a listbox display.
Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Element Properties

FEM and Geometric The Element Properties function provides a straightforward, convenient
Associativity means for taking property data, whether from fields or direct input, and
associating it directly with FEM entities or indirectly through Geometric
entities. Data is grouped as uniquely named sets. These sets can be created,
deleted, modified or displayed.
Archival Records Provides archival records in the model database of all previous property sets
unless specifically deleted.
Set Manipulation Combines Material Properties and other property data into sets and
associates these sets with FEM entities (e.g., QUAD4s). Provides a means of
creating new sets that are modifications of existing sets.
Set Creation Provides for creating, deleting, modifying and showing sets. Visual display
of sets includes showing the type, location, magnitude, and direction of
properties. Entities and their associated properties can also be shown in a
table format.
Set Selection Provides for selection of existing property sets by selecting associated entities
from the screen.
Fields Support Fully supports the use of Fields in defining data input. This permits access
to PCL commands in defining spatially varying property distributions.
Multiple Analysis Types Provides support for structural, thermal, and fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis
types.
Scalar Data Display Scalar data (e.g., thickness) can be displayed as fringe plots on the model.
The data is treated as “results,” with full control over the display (e.g.,
spectrum, shading, type, etc.).
Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Element

Properties
All Element Property sets created are associated with an analysis preference. This preference is selected in the
Preferences/Analysis menu. Make the appropriate selection before proceeding. Be aware that if the analysis
preference is changed during a session, Patran will attempt to convert existing element property sets to the
new preference environment. Converting back to the original preference will not necessarily restore the
element property definitions to their original state. To run the same problem on different codes, while
maintaining the original state of the element property definitions, copy the database, change the analysis
preference, and make the appropriate changes to element properties, materials, loads, etc.
Element Property sets can be created, modified, deleted, and displayed. Set Modification is completely general
in that this action essentially deletes the original set and replaces it with the modified set.
The Create option may also be used to Modify a set. The only difference is that you will be prompted with a
message warning that the set already exists, and asking whether it should be overwritten.
Element Properties Forms
Creating a new set that is a modification of an existing set is accomplished by creating a renamed set using
the Create action.
The region of application on the model of the defined set is established using the standard selection tools.
The ID of selected items is displayed in the Select Members databox. These members can be added or
removed from the Application Region by pushing the appropriate button on the form. The Application
Region listbox can also be edited directly. The Element Property set is applied to the members in the
Application Region box, not the Select Members box.
The Option(s) portion of the form will vary with element type, as will the menu brought up by selecting
Input Properties. The typical Input Properties menu has boxes for providing data values as well as specifying
material and field names. To avoid confusion field names are prefixed by f: and material names by m:. Also,
property inputs that are enclosed in [brackets] are optional, and need not be input if the defaults are
applicable.
Element Property sets are associated with specific finite element types. See the preference guide or the user
manual for discussions of the large number of specific element types and properties supported. Elements may
be associated to only one element property set. Property sets that are associated directly to elements take
precedence over property sets associated to elements through geometry.
The use of fields to define complex spatial data distributions, such as thickness distributions, is encouraged.
Fields are created in the separate Fields application. The use of Discrete FEM Fields can be very helpful for
properties that vary in value for many elements but can not be defined using a function. In general, Element
Discrete FEM Fields should be used. There are cases where a Nodal Discrete FEM Field is more convenient.
One such case is for a thickness which varies across the element. Care must be taken when using Nodal
Discrete FEM Fields for property values that may not vary within a given element. In this case, the Field
evaluator will average the values for each of the element nodes. This may result in unwanted values.
Material properties are created separately in the Materials application. Material properties must be defined
prior to creating element property sets. Their existence is required to complete definition of the property set.
If you don’t have the material properties yet, input a dummy material name in any required material property
databox, and a blank material will automatically be created.
The PATRAN 2.5 Neutral File uses material numbers rather than material names. If a PATRAN 2.5 Neutral
File is created under File/Export or Analysis translation, the material names supplied by the user will appear
in the Neutral File as material numbers assigned in sequence by Patran. If a material number is significant to
an analysis code using the Neutral File (e.g., a pointer to a materials library), the user should use an explicit
material number instead of a name. For example, the material name “m:18” or “MATRL.18” will be passed
to the Neutral File as material “18,” even if it is the only material in the database.
Important: Do not mix material names and material numbers in the same database.

The functions of the Element Properties menu are listed and described below in the order in which they
appear on the menu.
Menu Pick Action

Create ... Input analysis code specific finite element property data and associate that data
with selected FEM or geometric entities.
Modify ... Make any modification desired to Existing Property Sets.
Delete ... Remove element property sets from the database.
Show ... Display tables listing FEM or geometric entities and their associated properties.
Create scalar, vector, and marker plots of selected properties.
Create Element Property Sets

This form is used to both define element property data and associate that data with selected entities. Property
data is intrinsically code specific, so be sure that the desired analysis code has been selected (see the
Preferences/Analysis menu). Property sets have both an associated name and number.
Dimension The element types are 2-Dimensional. The options are:
 0D (e.g., mass)
 1D (e.g., beam)
 2D (e.g., shell)
 3D (solid)
Type The options for the types of elements are analysis code specific. Refer to the
Preference Guide or the analysis code User’s Guide for help.
Existing Property Sets The names of previously defined property sets are listed in this databox. Select
one if you want to use it as the template for the new set.
Property Set Name Select this databox and give the set a new unique name (31 characters
maximum). This databox will also allow existing property sets to be selected
from the existing properties listbox or by selecting entities from the screen. If
more than one unique property name results from a screen-pick, a Selection
Listbox will appear, allowing the selection of a single property set name.
Options The options selection databoxes that appear in this portion of the form are
analysis code specific. Refer to the code users manual for help in making the
desired selections.
Input Properties... Select this databox to bring up the form used to input properties relevant to
the type and option selected.
Select Members Select this databox and enter the entity IDs which you want to add or remove
from the Application Region. Type in directly or use the selection tools. These
can either be FEM, ASM, or SGM entities.
Add These buttons are used to either Add or Remove the contents of the Select
Members databox to/from the Application Region.
Remove
Application Region These are the entities to which the property set will apply. You can add or
remove members either by editing the contents directly, or by selecting
members in the select box and pushing the Add or Remove buttons.
More Help: Preference Guides

 Element Properties Form (p. 102) in the Patran Interface to Abaqus Preference
Guide
 Element Properties Form (p. 72) in the Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference
Guide
 Element Properties Form (p. 69) in the Patran Interface to LS-DYNA
Preference Guide
 Element Properties (p. 155) in the Marc Preference Guide
 Element Properties Form (p. 100) in the Patran Interface to Dytran Preference
Guide
 Element Properties Form (p. 82) in the Patran Interface to MSC Nastran
Preference Guide
 Element Properties Form (p. 57) in the Patran Interface to MSC Nastran
Thermal
 Element Properties (p. 83) in the Patran MSC Nastran Preference Guide -
Implicit Nonlinear
 Element Properties Form (p. 27) in the Patran Interface to PAMCRASH
Preference Guide
 Element Properties Form (p. 44) in the Patran Interface to SAMCEF
Preference Guide
 Element Properties Form (p. 46) in the PATRAN 2 Neutral File Preference
GuidePatran
 Element Properties Form (p. 56) in the Patran Thermal User’s Guide Volume
1: Thermal/Hydraulic Analysis
Typical Element Properties Input Menu

There are different Input Properties menus for virtually all element types used in all analysis codes and their
different analysis types. The menu below is the one for the homogeneous shell element It is typical of many
of the different menus.
Material Name Specific input items are listed in this column. Items in brackets are optional.
Value Input the desired values in these databoxes. When names are selected for the
listbox below, they will include a type prefix: “m”: for material name and “f”:
for a field name.
Value Type Each property has a value type. These are listed in this column for reference
and indicating what the analysis code is expecting. Some properties may be
one of several value types. In this case an option-menu containing the valid
value types will appear. Properties enclosed in [ ] are optional.
Field Definitions This listbox will appear when Material Property Sets or Field Definitions may
be used in the selected Value databox. Selecting a field or material will cause
the name to appear in the Value databox. Read Section 3.2 Rules for
Creating/Modifying/Applying Element Properties for use of Discrete FEM
Fields.
Defining Vectors
When the “Value Type” for any data box in the Input Properties form is “Vector” a vector definition is
expected. The general syntax for vectors is defined in The List Processor (p. 39) in the Patran Reference Manual.
Element Properties extends this to allow an alternate coordinate system to be specified for interpreting the
vector. This syntax is:
“vector_specification coordinate_frame”
A simple example is “<0 1 0> Coord 3”. The vector <0 1 0> is interpreted as being in coordinate system 3. If
the vector needs to be in any other system, the appropriate transformation is done by Patran.
Any valid vector specification that can be generated by using the Select Menus or entered by hand may be
followed by a coordinate frame. The coordinate frame is stored with the vector and is used whenever the
vector is referenced for any purpose (eg. Display or analysis code translators).
When the Value Type for any data box is Vector and the data box is selected the following select box appears
on the screen.
These select tools provide different options for defining vectors.

They are discussed in more detail in Select Menu (p. 31) in the
Patran Reference Manual.
These tools provide

different ways to define
vectors. In addition, the
user is requested to
select a coordinate
These three tools define the vector as system in which this
the 1 (x), 2(y), or 3(z) axis of a selected vector is defined.
coordinate system. This is a The simplest list
convenient way to specify the vector processor syntax that
when it is aligned with one of the three appears in the databox
axes of a rectangular coordinate for a vector in an
system. When the system is not alternate coordinate
rectangular (e.g. cylindrical) these tools system is <x_component,
may not provide the desired definition y_component,
because the defined vector does not z_component> coord
change direction at different points in cord_id (e.g. <1, 0, 0>
space— these tools just provide an coord 3). In many cases it
alternate way to define a global vector. is easy to simply type a
definition in this form into
the databox.
This tool may be used to define a

general vector with respect to an
alternate coordinate system. When this
icon is picked, the select menu
changes to the one on the right.
After a vector has been defined it may be verified by selecting the Show Action, the Property Name, and
Display Method Vector Plot. The vectors defining the property will be shown on the model.
Users should be aware of possible difference between the Patran and analysis code definitions for vector
properties. For example, in Patran the beam orientation is completely independent of the analysis coordinate
system at the beam nodes. In MSC Nastran, the orientation vector is assumed to be defined in the same
system as the analysis system at the first node of the beam. In PatranNastran it is perfectly permissible to
define the orientation in a different coordinate system from that analysis system. When the MSC Nastran
input file is generated, the necessary transformation of this vector to the analysis system at node 1 will be
performed.
Modify Element Property Sets

Modifying an Element Property Set is functionally equivalent to creating new set using an old set as a
template and then deleting the old set. This enables a complete generality in the type and scope of
modifications that can be made.
Dimension The dimensionality of the set can be changed. The options are:0D (e.g.,
mass)
 0D (e.g., mass)
 1D (e.g., beam)
 2D (e.g., shell)
 3D (solid)
Type The options for the types of elements can be changed. These are analysis code
specific. Refer to the Preference Guide or the analysis code user manual for
help.
Select Prop. Set to The names of previously defined property sets are listed in this databox. Select
Modify one you want to modify.
New Property Set Name Give the set a new name (31 characters maximum). This databox allows
existing Property Sets to be selected from the existing properties listbox or by
selecting entities from the screen. Existing property set names can also be
manually entered.
Options The options selection databoxes that appear in this portion of the form are
analysis code specific. Refer to the code users manual for help in making
desired modifications.
Select Members Select this databox and input the entity IDs which you want to add or remove
from the Application Region. Type in directly or use the selection tools.
Add These buttons are used to either Add or Remove the contents of the Select
Members databox to/from the Application Region.
Remove
Application Region These are the entities to which the property set will apply. You can add or
remove members either by editing the contents directly, or by selecting
members in the select box and pushing the Add or Remove buttons.
Note: The set is not modified until Apply is selected. Wait for the gray
heartbeat before proceeding.
Delete Element Property Sets

Deleted Element Property Sets are removed from the database. They can only be restored if the “undo” icon
is selected as the next subsequent action.
Prop. Sets By Name The names of existing property sets appear in this listbox. As each one is
selected, its name is echoed in the delete listbox below.
This toggle enables Property Set Name databox. If this toggle is off, the
databox will not be displayed.
Filter Use the filter button to filter the Property set list.
Screen Picked Property This databox allows existing Property Sets to be selected by selecting entities
Set from the screen. All unique property sets associated with the screen-picked
entities will be highlighted in the existing properties listbox above and echoed
in the delete listbox below. Existing property set names can also be manually
entered.
Auto Add/Remove If On, properties selected in the top listbox are immediately removed and
added to the bottom listbox, and properties selected in the bottom listbox are
immediately removed and added to the top listbox.
If Off, the Add and Remove buttons perform the same function manually.
Selected Property Sets This databox lists the names of sets that will be deleted when Apply is selected.
If you decide you do not want to delete a listed set, remove it from the list by
selecting it.
Clear Removes all properties from the listbox above and adds them to the top
listbox.
Note: The sets are not deleted until Apply is selected. Wait for the green
heartbeat before proceeding.
Show Element Property Sets

“Show” in this form does not apply to showing the contents of an Element Property Set. Use the Create or
Modify actions for that purpose. This form permits display of selected properties assigned to entities in the
current viewport or in all groups. Property display can be either by table, by placing annotated markers or
vectors on viewport displayed entities, or by creating a contour plot of the selected property on the model.
Existing Properties This is a list of all of the types of properties that have been defined, regardless
of set association, that are available to be shown. Select one. Note that names
are displayed as their associated integer value in the graphical display. For
example, property sets are given an integer ID in the order of their creation.
Type The type of the selected property appears here (e.g., integer, real scalar).
Display Method Select the desired method of display. The available options are Table, Plot
Marker, and Plot Scalar.
Table: Displays a table listing each element that has the selected property, the
set name, data type, and data value.
Marker Plot: Marker symbols are plotted at the center of each element or
geometric entity along with the data value (e.g., set ID number).
Vector Plot: Vectors are plotted at the center of each element or geometric
entity.
Scalar Plot: Makes a color contour plot of the data values on the model and
displays a value spectrum bar. The default plot type is “Fringe-Flat.” This can
be changed in the Display/Entity Types menu.
Note: To display properties assigned to geometric entities on their associated

elements, select the “Display on FEM only” toggle in the Display/functional
assignments menu pick. See Display>LBC/Element Property Attributes (p. 387) in
the Patran Reference Manual for more information.
Show Element Properties in Tabular Format
Entity Column The first column is a list of the entities that have the selected property (e.g.,
have a specified thickness).
Property Set Name The second column lists the names of the Element Property Sets associated
Column with the column 1 entity.
Data Type Column The third column lists the type of data (e.g., integer, real scalar, field at nodes,
etc.).
Value Column The fourth column lists the data value. Fields are not evaluated. Use the Scalar
Plot option to show field defined values.
Show Element Properties as a Scalar, Vector, or Marker Plot

Existing Properties Select the type of property to be displayed. The type of the property appears
immediately below as shown.
Display Method Select the Marker Plot, Vector Plot, or Scalar Plot option.
Marker Plot: Marker symbols are plotted at the center of each element along
with the data value (e.g., set ID number).
Scalar Plot: Makes a color contour plot of the data values on the model and
displays a value spectrum bar. The default plot type is “Fringe-Flat.” This can
be changed in the Display/Entity Types menu.
Vector Plot: Vectors are plotted at the center of each element or geometric
entity.
Select Groups Property display can be restricted to just those elements in selected groups in
the current viewport, or can include all elements in all groups that have the
selected property. Note: At least one group must be selected.
Fringe Attributes See Display Attributes (p. 87) in the Results Postprocessing.
Note: After completing the show action, the display will remain on the model. Scalar plots can be
erased by changing their type to “Wireframe” in the Display/Entity Types menu. Markers are
removed by turning off the “General Marker” display in the Display/Functional Assignments
menu. The display can also be reset by pressing the “clear display” icon (broom).
Expand Element Properties

The Expand form will expand one element property assigned to many elements into many element properties
assigned to one element each.
Prop. Sets By Name List the properties by Name, ID, or Suffix. Then select the properties to
expand.
Property Name Options Prop Name.Elem ID is the original name of the property to be expanded.
Elem ID is the ID of the element which the new property will be associated
with.
Use the Prefix or Suffix options to add a specific (maximum of 8 characters)

Prefix or Suffix to the name of the new property.
Delete Original Property If checked, Patran will automatically delete the original (now empty) property
Sets set.
Compress Element Properties

You can use the Compress Element Properties form to select Property Sets to be compared against each other.
Any duplicate sets are merged to the one with the first alphanumeric name..
Action Choose the object dimension or any object dimension.

Object Select the type or any to be compressed.
Type Choose the method by which the property sets will be sorted.
Prop. Sets By Name The names of existing property sets appear in this listbox. As each one is
selected, its name is echoed in the Selected Property Sets listbox below.
Screen Picked Property Allows picking a property by picking an entity that references that property.
Set
Auto Add/Remove If On, properties selected in the top listbox are immediately removed and
added to the bottom listbox, and properties selected in the bottom listbox are
immediately removed and added to the top listbox.
If Off, the Add and Remove buttons perform the same function manually.
Selected Property Sets This databox lists the names of sets that will be compressed when Apply is
selected. If you decide you do not want to compress a listed set, remove it from
the list by selecting it.
Apply This button causes all of the sets in the Selected Property Sets listbox to be
compared against each other. Any duplicate sets are merged to the one with
the first alphanumeric name. The Significant Digits value can be changed
based on the precision desired (Default = 3). The sets that are merged are
deleted. Compression information is written to the file "compress.prop.rpt"
in your current directory unless a preference is set false with the following
command:
pref_env_set_logical( "property_compress_file_write", FALSE )

Chapter 4: Materials Application
4 Materials Application
 Overview of the Materials Application 82


Rules for Creating/Modifying Materials 83

Materials Forms 84
 Composite Materials Construction 106

Theory - Composite Materials 126
Chapter 4: Materials Application 82
Overview of the Materials Application
Overview of the Materials Application
Purpose
The Materials application provides the ability to define groups of analysis code specific material properties.
Materials or “material models” are created as named groups of individual properties. Each group is intended
to provide only the information necessary to define a material for use with a specific analysis code, analysis
type, and possibly a specific element type. There is no intent to provide a complete material specification or
database “undo.”
A single Material may, however, have multiple Constitutive Models associated with it. Thus, a material might
have an elastic representation and an inelastic one under the same name. The specific representation of a given
material used for an analysis is controlled via the Material Status. Patran will attempt to use all Active
Constitutive Models when an analysis is submitted. To use a simple elastic model for check runs, set all other
Constitutive Models Inactive. To use a more complex model for detailed studies, set the simpler Constitutive
Models Inactive.
Material property data may be assigned a material name only. This permits property data to be included in
run files external to Patran.
Material Property Fields can be created which define distributions of any property with respect to any
combination of temperature, strain, or strain rate. Materials remain in the database unless specifically deleted
and thus provide an archival record. The ability to display properties versus temperature, strain, and strain
rate is provided in either tabular form or as XY plots. Resultant stiffness and compliance matrices can also be
displayed.
Material Names: The material name may be assigned as a character string or an integer (e.g.,18, m:18 or
MATRL.18). Use a number if the material number is significant to the analysis code, such as a pointer to a
materials library.
Note: If a PATRAN 2.5 Neutral File is exported from Patran, materials that were assigned a character
name will appear in the Neutral File as a material ID number in the sequence in which they were
created.
Important: Do not mix material names and numbers in the same database.
Definitions
Material Property: A material property is any information used to create a material model that is required by
a specific analysis code. These include items such as density, specific heat, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, etc.
Material: Also called a Material Model. A group of material properties that, when combined, provide all
necessary information to define a material as required by the selected analysis code. Materials have an
associated name and description. These are supplied by the user.
Rules for Creating/Modifying Materials
Material Property Fields: A Material Property Field is a distribution of a material property with respect to
temperature, strain, strain rate, time or frequency. It is defined by tables that are input in the Fields top menu
selection. An example would be the dependence of an elastic modulus on temperature.
XY Plot: Virtually all material properties can be displayed as XY Plots with the X-axis being temperature,
strain, or strain rate. For bivariate properties, additional curves can be plotted at different values of the third
variable. See Overview of the XY Plot Application (Ch. 1) in the Patran User’s Guide for more information.
Capabilities
The Materials application has the capability of creating, deleting, modifying, and showing materials.
Materials are created and stored in the database as named groups of property data. Each group has a unique
name and is associated with one analysis type (e.g., structural), one analysis code (e.g., MSC Nastran), and
in some cases one element type. Multiple models involving different Constituent Models can be created under
the same Material name. The particular model used for an analysis is controlled by the Constituent Model
Status.
Materials can be visually displayed as XY Plots of a selected property plotted as a function(s) of temperature,
strain, or strain rate. Multiple curves can be created and included in the same plot, permitting comparisons
to be made between materials. Properties can also be displayed as tables. Both stiffness and compliance
matrices which result from the input values can be displayed.

The Materials function provides a straightforward and convenient means for taking property data, whether
from fields or direct input, and grouping it in specific formats for code dependent element property
definition. These data are grouped as a named Material. Materials can be created, deleted, modified or shown.
Key features of the Materials function are:
 Provides archival records in the model database of all previous Material property data unless
specifically deleted.
 Fully supports the use of Material Property Fields in defining data input. These Fields can provide
property variation with respect to temperature, strain, strain rate, time or frequency, as well as
various combinations of these.
 Provides support for structural, thermal, and fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis types.
 Provides for creating, deleting, modifying, and showing sets. Visual display of sets includes creating
XY plots of selected properties. Tabular display includes showing resultant stiffness and/or
compliance matrices resulting from the input properties.
Rules for Creating/Modifying Materials

All Material Properties created are associated with an Analysis Preference. This preference is selected in the
Preferences/Analysis menu. Make the appropriate selection before proceeding. Be aware that if the analysis
preference is changed during a session, Patran will attempt to convert existing material properties to the new
Materials Forms
preference requirements. No record of the properties entered with the original preference active is retained,
so converting back to the original preference may not completely restore the material property sets.
Materials can be created, deleted, modified, and shown. Modification is completely general in that this action
essentially deletes the original set and replaces it with the modified set.
The Create option may also be used to Modify a material. The only difference is the user will be prompted
with a message warning that the set already exists and asking whether it can be overwritten.
Creating a new material that is a modification of an existing material is accomplished by creating a renamed
set using the Create action.
Every Material has a unique, user-defined name from 1 to 31 characters long. A sequential ID number is also
automatically assigned for internal use, and may be supplied to certain analysis codes during translation.
Each material has an associated user provided description (1 to 256 characters). By default, this descriptor
contains the date and time of the start of the Patran session during which the material was created.
Material properties may be associated with specific finite element types. See the Translator Documentation
for discussions of large numbers of specific element types and properties supported.
The use of fields to define complex temperature, strain, strain rate, time or frequency dependencies is
encouraged. These material property fields are created in the Fields application. Multiple material fields can
be used in the definition of a single material.
Materials Forms
This section provides help for the forms that are used to create, delete, modify and show material properties
and materials. Only those forms that are of general use are included here. A reference is provided in the
appropriate chapter of the translator documents which describes each material form as it applies to the
preferred analysis code and the type of finite element model.
Option Description
Create Materials  Manual Input
 Constitutive Model Status
 Externally Defined
 Create Composites
Materials Forms
Option Description
Show Materials  Tabular
 Show Composites
Modify Materials  Isotropic
 2d Orthotropic
 3d Orthotropic
 2d Ansiotropic
 3d Ansiotropic
 Modify Composites
Delete Materials
Create Materials
This is the basic form used to create all homogeneous material models. Materials are defined with reference
to a specific analysis code. Be sure the proper code and type have been selected before proceeding
(Preferences/Analysis menu).
Materials Forms
Materials Forms
Object Select the material category to be created. All materials which belong to that
category are listed in the Existing Materials box. (Provide additional filtering
if the list is lengthy.)
Method Select the Method to be used to create the Material. The three available
Methods are:
Manual Input of the properties from an auxiliary form.
Externally Defined - Create and assign material names only, with properties
supplied externally.
Existing Materials Selecting a material in the Existing Materials box causes it to be transferred to
the Material Name databox.
Material Name Each material must have a unique name (1 to 31 characters). It will also be
assigned a sequential Material ID number automatically.
Description User-supplied descriptions of a selected material are displayed here for
reference (2500 characters maximum).
Code: / Type: The Analysis Preference and Type are displayed for reference. Check for
correctness.
Input Properties Input Properties brings up forms for data entry.

 Materials Form (p. 52) in the Patran Interface to Abaqus Preference Guide
 Materials Form (p. 28) in the Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
 Materials Form (p. 31) in the Patran Interface to LS-DYNA Preference Guide
 Material Library (p. 101) in the Marc Preference Guide
 Materials Form (p. 32) in the Patran Interface to Dytran Preference Guide
 Material Input Properties Form (p. 49) in the Patran Interface to MSC Nastran
Preference Guide
 Materials Form (p. 52) in the Patran Interface to MSC Nastran Thermal
 Materials (p. 51) in the Patran MSC Nastran Preference Guide - Implicit
Nonlinear
 Materials Form (p. 15) in the Patran Interface to PAMCRASH Preference
Guide
 Materials Form (p. 23) in the Patran Interface to SAMCEF Preference Guide
 Materials Form (p. 27) in the PATRAN 2 Neutral File Preference Guide
 Material Library (p. 47) in the Patran Thermal User’s Guide Volume 1:
Thermal/Hydraulic Analysis
Materials Forms
Material property inputs depend on:

 Analysis Code Selection (e.g., ABAQUS)
 Analysis Type Selection (e.g., Structural)
 Specific Constitutive Equations (e.g., Isotropic, 2D Orthotropic)
 General Behavior Model (e.g., Elastic or Viscoelastic)
 Specific Behavior Model Inputs (e.g., Damping Constant, Exponents)
 Failure Theory and Related Model Inputs (e.g., von Mises, maximum stress)
There is a very large number of options available, and the information for creating them all is not resident in
this help section. It is available, however, in related sections located in the specific preference documentation.
Manual Input
This is one of literally hundreds of Input properties forms that can appear depending on the analysis code,
type, material model, or option selected. Most forms are similar to this one. There is a Constitutive Model
plus other option selections followed by places for input of specific property parameters. When a property
input location is selected where the use of fields is appropriate, a list of Material Property Fields available for
use appears as shown.
Materials Forms
Constitutive Model First select the Constitutive Model for the material. A single material may
have multiple constitutive models.
Property Name/Value Input the values necessary to define the material model.
Temperature Dependent When an input databox is selected which allows a field definition, this listbox
Fields will appear with a list of available Material Property Fields. Selecting a Field
enters its name into the input property databox.
Current Constitutive The existing constitutive models and their respective options as well as their
Models status (i.e., active or inactive) will appear here. A newly created set will appear
as an active model, after Apply is selected.
Materials Forms
Constitutive Model Status

A single material may contain multiple Constitutive Models. The Constitutive Model used is determined by
the Constitutive Model Status. Patran will use all Constitutive Models active when the analysis is submitted.
Redundant or unneeded Constitutive Models should be rendered inactive.
Existing constitutive models of an existing material will appear in either of the listboxes, depending on their
active/inactive status. Selection of a model from one listbox will add it to the other one.
Materials Forms
Externally Defined
The Externally Defined method is used when a material name is necessary for creation of Element Properties,
but the actual material properties will be supplied by the user external to Patran.
Materials Forms
Object Select the material category to be created. All materials which belong to that
category are listed in the Existing Materials box. Provide additional filtering if
the list is lengthy.
Method The material properties will be defined external to Patran, which will associate
the input material name (and ID) with selected elements.
the Material Name box.
Material Name Each Material must have a unique name (1 to 31 characters). It will also be
assigned a sequential Material ID number automatically.
Preference/Type The Analysis Preference and Type are displayed for reference. Check for
correctness.
Input Properties Input Properties button is “grayed out” indicating it is not available for the
selected External Definition Method.
Materials Forms
Create Composites
This is the basic form used to create all composite materials.
Materials Forms
Method Select the type of composite material to be created. Laminate is the default.
The Rule-of-Mixtures model, five Halpin-Tsai models, and two Short Fiber
Composite models are also available.See Composite Materials Construction, 106 for
more help.
Existing Materials Selecting materials in the Existing Materials listbox causes them to be written
to the form containing composite model-specific definition data to be used as
constituent materials. For example, if the “Laminate” Method is displayed,
then selecting materials in the Existing Materials listbox causes them to be
written in the Material Name column of the spreadsheet on the Laminated
Composite form and treated as ply materials.
Laminated Composites Contains the existing materials that have been created using the material
model indicated by the Method selection. Selecting materials in this listbox
causes their names to be written to the Material Name databox and their
definition data to be written to the model-specific form immediately to the
left of this form.
Material Name Each material must have a unique name (1 to 31 characters). It will also be
assigned a sequential Material ID number.
Material Descriptions User-supplied descriptions of materials (up to 2500 characters) are entered
here.
Apply Selecting Apply causes the composite material definition on this form and on
the model-specific form to be used to create a new composite material.
Reset Restores all composite material Create form inputs (including those on the
model-specific form) to the values present at the last time Apply was selected.
Materials Forms
Show Materials
This form is used to display both tables of the material stiffness and compliance matrices as well as XY plots
of selected properties as functions of temperature, stress, or strain rate.
Materials Forms
Object Select the material category to be created. All materials which belong to this
category are listed in the Existing Materials box. Provide additional filtering if
the list is lengthy.
Material Name box.
Material Name Each material has a unique name (1 to 31 characters) and a unique Material
ID. The Material ID is automatically assigned when the material is created.
Preference/Type The Analysis Preference and Type are displayed for reference. Check for
correctness.
Show Properties, Tabular

This form permits review of the input property values. They cannot be modified here. It also provides for
display of the stiffness and compliance matrices that result from those properties.
Materials Forms
Constitutive Model Select the desired constitutive model for the material being shown. One
material can have multiple constitutive models.
Property Name/Value This section of the form presents a reprise of the Create form, so it (or Modify)
can also be used to review inputs.
Current Constitutive Existing constitutive models of the material are listed here. The analysis
Models options of models and their active/inactive status are also shown.
Show Material Stiffness These buttons show the selected matrix in a separate form, as shown on
page 98.
Show Material
Compliance
Materials Forms
Show Material Stiffness/ Compliance Matrix

This is the Material stiffness matrix that results from the constitutive model and input properties. Material
directions follow the analysis code definitions. The matrix size is appropriate to the material type displayed.
Compliance matrices can also be displayed.
Show Composites
This is the basic form used to show all composite materials.
Materials Forms
Method Select the type of composite material to be shown. Laminate is the default.
The Rule-of-Mixtures model, five Halpin-Tsai models, and two Short Fiber
Composite models are also available.
Existing Material All existing materials are displayed in the Existing Materials listbox.
Materials Forms
Laminated Composites Contains the existing materials that have been created using the material
model indicated by the Method selection. Selecting materials in this listbox
causes their names to be written to the Material Name databox and their
definition data to be written to the model-specific form immediately to the
left of this form.
Material Name Each material must have a unique name
(1 to 31 characters).
Material Description User-supplied descriptions of materials (up to 2500 characters) are displayed
here.
Materials Forms
Modify Materials
Modifying a Material is a completely general operation in that the modified material overwrites itself in the
database. Thus anything can be changed.
Materials Forms
Method The material category to be edited is selected here. Only existing

materials that match the category will appear in the Material name
listbox. See figure below for other categories.
Constitutive Model The material constitutive to be edited is selected here. Only existing
materials that match the constitutive model will appear in the
Material name listbox. When the selected category is Composite,
this option menu changes to a label indicating that Laminates are the
only Composites that may be modified in this form.
Material Sets By... Options to sort material set names by name, .ID or suffix.
Material Set Names Material set names to modify. Any number may be selected.
Filter Material Names Databox for entering a filter to use for displaying material set names.
A "CR" with focus in this databox causes the current filter to be
applied.
Filter Filter button to cause the material set names to be filtered by the
current filter in the filter databox.
Material Values to Change All of the allowable property values common to the selected material
sets. Multiple values may be selected.
Action The modify action to be applied. "Set Equal To" replaces the current
value. "Delete" removes the property value. "Add", "Subtract",
"Multiply" and "Divide" apply the operation of the new value to the
current.
Always Update Values This toggle specifies whether a given material set should be given the
property value even if the property value does not already exist. The
default is Off or False.
Current Value The current value of the selected property value. If the property
value does not exist for all of the selected material sets, the word
"Undefined" will appear. If the property value does not exist for
some of the selected material sets, or if the property value varies
between material sets, the word "Varies" will appear.
New Value The new value to be assigned to operate on the current value.
Temperature Dep/Model Variable If the property value and selected value type can be defined using a
field, this listbox will contain those items which are available.
Materials Forms
Modify Composites
This is the basic form used to modify composite materials.
Materials Forms
Method When selected category is Composite, only Laminates can be

modified.
Mat. Value(s) to Change [ID] The only laminate value that may be modified is the offset.
Action Deleting the laminate offset value sets it to the default, which is half
the thickness.
Materials Forms
Delete Materials
Deleted Materials are removed from the database. They can only be restored if the “undo” icon is selected
immediately.
Composite Materials Construction
Object Select the material category to be deleted. All materials which belong to this
category are listed in the Existing Materials listbox. Provide additional
filtering if the list is lengthy.
Existing Material Selecting materials in the Existing Materials listbox causes them to be
transferred to the Delete Materials list. Similarly, selecting a material in the
Selected Materials Delete Materials listbox restores it to the Existing Materials list.
Description User-supplied descriptions of selected materials are displayed here for
reference.
Compress Duplicate This button causes all of the sets in the Selected Materials listbox to be
Data compared against each other. Any duplicate materials are merged to the one
with the first alphanumeric name. The Significant Digits value can be
changed based on the precision desired (Default = 3). The materials that are
merged are deleted. Compression information is written to the file
"compress.mat.rpt" in your current directory unless a preference is set false
with the following command:
pref_env_set_logical( "material_compress_file_write", FALSE )

Reset Reset restores all Materials in the Delete Materials listbox and thus to the
Existing Materials listbox, if it is selected prior to selecting the Apply button.

The Method menu for Composite materials contains the nine composite material models shown below.
Option Method
Composite  Laminated Composite
 Rule-of-Mixtures Composite
 Halpin-Tsai Continuous Fiber Composite
 Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Fiber Composite
 Halpin-Tsai Continuous Ribbon Composite
 Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Ribbon Composite
 Halpin-Tsai Particulate Composite
 Short Fiber Composite (1D)
 Short Fiber Composite (2D)
Laminated Composite
The Laminated Composite option is used to compute the material properties of a laminate having, for each
ply, an arbitrary constituent material, constant thickness, constant orientation and an optional global ply id
for optimization. A laminate offset may also be specified. This is generally done when the neutral surface does
not coincide with the middle surface. The offset is defined as the coordinate of the bottom of the stack relative
to the neutral surface, which, by default, is the negative of half the laminate thickness.
Five Stacking Sequence Conventions are available for defining the layers. If there is no plane of symmetry, or
global ply ids will be defined, then select the “Total” convention and define the attributes of all “n” layers of
an n-ply stack. If the stack is symmetric or anti-symmetric with an even number of plies, select the
appropriate convention and define the attributes of just the first n/2 layers. A (30,60,60,30) stack may be
defined by selecting “Symmetric” and entering the angles “30 60" while a (30,60,-60,-30) stack may be
defined by selecting “Anti-Symmetric” and entering the angles “30 60.” If the plane of symmetry passes
through the center of a ply, use one of the “Mid-Ply” conventions and define the attributes of the first (n+1)/2
layers. A (45,90,45) stack may be defined by selecting “Symmetric/Mid-Ply” and entering the angles “45 90"
while a (45,90,-45) stack may be defined by selecting “Anti-Symmetric/Mid-Ply” and entering the angles “45
90.” This last convention may be used with middle plies of arbitrary orientation to create laminates that are
not truly anti-symmetric.
Global ply ids may only be entered when the Stacking Sequence Convention is “Total”. Attempts to enter
them for other Stacking Sequence Conventions is not allowed.
Classical lamination theory is used to compute shell force-deformation properties. Other properties,
including the elasticity matrix and the thermal expansion coefficients, are calculated using volume-weighted
averaging. For more information on material property calculation, see Theory - Composite Materials, 126.
Laminated Composite Form

This form contains a spreadsheet on which the composite ply material stacking sequence is defined. The
spreadsheet can be loaded either by selecting ply materials from the Existing Materials listbox contained on
the Materials application form or by entering a list of ply material names, thicknesses, orientation angles or
global ply ids in the textbox on this form and selecting the Load Text Into Spreadsheet button, or by
specifying the thickness for all layers of a given material in the lower databox. The user-selected cell
determines where text is loaded into the spreadsheet. If in Overwrite mode, then the selected column is
overwritten, starting with the selected cell, until the entries in the textbox are exhausted. If the entries exceed
available space in the spreadsheet column, then a prompt will ask if additional rows are to be created. If in
Insert mode, then new rows will be created just below the selected cell to accommodate the data in the
textbox. If (as in the case at start-up) no rows exist, Insert mode is the default mode and entries in the textbox
are loaded into the column specified by the switch on this form, starting at the first row.
Stacking Sequence Select the convention that matches your laminate. Select “Total” if there is no
Convention symmetry plane, or if you will be assigning Global Ply IDs, in which case all
layers must be defined in the spreadsheet. Symmetric and Anti-Symmetric
laminates require only the bottom half of the stack. The “Mid-Ply” options
are similar, except that the last specified layer in the spreadsheet is not assumed
to be repeated (ie., “0 45” defines a 0/45/0 stack).
If the convention is changed from “Total” and any non-blank Global Ply IDs
exist, a warning will be issued and the option to clear all Global Ply IDs will
be given. If declined, the convention will remain “Total”.
Offset Specify the laminate offset, which is the coordinate of the bottom of the stack
relative to the neutral surface. If no offset is specified, Patran assumes that the
middle surface is the neutral surface.
Stacking Sequence Select a cell to set the insertion or overwrite starting point. Select a method of
Definition entry: Overwrite or Insert mode. To delete a row of cells, select a group of cells
in a column and select the Delete Selected Rows button.
If the Stacking Sequence Convention is not “Total”, cells in the Global Ply ID
column may not be selected. Attempts to do so will fail and an informational
message will be given.
Insert Material Names The textbox and its associated button, option menu and switch are strongly
coupled to the spreadsheet. Enter strings of ply material names, thicknesses,
orientation angles (in degrees) or global ply ids into the textbox. Then select
the Load Text into Spreadsheet button to load the textbox contents into the
spreadsheet. Entry starts at the selected cell (if in Overwrite mode) or just after
it (if in Insert mode). The textbox title is determined by the settings of the
associated option menu and buttons.
This textbox accept shorthand. For example
“-60,0,-60,0,-60,0” or “3(-60,0)” could both be used to enter the thicknesses

shown above. To clear global ply ids cells enter “0” for the cell value. To clear
a number of global ply ids enter “n(0)” where n is the number of rows to clear.
Delete Selected Rows Deletes the rows corresponding to any selected cells.
Thickness for All Layers Enter a value and hit <Return or Enter> to load that value into the spreadsheet
Thickness column for all rows where the Material Name matches the one
given over this databox. To change the name of this material (in order to assign
thicknesses to a different material), select a spreadsheet cell containing the
name of the desired material. This databox is not displayed until a ply material
name is entered into the spreadsheet.
Load Text Into Loads the contents of the textbox into the spreadsheet.
Spreadsheet
Show Laminate Displays the Composite Material Properties form showing all stored
Properties properties of the material specified in the Material Name databox contained
in the Materials Application form.
Text Entry Mode Determines whether textbox data are to be loaded into the Material Name,
Thickness, Orientation or Global Ply ID columns. If any spreadsheet rows
exist, a new cell will be highlighted in the appropriate column to indicate
where data from the textbox are to be loaded. Global Ply IDs becomes inactive
if the Stacking Sequence Convention is not “Total”.
Clear Text and Data Clears the textbox and the two databoxes. The spreadsheet is unaffected.
Boxes
Rule-of-Mixtures Composite
The Rule-of-Mixtures model is used to describe three-dimensional solids having an arbitrary number of
material phases with arbitrary orientations and volume fractions. Orientations are defined for each phase
using a triad of space-fixed rotation angles ( γ, β, α ) in a 3-2-1 sequence. These angles rotate the composite
material frame into the phase frame. The orientation of each phase is defined by starting with the phase frame
aligned with the composite frame, and rotating the phase material frame γ degrees about the 3-axis of the
composite material frame, then rotating the phase frame β degrees about the 2-axis of the composite frame,
and finally rotating the phase frame α degrees about the 1-axis of the composite frame.
Rule-of-Mixtures materials are, in general, fully anisotropic. All properties are calculated using volume-
weighted averaging. The algorithms are described in Rule-of-Mixtures Composite Materials, 132.
Rule-of-Mixtures Composites Form
Phase Material Name Select phase materials by selecting their names in the Existing Materials
List listbox contained in the Materials application form. If the cursor is set in the
Phase Material Name List textbox, then selecting a material in the Existing
Materials listbox will cause that material name to be inserted at the cursor.
Phase materials must have 3-D material properties.
Phase Volume Fraction Specify the phase volume fractions corresponding to the phase materials
specified in the Phase Material Name List textbox. The number of entries
should be the same in both textboxes, but the last volume fraction may be
omitted, in which case it will be assumed to be that value which would make
the sum of all volume fractions unity. If the last volume fraction is not
omitted, then the sum of the volume fractions must be unity.
Phase Orientations Specify the phase orientations corresponding to the phase materials specified
in the Phase Material Name List textbox. Phase orientations are defined using
a triad of space-fixed rotation angles ( γ, β, α ) in a 3-2-1 sequence. These
angles (in degrees) rotate the composite material frame into the phase frame.
The number of angles entered in the Phase Orientations textbox must
therefore be three times the number of materials in the Phase Material Name
List textbox. The first three angles are the first triad, the second three angles
are the second triad, and so on. It is not necessary to group the angles with
brackets or parentheses; simply input the sequence of angles separated by
spaces.
Show Material Properties Displays the Composite Material Properties form showing all stored
properties of the material specified in the Material Name databox contained
in the Materials application form. 2-D material properties, such as the shell
force-deformation matrices [A], [B], and [D], which are not consistent with
this 3-D material option, always have displayed values of zero.
Clear Clears all information from the three textboxes on this form.
Halpin-Tsai Continuous Fiber Composite

The Halpin-Tsai Continuous Fiber model is used to describe 2-phase composites in which the matrix phase
is isotropic and the fibers are uniform, continuous, cylindrical, and transversely isotropic. The resulting
composite is therefore transversely isotropic. The Halpin-Tsai relations are used to calculate
E L, E T, ν LT, G LT, and G TT , from which the remaining elastic constants can be determined. Some earlier
versions of Patran calculated ν TT instead of G TT , so this option is provided for compatibility. Only the
names of the material constituents and their respective volume fractions are required input. The volume
fractions provide default empirical factors for the Halpin-Tsai equations. If Halpin-Tsai relations are not
desired the Override Default Equations toggle may be selected and empirical factor may be entered for each
of the five elastic constants. See the Halpin-Tsai material model discussion in Halpin-Tsai Composite Materials,
135 for the implementation of these constants in the Halpin-Tsai equations.
The Halpin-Tsai Continuous Fiber model expects a transversely isotropic fiber material and an isotropic
matrix material. Warning messages will occur if this is not the case. Patran will ignore any additional
properties that those materials may have and use the minimum number required to create a transversely
isotropic composite material. It is, therefore, possible to use fully anisotropic fiber and matrix materials to
create a transversely isotropic material. Physically, this makes no sense, so be careful if the warning message
should appear.
Continuous Fiber Composite Form
Material Constituents Select the fiber and matrix materials by clicking on their names in the Existing
Materials listbox contained in the Materials application form. The switch,
which you can set, determines whether the selected material goes into the
Fiber listbox or the Matrix listbox.
Fiber Volume Fraction Use either the slide bars or the databoxes to set the Fiber Volume Fraction and
the Matrix Volume Fraction. The two parameters are coupled so that their
sum cannot exceed one. Sums less than one are permitted (but not
recommended) for modeling voids.
Override Default Enable the five Empirical Factors databoxes.
Equations
Empirical Factors If enabled, enter five Empirical Factors used to calculate the corresponding
composite elastic constants. The implementation of these constants is
described in Halpin-Tsai Composite Materials, 135.
in the Materials application form. 2-D material properties such as the shell
Clear Clears all information from the two Material Constituent databoxes and the
five Empirical Factors databoxes.
Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Fiber Composite

The Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Fiber model is used to describe 2-phase composites in which the matrix
phase is isotropic and the fibers are uniform, discontinuous, cylindrical, and transversely isotropic. The
resulting composite is therefore transversely isotropic. The Halpin-Tsai relations are used to calculate
E L, E T, ν LT, G LT, and G TT , from which the remaining elastic constants can be determined. Only the
names of the material constituents, their respective volume fractions, and the fiber aspect ratio are required
input. The volume fractions and fiber aspect ratio provide default empirical factors for the Halpin-Tsai
equations. If the default Halpin-Tsai relations are not desired the Override Default Equations toggle may be
selected and empirical factor may be entered for each of the five elastic constants, in which case, the fiber
aspect ratio is no longer required. See the Halpin-Tsai material model discussion in Halpin-Tsai Composite
Materials, 135 for the implementation of these constants in the Halpin-Tsai equations.
The Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Fiber model expects a transversely isotropic fiber material and an isotropic
matrix material. Warning messages will occur if this is not the case. Patran will ignore any additional
properties that those materials may have and use the minimum number required to create a transversely
isotropic composite material. It is, therefore, possible to use fully anisotropic fiber and matrix materials to
create a transversely isotropic material. Physically, this makes no sense, so be careful if the warning message
should appear.
Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Fiber Composite Form
Material Constituents Select the fiber and matrix materials by selecting their names in the Existing
which you can set, determines whether the selected material goes into the
Fiber listbox or the Matrix listbox.
Equations
Empirical Factors If enabled, enter five Empirical Factors used to calculate the corresponding
discussed in Halpin-Tsai Composite Materials, 135.
Clear Clears all information from the two Material Constituent databoxes, the Fiber
Aspect Ratio databox, and the five Empirical Factors databoxes.
Halpin-Tsai Continuous Ribbon Composite

The Halpin-Tsai Continuous Ribbon model is used to describe 2-phase composites in which the matrix phase
is isotropic and the fibers (or ribbons) are uniform, continuous, orthotropic, and have rectangular cross
sections. The resulting composite is therefore orthotropic. The Halpin-Tsai relations are used to calculate
E 11, E 22, E 33, ν 12, G 12, and G 23 from which the remaining elastic constants are determined. Only the
names of the material constituents, their respective volume fractions, and the fiber (or ribbon) aspect ratio
are required input. The volume fractions and fiber aspect ratio provide default empirical factors for the
Halpin-Tsai equations. If the default Halpin-Tsai relations are not desired, the Override Default Equations
toggle may be selected and empirical factor may be entered for each of the six elastic constants, in which case
the fiber aspect ratio is no longer required. See the Halpin-Tsai material model discussion in Halpin-Tsai
Composite Materials, 135 for the implementation of these constants in the Halpin-Tsai equations.
The Halpin-Tsai Continuous Ribbon model expects an orthotropic fiber (or ribbon) material and an
isotropic matrix material. Warning messages will occur if this is not the case. Patran will ignore any additional
properties that those materials may have and use the minimum number required to create an orthotropic
composite material. It is, therefore, possible to use fully anisotropic fiber and matrix materials to create an
orthotropic material. Physically, this makes no sense, so be careful if the warning message should appear.
Halpin-Tsai Continuous Ribbon Composite Form
Material Constituents Select the fiber (or ribbon) and matrix materials by selecting their names in
the Existing Materials listbox contained in the Materials application form.
The switch, which you can set, determines whether the selected material goes
into the Fiber listbox or the Matrix listbox.
Fiber Volume Fraction Use either the slide bars or the databoxes to set the Fiber (or ribbon) Volume
Fraction and the Matrix Volume Fraction. The two parameters are coupled so
that their sum cannot exceed one. Sums less than one are permitted (but not
Equations
Empirical Factors If enabled, enter six Empirical Factors used to calculate the corresponding
Show Material Properties Select to display the Composite Material Properties form showing all stored
Clear Select this button to clear all information from the two Material Constituent
databoxes, the Fiber Aspect Ratio databox, and the six Empirical Factors
databoxes.
Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Ribbon Composite

The Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Ribbon model is used to describe 2-phase composites in which the matrix
phase is isotropic and the fibers (or ribbons) are uniform, discontinuous, orthotropic, and have rectangular
cross sections. The resulting composite is therefore orthotropic. The Halpin-Tsai relations are used to
calculate E 11, E 22, E 33, ν 12, G 12, and G 23 , from which the remaining elastic constants are determined.
Only the names of the material constituents, their respective volume fractions, and the fiber (or ribbon)
aspect ratios are required input. The volume fractions and fiber aspect ratios provide default empirical factors
for the Halpin-Tsai equations. If the default Halpin-Tsai relations are not desired the Override Default
Equations toggle may be selected and empirical factor may be entered for each of the five elastic constants,
in which case the fiber aspect ratios are no longer required. See the Halpin-Tsai material model discussion in
Halpin-Tsai Composite Materials, 135 for the implementation of these constants in the Halpin-Tsai equations.
The Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Ribbon model expects an orthotropic fiber (or ribbon) material and an
isotropic matrix material. Warning messages will occur if this is not the case. Patran will ignore any additional
properties that those materials may have and use the minimum number required to create an orthotropic
composite material. It is, therefore, possible to use fully anisotropic fiber and matrix materials to create an
orthotropic material. Physically, this makes no sense, so be careful if the warning message should appear.
Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Ribbon Composite Form
Material Constituents Select the fiber and matrix materials by selecting their names in the Existing
which can be set, determines whether the selected material goes into the Fiber
listbox or the Matrix listbox.
Override Default Enables the six Empirical Factors databoxes.
Equations
Empirical Factors If enabled, enter six Empirical Factors used to calculate the corresponding
Clear Clears all information from the two Material Constituent databoxes, the two
Fiber Aspect Ratio databoxes, and the six Empirical Factors databoxes.
Halpin-Tsai Particulate Composite

The Halpin-Tsai Particulate model is used to describe 2-phase composites in which both the particulate and
the matrix phase are isotropic. The resulting composite is, therefore, isotropic. Common applications of the
Particulate model include materials used in civil engineering applications, such as concrete. The Halpin-Tsai
relations are used to calculate E and G, from which the remaining elastic constants can be determined. Only
the names of the material constituents and their respective volume fractions are required input. The volume
fractions provide default empirical factors for the Halpin-Tsai equations. If the default Halpin-Tsai relations
are not desired, the Override Default Equations toggle may be selected and empirical factor may be entered
for each of the six elastic constants. See the Halpin-Tsai material model discussion in Halpin-Tsai Composite
Materials, 135 for the implementation of these constants in the Halpin-Tsai equations.
The Halpin-Tsai Particulate model expects an isotropic particulate material and an isotropic matrix material.
Warning messages will occur if this is not the case. Patran will ignore any additional properties that those
materials may have and use the minimum number required to create an isotropic composite material. It is,
therefore, possible to use fully anisotropic particulate and matrix materials to create an isotropic material.
Physically, this makes no sense, so be careful if the warning message should appear.
Halpin-Tsai Particulate Composite Form
Material Constituents Select the particulate and matrix materials by selecting their names in the
Existing Materials listbox contained in the Materials application form. The
switch, which you can set, determines whether the selected material goes into
the Particulate listbox or the Matrix listbox.
Fiber Volume Fraction Use either the slide bars or the databoxes to set the Particulate Volume
Fraction and the Matrix Volume Fraction. The two parameters are coupled so
that their sum cannot exceed one. Sums less than one are permitted (but not
Override Default Enables the two Empirical Factors databoxes.
Equations
Empirical Factors If enabled, enter two Empirical Factors used to calculate the corresponding
in the Materials application form. 2-D material properties such as the shell
Clear Clears all information from the two Material Constituent databoxes and the
two Empirical Factors databoxes.
Short Fiber Composite (1D)

The 1D Short Fiber Composite model is used to compute the material properties of short fiber composites
whose fiber orientation distributions can be described by a Gaussian curve. The user specifies a mean fiber
orientation and a standard deviation to define the Gaussian (or normal) distribution.
A Monte Carlo integration scheme is used to sum the contributions of normally distributed “fibers” of a
unidirectional material which should usually be a Halpin-Tsai Discontinuous Fiber material or a Halpin-Tsai
Discontinuous Ribbon material. In other words, the geometrically appropriate Halpin-Tsai model is used to
synthesize the properties of a unidirectional material having the same fiber material, matrix material, and fiber
and matrix volume fractions as those of the short fiber composite to be created. The Short Fiber Composite
model is then used to “distribute” the properties of the unidirectional Halpin-Tsai material within the
specified Gaussian function. The material properties for each iterate are summed using the volume-weighted
averaging methods used for Rule-of-Mixtures Composites. The default number of iterations is 1000, but it
may be overridden to any positive integer. Scalar quantities, such as density, are simply assigned the same
values as those of the constituent unidirectional material.
For more information on the algorithm, see Short Fiber Composite Materials, 142.
Short Fiber Composite (1D) Form

Unidirectional Material Specify the Unidirectional Material Constituent by selecting its name in the
Constituents Existing Materials listbox contained in the Materials application form.
Constituent materials may have 2-D or 3-D material properties.
Mean Orientation Specify the mean orientation of the fibers in polar coordinates. A mean
(degrees) orientation of 0 degrees means that the preferred fiber direction is toward the
material frame 1-axis, while a 90-degree mean tends to align the fibers with
the 2-axis.
Standard Deviation Specify the standard deviation of the fiber distribution. It must be positive.
(degrees)
Number of Monte Carlo Select the number of Monte Carlo iterations used for the numerical
Iterations integration of the unidirectional material properties. The default of 1000 is
usually adequate, but any positive integer is acceptable. Avoid excessively large
values which will only tie up the computer CPU needlessly.
in the Materials application form. Material properties such as the shell
this material option, always have displayed values of zero.
Clear Clears the Unidirectional Material Constituent databox.
Short Fiber Composite (2D)

The 2D Short Fiber Composite model is used to compute the material properties of short fiber composites
whose fiber orientations can be described by a Gaussian surface. The user specifies mean fiber orientations
and standard deviations, as well as a correlation coefficient, to define the Gaussian (or normal) distribution.
specified Gaussian function. The material properties for each iterate are summed using the volume-weighted
averaging methods used for Rule-of-Mixtures Composites. The default number of iterations is 1000, but it
may be overridden to any positive integer. Scalar quantities, such as density, are simply assigned the same
values as those of the constituent unidirectional material.
The Unidirectional Material Constituent must have 3D properties defined. For more information on the
algorithm, see Short Fiber Composite Materials, 142.
Short Fiber Composite (2D) Form
Unidirectional Material Select the Unidirectional Material Constituent by selecting its name in the
Constituents Existing Materials listbox contained in the Materials application form.
Constituent materials must have 3-D material properties.
First Dimension: Theta Select the mean orientation and the standard deviation corresponding to the
(degrees) azimuthal angle θ . See Short Fiber Composite Materials, 142 for a description of
the spherical frame in which θ is defined. Use either the slide bar or the
databox to specify the standard deviation. The standard deviation must be
positive and cannot exceed 30.0.
Second Dimension: Phi Select the mean orientation and the standard deviation corresponding to the
(degrees) polar angle φ . See Short Fiber Composite Materials, 142 for a description of the
spherical frame in which φ is defined. Use either the slide bar or the databox
to specify the standard deviation. The standard deviation must be positive and
cannot exceed 30.0.
Correlation Coefficient Use either the slide bar or the databox to define the Correlation Coefficient.
The default value of zero is usually adequate. The Correlation Coefficient
must be a nonnegative number less than one.
Number of Monte Carlo Select the number of Monte Carlo iterations used for the numerical
Iterations integration of the unidirectional material properties. The default of 1000 is
usually adequate, but any positive integer is acceptable. Avoid excessively large
values which will only tie up the computer CPU needlessly.
Clear Clears the Unidirectional Material Constituent databox.
Composite Material Properties

The Composite Material Properties form is displayed when the “Display” button on a Composite option-
specific form is selected.
Theory - Composite Materials
High Precision Value Selecting any of the displayed values in the 6x6 spreadsheet causes that value
to be displayed in greater precision in the databox.
Composite Property A, B, and D Matrices. The displayed 6 x 6 matrix relates the in-plane force
Display Options and moment vector {N1,N2,N12,M1,M2,M12} to the vector of midsurface
strains and curvatures { ε 1, ε 2, ε 12, κ 1, κ 2, κ 12 } in the expression
  N  A B   ε 
  M  =  
  B D   κ 
where A, B, and D are symmetric 3x3 matrices.
3D Elasticity Matrix. The 3D Elasticity matrix relates the stresses { σ } to the

strains { ε } in the expression:
The Thermal and Moisture Expansion Coefficient vectors are displayed with
the Density, Structural Damping Coefficient, Specific Heat, and Reference
Temperature.
3D Flexibility Matrix. The 3D Flexibility matrix relates the strains { ε } to
the stresses { σ } in the expression:
{ε} = S {σ}
E’s, NU’s, G’s, and Qij’s
Triads of E’s, ν ’s, and G’s are presented, along with the plane stress Stiffness
matrix [Q] relating the stresses { σ 1, σ 2, σ 12 } to the strains { ε 1, ε 2, γ 12 }
in the expression:
{σ} = Q {ε}
Thermal: Kij, Ni, and Mi. The 3 x 3 Conductivity matrix Kij is shown with
the Resultant Thermal Force and Moment vectors, Ni and Mi, respectively.
CTE’s, CME’s and Others. The Thermal and Moisture Expansion

Coefficient vectors are displayed with the Density, Structural Damping
Coefficient, Specific Heat, and Reference Temperature.

The Create Composite options in Patran synthesize material properties for four classes of composite
construction techniques.
Construction Method Algorithm Intended Application

Laminate Classical Lamination Theory. Laminated shells and solids.
Rule of Mixtures Volume-Weighted Averaging. 3D composites with multiple phases,
arbitrary orientations, and arbitrary
volume fractions.
Halpin-Tsai Halpin-Tsai Equations. 2-Phase Composites.
Short Fiber Monte-Carlo integration combined Short fiber composites whose
with volume-weighted averaging. orientation distribution can be
described by a Gaussian curve or
surface.
Two of these construction methods can be implemented in more than one way. There are five Halpin-Tsai
options and two Short Fiber composite options.
Laminated Composite Materials

The Laminate model is used to describe laminated solids and shells. In this construction, adjacent layers (or
laminae or plies) are arranged as shown in Figure 4-1, and the orientation of each layer is defined by a single
constant angle θ . Each layer may be a unique material and have a unique constant thickness. The Laminate
model uses Classical Lamination Theory (CLT) to calculate the membrane, bending, and membrane-
bending coupling stiffness matrices for a laminated shell.
Z Y
θ
7 θ 45
6 0
5 90
4 0
3 -45
2 θ
1
Figure 4-1 Laminate Definition Conventions

Classical Lamination Theory

The two fundamental assumptions of CLT are: (1) that surface normals remain normal when the laminate
deforms:
0
ε i = ε i + zκ i i = 11, 22, 33 (4-1)
0
where ε i is the strain, ε i is the midsurface strain, κ i is the curvature, and z is the distance from the neutral
surface; and (2) that each layer is in a state of plane stress, implying that the transverse stresses are all zero:
σ 33 = σ 23 = σ 31 = 0 (4-2)
The constitutive equation for an orthotropic ply in a state of plane stress is given by:
   
 σ1  Q 11 Q 12 0  ε 1 
   
 σ 2  = Q 12 Q 22 0  ε 2  (4-3)
   
 τ 12  0 0 Q 33  γ 12 
   
where:
E 11
Q 11 = -----------------------------
- (4-4)
( 1 – ν 12 ν 21 )
E 22
Q 22 = -----------------------------
- (4-5)
( 1 – ν 12 ν 21 )
ν 21 E 11 ν 12 E 22
Q 12 = -----------------------------
- = -----------------------------
- (4-6)
( 1 – ν 12 ν 21 ) ( 1 – ν 12 ν 21 )
Q 33 = G 12 (4-7)
The constitutive matrix Q for a layer in the laminate frame is given by:
–1 T
Q = T Q T (4-8)
with:
(4-9)
cos2 θ sin2 θ 2 cos θ sin θ

T = sin2 θ cos2 θ – 2 cos θ sin θ
– cos θ sin θ cos θ sin θ cos2 θ – sin2 θ
where T is the matrix transforming the laminate frame strain into the ply frame and θ is the angle from
the laminate frame to the ply frame shown in Figure 4-1. Combining the expression for the kinematic
assumption, (4-1), with the constitutive equation for the kth ply
{ σ }k = Q { ε }k (4-10)
k
yields:
0
{ σ }k = Q { ε } + z Q { κ } (4-11)
k k
Substituting (4-11) into the integral expressions for force per unit length { N } and moment per unit length
{M} :
{ N } =  { σ }dz and { M } =  { σ }zdz (4-12)
leads to:
0
{N} =  Q k { ε }dz +  Q k z { κ }dz (4-13)
0
{M} =  Q k z { ε }dz +  Q k z { κ }dz
2 (4-14)
0
The midsurface strains { ε } and curvatures { κ } are not a function of z, and Q is constant wi thin
k
each ply, so the above expressions may be simplified to:
n n
0 1 2 2
{N} = {ε }  Q k ( h k – h k – 1 ) + --2- { κ }  Q k ( hk – hk – 1 ) (4-15)
k=1 k=1
n n
1 0 2 2 1 3 3
{ M } = --- { ε }
2  Q (h
k k
– hk – 1 ) + --- { κ }
3  Q k ( hk – hk – 1 ) (4-16)
k=1 k=1
where h k is the coordinate of the top of the kth ply (or higher z coordinate of the kth ply, see Figure 4-1. The
0
shell constitutive equations relating the midsurface strains { ε } and curvatures { κ } to the in-plane forces
{ F } and moments { M } are documented in (4-15) and (4-16). From these two expressions the stiffness
matrices for membrane behavior A , bending behavior D , and membrane-bending coupling behavior
B can be extracted:
n
A =  Q k ( hk – hk – 1 ) (4-17)
k=1
n
1 3 3
D = --3-  Q k ( hk – hk – 1 ) (4-18)
k=1
n
1 2 2
B = --2-  Q k ( hk – hk – 1 ) (4-19)
k=1
If no laminate offset is specified, then Patran assumes that the middle surface is the neutral surface, and the
above expressions for shell stiffness are used. The Patran offset is not the distance from the middle surface to
the neutral surface, but rather the coordinate of the bottom of the stack (or lowest z coordinate, see Figure 4-1)
relative to the neutral surface, which, by default is the negative of half the laminate thickness. If a non-default
offset is specified, implying that the neutral surface does not coincide with the middle surface, then the
following corrections must be made to the bending matrix D and the membrane-bending coupling matrix
B :
2
D' = D + 2 d B + d A (4-20)
B' = B + d A (4-21)
where d is the coordinate of the neutral surface relative to the middle surface and is related to the user-input
offset as:
d = offset + (laminate thickness)/2 (4-22)
Thus, if a laminate having three layers of thickness .02 is specified without an offset, the default offset is taken
to be -.03, since d = 0. If, however, the neutral surface is taken to be, for example, the interface between the
first and second ply, corresponding to d = -.01, then the user-input offset should be -.04, yielding the
corrected bending and coupling matrices:
D' = D – 0.02 B + 0.0001 A (4-23)
B' = B – 0.01 A (4-24)
Patran also calculates the resultant in-plane forces { N } t and moments { M } t corresponding to a uniform
temperature increase of one degree:
n
{ N }t =  Q k { α } k dz =  Q k { α }k ( hk –hk – 1 ) (4-25)
k=1
n
1 2 2
{ M }t =  Q k { α } k zdz = --2-  Q k { α }k ( hk – hk – 1 ) (4-26)
k=1
where { α } k is the vector of thermal expansion coefficients in the laminate frame for the kth layer.
All other laminated composite material properties are calculated using the same algorithms as those
implemented by the Rule-of-Mixtures option, whose description starts on the next page.
Caution: The elasticity matrix [C] calculated for laminated composites using the Rule-of-Mixtures
equations is based on a volume weighted averaging scheme and is insensitive to the order of
plies in a lay-up. In other words, for plies of the same material and thickness, a 90-0-90
degree stack will yield the same elasticity matrix as a 90-90-0 degree stack. Thus the elasticity
matrix should be used for laminate problems with membrane behavior only (no bending and
no coupling behavior). Additional simplifications, which may or may not be warranted for
the user’s application, are made when the nine engineering constants (elastic moduli,
Poisson’s ratios, and shear moduli) are evaluated from the elasticity matrix. In order to
calculate nine unique engineering constants, Patran assumes that the 12 terms of the
elasticity matrix that correspond to normal-shear coupling and shear-shear coupling
behavior are zero. This reduces an elasticity matrix that is, in general, anisotropic, to
orthotropy, on the premise that the engineering constants can only be meaningful if the
laminated composite is effectively orthotropic. The resulting engineering constants can only
be used, therefore, for laminate problems in which the response is characterized by
membrane behavior only, when the laminate is effectively orthotropic.
Rule-of-Mixtures Composite Materials

The Rule-of-Mixtures model is used to describe three-dimensional solids having an arbitrary number of
material phases with arbitrary orientations and volume fractions. Orientations are defined for each phase
using a triad of space-fixed rotation angles ( γ, β, α ) in a 3-2-1 sequence. These angles rotate the composite
material frame to the phase frame. The orientation of each phase is defined by starting with the phase frame
aligned with the composite frame and rotating the phase material frame γ degrees about the 3-axis of the
composite material frame, then rotating the phase frame β degrees about the 2-axis of the composite frame,
and finally rotating the phase frame α degrees about the 1-axis of the composite frame. Rule-of-Mixtures
composites are, in general, fully anisotropic.
Material Property Derivation

Scalar quantities, such as density, are calculated using a simple volume-weighted averaging method, as in
n
ρ =  ρk vk (4-27)
k=1
where ρ k is the density of the kth phase, v k is the volume fraction of the kth phase, and n is the number of
phases. The composite structural damping coefficient is also calculated in this way. For vector and matrix
quantities, however, it is necessary to transform the phase properties into the composite material coordinate
frame before performing volume-weighted averaging. Thus, the expression for the composite elasticity matrix
is given by
n
T
C =  DD k C k DD k v k (4-28)
k=1
with
(4-29)
where C k
is the elasticity matrix for the kth phase in the phase frame, DD k
is the matrix that
transforms the strains in the kth phase from the laminate frame to the phase frame, and the dij are the terms
of the matrix of direction cosines
(4-30)
from the composite frame to the phase frame in terms of the rotation angles, α k , β k , and γ k , for the kth
phase. Similarly, the composite thermal conductivity matrix is calculated using the expression
d 11 d 11 d 21 d 21 d 31 d 31 d 11 d 21 d 21 d 31 d 11 d 31
d 12 d 12 d 22 d 22 d 32 d 32 d 12 d 22 d 22 d 32 d 12 d 32
d 13 d 13 d 23 d 23 d 33 d 33 d 13 d 23 d 23 d 33 d 13 d 33
=
( 2 d 11 d 12 ) ( 2 d 21 d 22 ) ( 2 d 31 d 32 ) ( d 11 d 22 + d 12 d 21 ) ( d 21 d 32 + d 31 d 22 ) ( d 11 d 32 + d 3
cos α k cos β k – sin α k cos β k sin β k

( sin α k cos γ k + cos α k sin β k sin γ k ) ( cos α k cos γ k – sin α k sin β k sin γ k ) ( – cos β k sin γ k )
( sin α k sin γ k – cos α k sin β k cos γ k ) ( cos α k sin γ k + sin α k sin β k cos γ k ) ( cos β k cos γ k )
n
T
κ =  D k κ k D k vk (4-31)
k=1
where κ is the thermal conductivity matrix of the kth phase in the phase frame. The composite thermal
k
and moisture expansion coefficient vectors are given by
n
T
{α} = S  DD k C k { α }k vk (4-32)
k=1
n
T
{β} = S  DD k C k { β }k vk (4-33)
k=1
–1
where S = C is the composite flexibility matrix, { α } k is the thermal expansion coefficient vector
for the kth phase, and { β } k is the moisture expansion coefficient vector for the kth phase. The nine
engineering constants (elastic moduli, Poisson ratios, and shear moduli) are calculated from the composite
flexibility matrix as follows:
1
E i = ------ i = 1, 2, 3 (4-34)
S ii
ν ij = – S ij E i ij = 12, 23, 31 (4-35)
1
G ij = ------------------------------ ij = 12, 23, 31 (4-36)
S( i + 3 ) ( i + 3 )
Note that only nine of the 21 Sij’s are used to calculate the nine engineering constants. The potential
anisotropy of the composite material is partially ignored: it is assumed to be at most orthotropic. Thus, these
nine constants should be used in subsequent analyses only if the composite is known to be orthotropic. Patran
also calculates the 2D plane stress constitutive matrix Q from the 3D composite elasticity matrix C :
C 3i C 3j
Q ij = C ij – ----------------
- ij = 11, 12, 22 (4-37)
C 33
C 34 C 3j
Q 3j = C 4j – -----------------
- j = 1, 2 (4-38)
C 33
C 34 C 34
Q 33 = C 44 – ------------------
- (4-39)
C 33
The user must be sure that the composite material is appropriate for a 2D plane stress analysis before using
the Q matrix. The composite specific heat, or heat capacity per unit mass, is calculated using a mass
weighted averaging scheme:
n n
1
CP =  C Pk m k = ---
ρ  C Pk ρ k v k (4-40)
k=1 k=1
where C Pk is the specific heat for the kth phase, m k is the mass fraction for the kth phase, and ρ is the
density of the composite material. Finally, the reference temperature for the composite material is taken to be
the reference temperature for the first phase material specified by the user.
Halpin-Tsai Composite Materials

The Halpin-Tsai models are used to describe 2-phase composites in which the matrix phase is isotropic.
Halpin-Tsai materials may be transversely isotropic, orthotropic, or isotropic, depending on the geometry of
the material reinforcing the matrix. The composite material frame corresponds with the fiber (or non-
matrix) phase frame. Five different Halpin-Tsai material models exist in Patran: continuous fiber,
discontinuous fiber, continuous ribbon, discontinuous ribbon, and particulate. These provide empirical
relations for the engineering constants using, generally, Rule-of-Mixtures equations having the form
PC = ξ ( Pf vf + Pm vm ) (4-41)
and Halpin-Tsai equations of the form:
( 1 + ξη v f ) ( Pf – Pm )
P C = P m -------------------------
- with η = --------------------------- (4-42)
( 1 – η vf ) ( Pf + ξ Pm )
where P C is the composite elastic property (which may be an elastic modulus, a Poisson ratio, or a shear
modulus), P f and P m are the corresponding properties for the fiber and matrix material, respectively, v f
and v m are the volume fractions for the fiber and matrix phase, respectively, and ξ is a user-specified
empirical constant. Each Halpin-Tsai model specifies a set of equations for the engineering constants and
each equation in the set has a default value for ξ which may be overridden by the user. These models are
summarized below from J.C. Halpin’s text, Revised Primer on Composite Materials: Analysis, Technomic
Publishing Co., Lancaster, PA, 1984, pp. 123-142.
Uniform Continuous Fiber

This model assumes the 2-phase geometry shown in Figure 4-2. The fibers are uniform, continuous,
cylindrical, and transversely isotropic. The resulting composite is therefore transversely isotropic. This is the
only Halpin-Tsai model supported by some earlier versions of Patran.
Figure 4-2 Halpin-Tsai Continuous Fiber Material Coordinates
Rule-of-Mixtures equations are used to determine E L and ν LT for the composite, with the default value for
the empirical constant ξ being 1.0 in both cases. (The default value of ξ for any Rule-of-Mixtures equation
in the five Halpin-Tsai models is always 1.0.) Halpin-Tsai equations are used to determine
E T, G LT, and G TT , so that the expression for E T , for example, is given by:
( 1 + ξη v f ) ( E Tf – E Tm )
E T = E Tm -------------------------
- where η = ----------------------------------- (4-43)
( 1 – η vf ) ( E Tf + ξ E Tm )
in which ETm is the transverse matrix modulus and ETf is the transverse fiber modulus. The default empirical
constants for E T, G LT, and G TT are given by:
10
ξ = 2 + 40 v f (4-44)
ET
10
ξ = 1 + 40 v f (4-45)
GLT
1
ξ = ------------------------ (4-46)
GTT ( 4 – 3ν m )
10
where ν m is the Poisson ratio for the isotropic matrix material and the ugly expression 40 v f is a correction
term for composites with high fiber volume fractions. (Remember, these are empirical relations. They were
not derived for the sole purpose of looking elegant and sophisticated.) The composite transverse Poisson
ratio ν TT is then determined from the known transverse isotropy:
TE
ν TT = -------------- – 1 (4-47)
2 G TT
Some earlier versions of Patran used a Halpin-Tsai equation to calculate ν TT instead of GTT, and then used
relations for transverse isotropy to calculate GTT. Although Halpin’s text does not specify a default value for
ξ ν , Patran provides the value:
TT
10
ξν = 2 + 40 v f (4-48)
TT
which should be selected with some caution. GTT is then calculated using the expression:
ET
G TT = --------------------------
- (4-49)
2 ( 1 + ν TT )
Uniform Discontinuous Fiber

This model assumes the fibers are uniform, discontinuous, cylindrical, and transversely isotropic. The
resulting composite is therefore transversely isotropic.
A Rule-of-Mixtures equation is used to determine ν LT for the composite, with the default value for the
empirical constant ξ being 1.0. Halpin-Tsai equations are used to determine EL, ET, GLT, and GTT, so that
the expression for EL, for example, is given by:
( 1 + ξη v f ) ( E Lf – E Lm )
E L = E Lm -------------------------
- where η = ----------------------------------- (4-50)
( 1 – η vf ) ( E Lf + ξ E Lm )
in which ELm is the longitudinal matrix modulus and ELf is the longitudinal fiber modulus. The default
empirical constants for EL, ET, GLT, and GTT are given by:
l
= 2  --- + 40 v f
10
ξ (4-51)
EL  d
10
ξ = 2 + 40 v f (4-52)
ET
10
ξ = 1 + 40 v f (4-53)
GLT
1
ξ = ------------------------ (4-54)
GTT ( 4 – 3ν m )
l
where --- is the fiber length-to-diameter ratio. As with the Uniform Continuous Fiber model, the transverse
d
Poisson ratio ν TT is determined from (4-47).
Uniform Continuous Ribbon

This model assumes the fibers are uniform, continuous, and orthotropic, with a rectangular cross section. The
resulting composite is orthotropic.
Rule-of-Mixtures equations are used to determine E 1 and ν 12 for the composite, with the default value for
the empirical constant ξ being 1.0 in both cases. Halpin-Tsai equations are used to determine
E 2, E 3, G 12, and G 23 , so that the expression for E2, for example, is given by:
( 1 + ξη v f ) ( E 2f – E 2m )
E 2 = E 2m -------------------------
- where η = --------------------------------- (4-55)
( 1 – η vf ) ( E 2f + ξ E 2m )
in which E2m is the transverse matrix modulus, and E2f is the transverse fiber modulus. The default empirical
constants for E2, E3, G12, and G23 are given by:
w
= 2  ---- + 40 v f
10
ξ (4-56)
E2  t 
10
ξ = 2 + 40 v f (4-57)
E3
w 1.73
=  ----
10
ξ + 40 v f (4-58)
G12  t 
10
ξ = 2 + 40 v f (4-59)
G23
w
where ---- is the ribbon width-to-thickness ratio.
t
The transverse Poisson ratio ν 23 is calculated from the expression:
1
ν 23 = ---------------------------------------- (4-60)
 vf ( 1 – v f )
 --------- + ------------------
 ν 23f νm 
where ν 23f is the transverse Poisson ratio for the fiber material and ν m is the matrix Poisson ratio. The
remaining two engineering constants, G 13 and ν 31 , are not provided for in the theory, but are calculated
in Patran by making the approximation that G 13 = G 12 and ν 13 = ν 12 , from which:
3 E
ν 31 = ν 13 ------ (4-61)
E1
Uniform Discontinuous Ribbon

This model assumes the fibers are uniform, discontinuous, and orthotropic, with a rectangular cross section.
The resulting composite is orthotropic.
A Rule-of-Mixtures equation is used to determine ν 12 for the composite with the default value for the
empirical constant ξ being 1.0. Halpin-Tsai equations are used to determine E1, E2, E3, G12, and G23, so
that the expression for E3, for example, is given by:
( 1 + ξη v f ) ( E 3f – E 3m )
E 3 = E 3m -------------------------
- where η = --------------------------------- (4-62)
( 1 – η vf ) ( E 3f + ξ E 3m )
in which E3m is the cross-ply matrix modulus and E3f is the cross-ply fiber modulus. The default empirical
constants for E1, E2, E3, G12, and G23 are given by:
l
= 2  - + 40 v f
10
ξ (4-63)
E1  t
w
= 2  ---- + 40 v f
10
ξ (4-64)
E2  t
10
ξ = 2 + 40 v f (4-65)
E3
( l + w ) 1.73 10
ξ = ----------------- + 40 v f (4-66)
G12 2t
10
ξ = 2 + 40 v f (4-67)
G23
l w
where - is the ribbon length-to-thickness ratio and ---- is the ribbon width-to-thickness ratio.
t t
As with the Uniform Continuous Ribbon model, the transverse Poisson ratio ν 23 is calculated from (4-60),
and the remaining two engineering constants, G13 and ν 31 , are calculated by making the approximation
that G 13 = G 12 and ν 13 = ν 12 , yielding ν 31 by (4-61).
Particulate Composite
This model assumes an isotropic particulate reinforcement of the matrix. The resulting composite is therefore
isotropic.
Halpin-Tsai equations are used to determine both E and G, so that the expression for E, for example, is given
by
( 1 + ξη v f ) ( Ef – Em )
E = Em -------------------------
- where η = ---------------------------- (4-68)
( 1 – η vf ) ( Ef + ξ Em )
in which Em is the matrix elastic modulus, and Ef is the fiber elastic modulus. The default empirical constants
for E and G are given by
10
ξ = 2 + 40 v f (4-69)
E
10
ξ = 1 + 40 v f (4-70)
G
The isotropy of the particulate composite uniquely defines the Poisson ratio ν .
Elasticity and Flexibility Matrices

The elasticity matrix can be expressed in terms of the orthotropic engineering constants as
(1 – ν ν )jk kj
C ii = ----------------------------
- Ei ijk = 123, 231, 312 (4-71)
D
(ν + ν ν )
ji jk ki
C ij = -------------------------------- Ei ijk = 123, 132, 231 (4-72)
D
C ( i + 3 ) ( i + 3 ) = G ij ij = 12, 23, 31 (4-73)
body
D = 1 – ν 12 ν 21 – ν 13 ν 31 – ν 23 ν 32 – 2ν 12 ν 23 ν 31 (4-74)
If the composite material symmetry is more general than that of an orthotropic material, i.e., if the material
is isotropic or transversely isotropic, then the above equations can be simplified. The flexibility matrix is
calculated by inverting the elasticity matrix.
Halpin-Tsai Thermal and Moisture Expansion Coefficients

The exact Levin solution for 2-phase composites (V.M. Levin, “Thermal Expansion Coefficients of
Heterogeneous Materials,” Mekhanika Tverdogo Tela, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 88-94, 1967) is used to determine both
thermal and moisture expansion coefficients for all Halpin-Tsai models. The composite thermal expansion
coefficient vector is calculated using the expression
T
–1  
{ α }C = { α } + S DIF  S C – S  { α } DIF (4-75)
and the composite moisture expansion vector is given by the analogous expression
T
–1  
{ β }C = { β } + S DIF  S C – S  { β } DIF (4-76)
{ α } = vf { α }f + vm { α }m (4-77)
{ β } = vf { β }f + vm { β }m (4-78)
S = vf S f + vm S m
(4-79)
{ α } DIF = { α } f – { α } m (4-80)
{ β } DIF = { β } f – { β } m (4-81)
S = S – S (4-82)
DIF f m
and S C
is the composite flexibility matrix.
Other Material Properties

All other material properties are calculated using the methods described for Rule-of-Mixtures materials
(which are described immediately preceding this Halpin-Tsai discussion), but the calculations are generally
simpler for Halpin-Tsai materials because both phase frames coincide with the composite frame. Thus, it is
not necessary to transform phase properties to the composite frame before summing their contribution to the
composite properties.
Short Fiber Composite Materials

The Short Fiber Composite model is used to compute the material properties of short fiber composites whose
fiber orientations can be described by a normal (Gaussian) distribution. The orientations may vary in a single
plane, in which case a Gaussian curve
1 1  θ – θ   av
F ( θ ) = ----------------- exp  – ---  ----------------
-  (4-83)
2πσ θ  2  σθ  
describes the fiber orientations. Here θ av is the mean orientation and σ θ is the standard deviation of the
distribution. The fiber orientations may also vary in two dimensions, however, in which case the fiber
distribution is described by a Gaussian surface
2 2
1  1  θ – θ av  θ – θ av  φ – φ av  φ – φ av
θ, φ ) = --------------------------------------- exp  – -----------------------  ----------------- – 2ρ  -----------------  ----------------- +  -----------------
 2 ( 1 – ρ )  σθ   σθ   σφ   σφ 
2
2πσ θ σ φ 1 – ρ 2
where θ av and φ av are the mean orientations, σ θ and σ φ are the corresponding standard deviations, and
ρ is the correlation coefficient. Figure 4-3 illustrates the spherical coordinates used to define a 2D Gaussian
distribution in Patran. Here the e1-e2 plane defines the “equator” and θ is the azimuthal angle defining,
effectively, a “longitude,” while a positive angle φ defines a “latitude” in the southern hemisphere.
e3
e2
φ
e1
Figure 4-3 Spherical Coordinates for 2D Gaussian Distributions of Short Fiber Composites
specified Gaussian function. The integration is simplified by the approximation that all fibers lie within a 3σ
range of the mean orientation, where σ is a standard deviation. The default number of iterations is 1000,
but it may be overridden to any positive integer. The material properties for each iterate are summed using
the Rule-of-Mixtures methods described earlier in this section. Scalar quantities, such as density, are simply
assigned the same values as those of the constituent unidirectional material.
Short Fiber Composites are usually, to a first approximation, transversely isotropic or orthotropic, but because
of the randomness of the Monte Carlo integration scheme, small shear coupling terms are introduced which
tend to make these materials fully anisotropic. Larger iteration counts reduce this effect somewhat, but it
cannot be eliminated. Nonetheless, it should not be cause for undue concern: the purpose of this model is to
provide material properties with good first-order accuracy. The more complex Eshelby equivalent inclusion
(and related) methods, which provide for fiber-matrix and fiber-boundary interaction effects, have been
eschewed in favor of this simpler method. This Monte Carlo/Rule-of-Mixtures approach yields good first-
order results accounting for the most significant factor in composite stiffness (the fiber orientations) and
allows the materials designer to gain an understanding of the relative effects of varying fiber orientation
parameters.
Chapter 5: Load Cases Application
5 Load Cases Application
 Overview of the Load Cases Application 146


Rules for Creating/Modifying Load Cases 147

Load Cases Forms 148
Overview of the Load Cases Application
Overview of the Load Cases Application
Purpose
The Load Cases application provides the ability to group multiple loads and boundary conditions (LBCs)
sets, see Loads and Boundary Conditions Form, 18, into single load cases for application to the model. Load cases
remain in the database unless deleted.
Definitions
Load Cases Group of selected loads and boundary conditions sets. Each load case has a
unique user-selected descriptive name as well as an associated descriptive
statement.
Loads and BCs Sets These are named groups of node and/or element loads that are created in the
Loads and BCs Application. Fields created in the Fields Application may or
may not have been used in their creation.
Static Load Cases Load cases in which none of the constituent loads or boundary conditions
sets has a time varying component.
Time Dependent Load Load cases in which one or more of the constituent loads or boundary
Cases conditions sets has a time varying component. These are also referred to as
dynamic load cases.
Priority In the event that a conflict arises between loads and boundary conditions set
types (e.g., Displacement) with the same loads and boundary conditions type
(e.g., Nodal, Element Uniform) that belong to the same load case, the
priority will specify which loads and boundary conditions set will take
precedence. Priorities may be set so that values are added together when a
conflict arises or priorities may be set so that one load and boundary
conditions set overwrites other sets with which it conflicts. Priorities are
currently not supported by the MSC Nastran analysis preference.
Load Case A scale factor which is applied to the entire load case. Each load case has a
load case scale factor. The default value is 1.0. Some analysis preferences may
Scale Factor not allow a scale factor other than 1.0.
Load Case LBC Scale factor applied to a LoadsBC set by the load case. Some analysis
preferences may not allow a scale factor other than 1.0.
Scale Factor
Chapter 5: Load Cases Application 147
Rules for Creating/Modifying Load Cases
Capabilities
The Load Cases function provides the ability to combine a large number of individual loads and boundary
conditions sets into a single coherent case for application to the model. If supported by the analysis
preference, the use of load case LBC scale factors can reduce the number of individual loads and boundary
conditions required. Unless deleted, load cases remain in the database and provide a permanent record of the
analysis loading conditions.
The Load Cases function provides the capability of creating, deleting, modifying, and showing load cases.

The Load Cases function provides straightforward, intuitive means for combining separate loads and
boundary conditions sets to form load cases. Key features of the Load Cases function are:
 Provides archival load case data within the database.
 Provides a means of creating new load cases by retrieving, modifying, and renaming existing load
cases.
 Provides for creating, deleting, modifying, and showing load cases. When deleting load cases,
provides the option of also deleting the constituent Loads/BCs sets. If load and boundary conditions
sets to be deleted belong to more than one load case, they will not be deleted.
 Provides a means of re-use of Loads/BCs sets by use of load case LBC scale factors. This can reduce
the number of individual Loads/BCs required.
Rules for Creating/Modifying Load Cases

There is always a current load case. This will be the “default” load case unless changed by the user. Any loads
and boundary conditions sets created are added to the current load case.
The current load case can be changed in three ways:
 When a new load case is created using the Load Cases Create option, the new load case becomes the
current load case if the Make Current toggle is on.
 When a load case is modified using the Load Cases Modify option, the modified load case becomes
the current load case if the Make Current toggle is on.
 The current load case can also be changed from the Loads/BCs application.
The current load case affects which loads and boundary conditions sets markers will be displayed. Only those
loads and boundary conditions in the current load case can be graphically displayed.
The default load case is static. In order to create time-dependent loads and/or boundary conditions sets, the
load case type must be defined as time dependent in the Load Cases application.
If a static loads and boundary conditions set is assigned to a time dependent or dynamic load case, the loads
and boundary conditions set will be assumed to be constant with time.
Load case information is permanently stored in the database (unless deleted) and can be modified at any time.
Load Cases Forms
For simple analyses, the Load Cases application need not be used. All loads and boundary conditions sets will
automatically be included in the default load case and applied to the model.
Load Cases Forms

The functions on the Load Cases menu are listed and described below in the order in which they appear on
the menu.
Menu Pick Action

Create  Create new load cases either from scratch or by modifying existing
load cases.
Modify  Modify existing load cases. Change name, type, description,
Loads⁄ BCs sets. Change current load case.
Delete  Delete load cases from the database, including associated Loads/BCs
sets if desired.
Show  Show all load cases in the database. Review names, types,
descriptions, and constituent Loads/BCs sets. Show current load
case.
Assign/Prioritize Loads/BCs  Assign Loads/BC sets to the load case. Resolve potential conflicts for
a given load case within specific Loads/BCs set types. Assign scale
factors to the load case and Loads/BC sets in the load case.
 Combine load cases.
Create Load Cases

This form permits you to create new load cases, either from scratch or by modification of existing load cases.
The new case is given a unique name, type (static or time dependent), description, and assigned a
complement of loads and boundary conditions sets. The new load case can also be made the current load case
if desired.
Load Cases Forms
Load Cases Forms
Action Create action brings up this form.
Existing Load Cases All load cases in the database appear in this table. Select a case to be modified
into a new case if this approach is desired. When an existing load case is
selected, the load case scale factor databox below updates and the
Assign/Prioritize form is displayed.
Load Case Name The name of a selected case (if any) will appear here. Change the name or
input a new unique name. (31 characters maximum.)
Make Current Toggle this button ON if you want this to be made the current load case.
Note: A combination loadcase may be the current loadcase, just like any other
loadcase. If the current loadcase is a combination loadcase, and LBC markers
are plotted for LBCs therein, then the marker values will be scaled based on
the accumulated scale of the LBC across all loadcases in the combination.
However, LBCs cannot be assigned directly to a combination loadcase. So if
the current loadcase is a combination loadcase, the Loads/BCs Create
operation will fail.
Load Case Type Select the load case type (static, time dependent, or combination).
Description Input a load case description (Up to 256 characters). It is important to do it

now to have a listing later.
Input Data Assigns Load/BCs sets to the Load Case. Modifies the default priority. The
default priority is “add” (i.e., if a conflict arises then add Load/BCs values
together). Sets the scale factors for the assigned Load/BCs sets. Combine
Load/BCs sets from existing load cases.
Load Case Scale Factor Sets the Load Case Scale Factor for the load case being created. The default
is 1.0. This is disabled if not supported by the current analysis preference.
Load Cases Forms

 Patran ABAQUS
 Patran ANSYS
 Patran LS-DYNA
 Patran MSC.Marc
 Patran MSC.Dytran
 Patran MSC Nastran
 Load Cases (p. 260) in the Patran MSC Nastran Preference Guide - Implicit
Nonlinear
 Patran PAMCRASH
 Patran SAMCEF
 Patran P2NF
Application Modules
 Patran Thermal
Modify Load Cases

This form permits you to change the name, type, description, and composition of load cases in the database.
The current load case can also be changed.
Load Cases Forms
Load Cases Forms
Action Modify action brings up this form.
Select Load Case to Modify All load cases in the database appear in this table. Select the case to be
modified. When a load case is selected, the load case scale factor databox
below updates and the Assign/Prioritize form is displayed.
Rename Load Case As The name of the selected case will appear here. Change the name if desired.
Make Current Toggle this button on if you want this to be made the current load case.
Load Case Type The load case type of the selected load case (static or dynamic) is shown here.
Description The load case description provided by the user will appear here. Make any
changes that are desired.
Assign/Prioritize Load/BCs Assigns Loads/BCs sets to the Load Case. Modifies the default priority. The
default priority is “add” (i.e., if a conflict arises then add Load/BCs values
together). Sets the scale factors for the assigned Load/BCs sets. Combine
Load/BCs sets from existing load cases.
Load Case Scale Factor Sets the Load Case Scale Factor for the load case being modified. This is
disabled if not supported by the current analysis preference.
Note: A combination loadcase may be the current loadcase, just like any other loadcase. If the current
loadcase is a combination loadcase, and LBC markers are plotted for LBCs therein, then the
marker values will be scaled based on the accumulated scale of the LBC across all loadcases in
the combination. However, LBCs cannot be assigned directly to a combination loadcase. So if
the current loadcase is a combination loadcase, the Loads/BCs Create operation will fail. See
section 3 Loads/BCs Forms below for more information.
Load Cases Forms
Delete Load Cases
Action Select the Delete action here to bring up this form.
Existing Load Cases All load cases in the database appear in this table. When a load case is selected,
the Show Assigned Loads/BCs form will appear, listing the loads and
boundary conditions which comprise the selected load case. Load cases only
be deleted one at a time.
Load Case Type The load cases type of the selected load cases is shown here (static, time
dependent, or combination).
Description The load case description provided by the user is shown here. Verify that this
is the case to be deleted.
Load Cases Forms
Delete Load/BCs Sets Toggle this button ON if you want the constituent loads and boundary
conditions sets to be deleted also (default is OFF).
Show Load Cases

Load Cases Forms
Action Show action brings up this form.
Existing Load Cases All load cases in the database appear in this table. When a load case is selected,
the load case scale factor databox below updates and the Show Assigned
Loads/BCs, 156 form will appear, listing the loads and boundary conditions
which comprise the selected load case. Load cases may only be selected one
at a time.
Load Case Type The load case type of the selected load case is shown here (static, time
dependent or combination).
Description The case description provided by the user is shown here (256 characters
maximum).
Load Case Scale Factor Shows the Load Case Scale Factor for the selected load case. This is disabled
if not supported by the current analysis preference.
Show Assigned Loads/BCs

This form displays the loads and boundary conditions currently assigned to the load case selected from the
Show or Delete form. This form is automatically displayed when the load case selection is made.
Load Cases Forms
Show Assigned Load Cases

When a combination load case is selected from the Show Load Cases form, the Show Assigned Load Cases
form will appear. This form lists the different load cases that are part of the combination load case. To view
the collective assigned LBCs and their combined scales, select the “Show Assigned Loads/BCs” button on the
form. This displays a spreadsheet of LBCs and their priorities/scales. It traverses all of the loadcases within
the combination and retrieves all of their LBCs, accumulating their scales along the way. The net affect is
showing a “flattened” version of the combination loadcase.
Load Cases Forms
Prioritize Loads/BCs Within Load Cases

Load case contents are completely defined in this form. From this form the following actions may be
performed:
 Assign (add or remove) Loads/BCs sets to the Load Case
 Modify the default priority.
 Set the Load Case Scale Factor
 Set the Load Case LBC Scale Factors
 Combine load cases
Potential conflicts for a given load case within specific Loads/BCs set types may be resolved. For example, if
there are two displacement sets in the same load case, which specify a constraint on the same node, the
priority will determine what the resulting constraint at that node will be. If default priority of “Add” is not
changed, then the constraints will be added together at that node. If the constraint in one displacement set
is to supersede the other, then an overwrite priority must be set for the Loads/BCs set which will take
precedence.
Load Cases Forms
Assign/Prioritize Loads/BCs
The Assign/Prioritize Loads/BCs form can be used to group, scale and prioritize loads and boundary
conditions as well as load cases. Creation of new load cases can be done by using either existing load cases or
individual loads & boundary conditions. Optionally, independent scale factors can be assigned to each Load
& Boundary condition or Load Case.
There are two views to the Assign/Prioritize Loads/BCs form. The default view of the form is shown below.
This selection allows simple “grouping” and prioritization of loads and boundary conditions. By default, load
cases & loads and boundary conditions selected are automatically added as individual rows to the Assigned
Loads/BCs spreadsheet. If the load or boundary condition already exists as an entry in the spreadsheet,
nothing will be added. Individual scale factors maybe assigned to each load and boundary condition directly
via the spreadsheet “Scale Factor” column.
The other view of the form is enabled by selecting the “Additional Loads/BCs Controls...” button. This
selection allows explicit load case and load & boundary condition scaling as well as controls for
combining/overwriting loads and boundary conditions.
Load Cases Forms
Select Individual Load/BCs Select Individual Loads/BCs - Lists all existing loads & boundary conditions
in the database. Selected items are inserted into the Assigned Loads/BCs
spreadsheet where individual load scaling can be defined if desired. The
default scale factor of 1.0 is applied to all selected loads & boundary
conditions. Multiple items may be selected from the listbox. If additional
load & boundary condition scaling is required, you can select the “Additional
LoadsBCs Controls...” button.
Load Cases Forms
Select Loads/BCs from Select LoadBCs from Existing Load Cases - Lists all existing load cases in the
Existing Load Cases database. When selected, the loads & boundary conditions associated with
the selected load case is inserted into the Assigned Loads/BCs spreadsheet
where individual load scaling can be defined if desired. The scale factor for
selected load cases is the existing scale factor times the load case scale factor.
If additional load case scaling is required, you can select the “Additional
LoadsBCs Controls...” button.
Additional Load/BCs Additional LoadsBCs Controls - allows user to toggle between “simple”
Controls... grouping of load and boundary conditions and “explicit scaling and
combining” of loads, boundary conditions and load cases. The default view
of the form allows simple grouping of loads and boundary conditions. By
toggling this button, the form will change and the additional user scale
controls will be displayed. Additionally, user control of whether loads and
boundary conditions are combined or overwritten is also provided.
Load Cases Forms
Load Cases Forms
Select Individual Load/BCs Lists all existing load cases in the database. When selected, the loads &
boundary conditions associated with the selected load case is inserted into the
Loads/BCs Scaling spreadsheet where additional scaling can be defined if
desired. The Existing Load Case Scale Factor databox is updated with the
scale factor of the selected load case. Only one load case may be selected at a
time.
Select Loads/BCs from Lists all existing loads & boundary conditions in the database. Selected items
Existing Load Cases are inserted into the Loads/BCs Scaling spreadsheet where additional scaling
can be defined if desired. Multiple items may be selected. The Existing Load
Case Scale Factor databox is disabled when items are selected from here
because it is not applicable.
Input Scale Factor Entry into the Loads/BCs Scaling spreadsheet. Not visible if scaling is not
supported by the current analysis preference.
Existing Load Case Scale Scale factor of selected load case. Enabled only if scaling is supported by the
Factor current analysis preference and if a selection is made from the Select
Load/BCs from Existing Load Cases listbox.
Additional Scale Factor Factor for additional scaling, i.e. for combining (superposition) load cases.
Overwrite/Combine Computes the cumulative scale factors for the respective items in the
Loads/BCs Scaling spreadsheet and inserts these items into the Assigned
Loads/BCs spreadsheet. Should any of these items already exist in the
Assigned Loads/BCs spreadsheet, Overwrite replaces the existing scale factors
with the newly computed factor while Combine adds the two together.
Load/BC Type This databox allows data entry into the Assigned Loads/BCs spreadsheet. The
label and expected data type for this databox changes in accordance to which
column is active. If this databox is not visible, then either multiple columns
have been selected or the current analysis preference does not support the
data related to the active column. The Load/BC Type column provides read-
only data.
Load Cases Forms
Add These buttons are visible if & only if the current analysis preference supports
loads & boundary condition prioritization. In such cases, if the Priority
Value column is active, the Input Priority databox does not become visible unless
Sort By Priority Value is picked or a range of rows where first row in the range has a numerical
priority is selected. The Sort By Priority button re-sequences the spreadsheet
in numerically ascending order of priorities. While “Add” priorities are listed
first after such a sort, numerical priorities take precedence over “Add” with
respect to loads or boundary conditions of the same type. The order of
precedence for numerical priorities with respect to loads or boundary
conditions of the same type is such that a lower priority value indicates a
higher priority status.
Assigned Load/BCs To change values in the Priority column, first select the rows to be changed
in this column. You can select all rows by selecting the column header. “Add”
inserts the string “Add” into the Priority column of the selected rows. Value
assigns sequentially increasing priorities to the selected rows and makes the
Input Priority databox visible. Numerical priorities values may be manually
changed via this databox. Only integer values are permitted for numerical
priorities.
Combination Load Cases

When the Type is set to “Combination” and the Input Data button is selected, the Assign Load Cases form
is presented. This form is also displayed if a combination load case is selected from the Load Case Create or
Modify form, with the load case assignments/scales of the combination load case displayed.
Static loadcases are selected from the “Existing Static Load Cases” listbox to add them to the combination
load case definition. As they are selected, they are added to the list of loadcase/scale factor pairs (spreadsheet),
where the scale factors may be modified (default 1.).
Load Cases Forms
Select Static Loadcases As existing Static Load Cases are selected, they are added to the
spreadsheet below, with a default scale factor of 1.0
Filter The listed loadcases may be filtered using wildcard characters (*). Once
the filter value is set, select the “Filter” button to re-build the Static Load
Cases list based on that filter.
Scale The scale associated with the loadcases may be modified by selecting that
loadcase in the spreadsheet, then setting the value in the databox above.
The value will be updated after hitting the Enter key.
Remove Selected Rows The Remove Selected Row and remove All Rows buttons are used to
remove loadcases from the spreadsheet.
Load Cases Forms
Simple Load and Boundary Condition Grouping

Load Cases Forms
Procedure for Simple Load Case Grouping

1. First, clear the Assigned Loads/BCs spreadsheet.
2. Select the desired load and boundary condition or load case from either the “Select Individual
LoadBCs” or the “Select Loads/BCs from Existing Load Cases” listbox. The corresponding loads and
boundary conditions will be automatically added to the “Assigned Loads/BCs” spreadsheet
3. Specify any additional scale factor to be applied to the overall definition of the individual loads and
boundary conditions listed in the spreadsheet.
Repeat steps 2 through 3 until the proper definition of the Load Case is defined.
Combining Load Cases

The Assign/Prioritize form is designed to accommodate the combining (superposition) of existing load cases.
See Procedure for Combining Load Cases, 168.
Load Cases Forms
Procedure for Combining Load Cases

1. First, clear the Assigned Loads/BCs spreadsheet.
Load Cases Forms
2. Select the desired load case from the Select Loads/BCs from the Existing Load Cases listbox.
3. Specify the scaling factor to be applied to the overall definition of the selected load case.
4. The Combine button will insert the loads and boundary conditions associated to the selected load
case into the Assigned Loads/BCs spreadsheet. The cumulative scale factor for each of these items is
the product of the individual Loads/BCs scale factor, the original load case scale factor, and the
additional scale factor.
Repeat steps 2 through 4 for all load cases to be combined.
Load Cases Forms
Chapter 6: Fields Application
6 Fields Application
 Overview of The Fields Function 172


Procedures for Using Fields 174

Fields Forms 189
 Fields Example 273
Overview of The Fields Function
Purpose
The Fields Function enables the creation and maintenance of a library of complex data sets in a simple and
straightforward manner. Fields are used to define loads and boundary conditions as a function of one, two,
or three variables; material properties as functions of temperature, strain, strain rate, time and frequency. Data
Fields are used in the material properties, loads and boundary conditions, and element properties
applications. Fields can be either scalar or vector in nature. Complex scalar fields are also permitted if you are
using the MSC Nastran Analysis Preference.
An important purpose of the Fields functionality is to provide a means of interpolating, or applying the results
of one finite element analysis onto the same or different geometry or FEM model. Real scalar, complex scalar,
and real vector results can be interpolated. This powerful capability is useful for multidisciplinary analyses,
for example, a thermal analyst creates a model from a resident geometry model and does an analysis. A
structural analyst then creates a separate model using the same geometry, reads in the thermal analysis results,
and automatically interpolates them onto the structural model.
Definitions
Field: A field is a set of data defined by relationships between one or more independent variables. The fields
available in Patran support up to three dimensions and are divided into three types: spatial, material property,
and non-spatial fields. Fields can be created either from tabular input, mathematical relationships expressed
in PCL or as scalar or vector results on a collection of finite elements. These are described in detail below:
Spatial Fields Describes a data set which varies over real or parametric coordinate space. It may
exist over one, two or three dimensions. In real space, the field will vary over the
coordinates of the selected rectangular, cylindrical, or spherical coordinate
system. For parametric space, the field will vary over the c1, c2 or c3 coordinates
of the single geometrical entity specified in the Create or Modify forms. Spatial
fields can be either scalar or vector in nature.
Material Property Defines a material property as a function of temperature, strain, strain rate, time
Fields or frequency (the material state variable), or combination of any two or all three
of these variables.
Non-Spatial Fields Defines a scalar field as a function of time, frequency, temperature,
displacement, velocity, or a user-defined variable for dynamic analysis
applications.
General Field: All three of the above field types may be created using the “General Field” method in addition
to the Tabular or PCL methods. A General Field is defined by creating a function expression in PCL to
describe the data variation. The terms of the function expression may consist of independent variables,
constants and PCL functions related by mathematical operators. The PCL function terms can include user
written PCL functions which utilize custom forms for data input. The General Fields implementation for
Chapter 6: Fields Application 173
this release is limited; it supports only scalar fields and will primarily be useful for the incorporation of custom
PCL functions and forms. It will be expanded upon in future releases.
Continuous FEM Field: A special type of Spatial Field which is created from a finite element mesh and
associated results values. By utilizing the connectivity of the mesh, a Continuous FEM Field can be evaluated
(via interpolation) at any point within its space. A Continuous FEM Field is created from the graphical
display of values on a mesh contained in a group. The field remains valid as long as the mesh and group are
defined. Interpolation occurs automatically whenever the Continuous FEM Field is applied.
Discrete FEM Field: A Spatial Field consisting of values defined at elements or nodes. A Discrete FEM Field
is created by the importation of Loads or Boundary Conditions via a Patran Neutral file, or with the Fields
User Interface. As there is no mesh associated with this field, it is only defined at discrete points. No
interpolation is available. The Discrete FEM Field was formerly known as the LBC Field.
Capabilities
The fields function is used to create and maintain a library of data fields; they are not applied here. Fields that
have been created in this area of Patran are then selected and applied in other functional areas such as: material
properties, loads and boundary conditions, and element properties.
Spatial fields are commonly used to control application of pressures and temperatures in the Loads/BCs
application, although they can also be applied to displacements and other generalized loads. Spatial fields can
be scalar or vector in nature and can be applied in either real or parametric space. Input is either tabular, via
PCL function, external PCL routine or through the General Field. Multiple spatial fields can be
simultaneously applied.
Material property fields are applied to individual properties (modulus, CTE, etc.) in the Materials
Application. These fields can be one-, two-, or three-dimensional in nature with the independent variables
being temperature, strain, strain rate, time and frequency (singly or in combination).
Non-Spatial Fields are principally used to specify time and frequency varying data. Time and frequency
dependent loads and boundary conditions, and frequency-dependent material properties are all defined via
Non-Spatial Fields. Non-Spatial functions of temperature, displacement, velocity, and user-defined variables
can also be created. In addition, complex scalar functions of frequency can be created when the MSC Nastran
Analysis Preference is selected.
The default size of all tabular fields is 30 entries in each dimension, although it can be increased to up to 1000
in the Options forms. Also, alternative methods of extrapolation can be selected if field table ranges are
exceeded.

Flexibility: The structure of fields is flexible and generalized. While each type of field has intrinsic
characteristics and uses (time or frequency dependence, material property or spatial dependence), the format
of each is unspecified. Fields may be entered with tabular input, a PCL function, a General Field function or
a FEM field; data may be vector or real scalar or complex scalar and up to three dimensions. All fields
spreadsheet input forms, allow import and export of comma separated value (CSV) files. This provides
compatibility with popular spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel.
Procedures for Using Fields
Ease of Use: Complicated data fields may be modeled using intuitive forms which lead the user through the
entire field generation process. Descriptive names are allowed for every field. The fields function provides a
convenient location for all data fields where they may be created, shown and modified before application to
the model.
Archival Record: All fields created remain in the database unless deleted. This represents a history of all fields
used in previous analyses. Also, it permits old fields to be retained, modified, and reapplied.
Field Creation from Analysis Results: Spatial Fields can be created from an imported finite element mesh
and associated results or loads. This so called Continuous FEM Field will automatically interpolate result
values for any points within its defined space. This capability is useful for mapping one set of analysis results
onto another finite element model.

Fields can be created, modified, deleted, and shown using the procedures outlined in the following sections.
The hierarchy of this presentation reflects the Patran Fields form structure.
Caution: If using degree-based trigonometric functions in your PCL expression, and the angular
input is to be derived from a nodal or element position, Patran will internally return such
angles in radians. Therefore, you will need to include a radians-to-degrees conversion factor
in your expression, i.e. instead of sind( ‘T ), you will need to use sind( ‘T * 180/3.14159 ).
You can also use radian-based trigonometric functions.
Create
To create a new field, select the Patran Fields application button to display the fields form. Select the Create
action (the default setting), then select the Object to be created, a Spatial, Material Property or Non-Spatial
data field. Before continuing, a choice may be made between creating an all new field, or creating one like an
existing field. Upon selection of the object, Patran will display any existing fields of the same object type in
the Existing Fields box.
To create a new field like an existing field, select one of the displayed existing field names. All options in the
appropriate fields forms will then automatically be set to those of the selected existing field, as well as the
tabular data or PCL functions if applicable. After modifying the data and renaming the field as desired, select
the Apply button. This will result in the creation of a new field without changing the original.
Instructions for creating a completely new field of any object type are given on the following pages.
 Spatial Fields, 175
 Data Tables, 178
 General Fields, 182
 FEM Fields, 183
Caution: When creating Fields in Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinate Frames be aware of problems
associated with discontinuities present in function and angle definition. These usually occur
at ± 180 degrees. For example, defining a Field from 0 to 360 degrees, and applying it where
the internally defined angle abruptly changes from +180 degrees to -180 during the
application.
Caution: Tabular theta values must fall between – π and +π . Values outside of this range are not
valid. (This restriction does not apply to complex field phase values.)
Spatial Fields
Upon selecting the object “Spatial Field,” the method of data input must be selected. The options are PCL
Function or Tabular Input. A description of these methods follows:
PCL Function A unique name for the field should be entered by selecting the Field Name box. The
Field Type (scalar or vector) is now selected, followed by the Coordinate System Type
(real or parametric). The appropriate coordinate system for the field is chosen and
indicated in the Coordinate System box. For parametric, this is the parametric
coordinate system of the single geometrical entity specified. Fields using parametric
coordinate systems are evaluated in the parametric coordinate system of the single
geometrical entity specified. The PCL function(s) defining the field is (are) now
input into the scalar or vector field function box(es). Any valid PCL expression may
be used to define the field values. Valid independent variables for the functions are
(c1, c2, c3) for parametric fields, and (X, Y, Z), (R, T, Z) and (R, P, T) for rectangular,
cylindrical and spherical real fields, respectively.
Tabular Input A unique name for the field should be entered by selecting the Field Name box. The
Field Type (scalar or vector) is not active for tabular input, as only scalar fields are
permitted. The Coordinate System Type buttons (real or parametric) actually provide
three types of fields: real tabular input, parametric tabular input, and endpoints only
parametric tabular input. These three types are described below:
 Real Tabular Input. This option permits the creation of one-, two- or three-
dimensional scalar fields from tabular input. These fields are defined over the real
space defined by the selected coordinate system. The dimensionality is
determined by the Active Independent Variables selected. Independent variables
are entered in the first row and column as well as an additional databox
depending on the dimensionality of the table. The options button opens a form to
specify the maximum number of entries into the table. (The default value is 30.)
The operation of the data table forms is described in more detail in Data Tables,
178.
 Parametric Tabular Input. This option is very similar to Real Tabular Input
described above, except that the space is determined by the parametric directions
of the single geometrical entity specified. The dimensionality of the field defines
the geometric entity required (i.e., a two-dimensional field is applied to a patch).
This option is available only when the Endpoints Only button at the bottom of
the fields form is not selected.
 Endpoints Only Parametric Tabular Input. This is the default spatial parametric
field type. This field supplies a linear variation between values applied to the
points c = 0 and c = 1 of the single geometrical entity specified. The
dimensionality of the field defines the geometric entity required (i.e., a two-
dimensional field is applied to a patch).
General Field See General Fields, 182 for detailed description.
FEM There are two types.
1. Continuous FEM Fields can be evaluated on any point in space over which
they are defined.
2. Discrete FEM Fields can only be evaluated at defined points in space.
A unique name for the field should be entered by selecting the Field Name
box.
 For a Continuous FEM field, select the “Continuous” FEM Field Definition
switch. The Field Type (scalar or vector) is now selected. Select the group
containing the mesh which defines the field. Note that the desired result
(scalar or vector) must be displayed on the mesh. A vector field is created
from vector markers plotted on the mesh, while a scalar field is created from
a fringe plot of the scalar value. The “Options” form allows definition of the
extrapolation option (used when the field is evaluated at a point outside the
mesh region), and the 2D to 3D extrapolation feature. 2D to 3D
extrapolation will set the value of the field constant along a given axis.
 For a Discrete FEM Field, select the “Discrete” FEM Field Definition
switch. The Field Type (scalar or vector) is now selected. Select the “Entity
Type” (Node or Element) next and the “Input Data” button. The
spreadsheet widget requires the creation of a table of node or element ids and
values. Nodes or elements may be selected or typed in, and may not be
combined in a single field. The values must be typed in, and will be
automatically formatted to scalar or vector form.
Data Tables
Once the dimensionality of the field is determined by the number of Active Independent Variables selected,
the data table form of appropriate dimension is opened with the Input Data button. The Options button
allows the user to set the number of independent variables and the extrapolation procedure to be used for the
field. Below are general rules for using the data table forms throughout the Fields function. Rules are given
for each table dimensionality. Valid independent variables for all Spatial tables are (c1, c2, c3) for parametric
fields, and (X, Y, Z), (R, T, Z), and (R, T, P) for rectangular, cylindrical and spherical real fields respectively.
1D Table The left-hand column of the table contains the independent variable. It is labeled
with its parametric or real spatial axis. Data is entered by selecting the desired cell,
which automatically activates the Input databox. Data typed into the box is stored in
the cell when return is pressed, and the cell below is then automatically selected. Any
other cell may be selected with the mouse. Numbers larger than the cell display will
be entered in exponential format.
2D Table The left-hand column of the table contains the first independent variable, while the
top row contains the second. Both are labeled with the corresponding parametric or
real spatial axis. The top left cell naturally accepts no input. Data is entered by
selecting the desired cell, which automatically activates the Input databox. Data
typed into the box is stored in a cell when <return> is pressed, and the cell below is
then automatically selected. Any other cell may be selected with the mouse. Numbers
larger than the cell display will be entered in exponential format.
3D Table The left-hand column of the table contains the first independent variable, while the
top row contains the second. The third independent variable is shown and controlled
via the databox below the table; it defines the layers of tabular data. The row, column
and databox are all labeled with the corresponding parametric or real spatial axis. As
in the 2D case, the top left cells accept no input. The first two independent variables
are entered by selecting the desired cell, which automatically activates the Input
databox. Data typed into the box is stored in a cell when return is pressed, and the
cell below is then automatically selected. Any other cell may be selected with the
mouse. Numbers larger than the cell display will be entered in exponential format.
The third independent variable is entered by selecting the databox at the bottom of
the form. Different values may be entered for each layer of data. Layers are controlled
by the two arrow buttons.
Material Property Fields: Upon selecting the object Material Property, the material property create form will
be displayed. Any existing material property fields will be displayed in the Existing Fields box. The Method
box will contain a choice of Tabular Input or General, set the method to Tabular Input. A descriptive name
may be entered in the Field Name box. The appropriate Active Independent Variables for the field must now
be chosen. A tabular material property field may be a function of one, two or three of the independent
variables temperature, strain, or strain rate. It may also be a single variable function of either time or
frequency. The Options button allows the user to set the number of independent variables and the
extrapolation procedure to be used for the field. The rules for data entry into material property fields are
specified above in Data Tables. The OK button must be selected after entering data to create and store the field
defined.
Non-Spatial Fields: Upon selecting the object Non-Spatial, the non-spatial create form will be displayed. Any
existing non-spatial fields will be displayed in the Existing Fields box. The Method box will contain a choice
of Tabular Input, General or Discrete FEM(SAMCEF only).
Tabular Input A unique descriptive name for the field should be entered by selecting the Field Name
box. The Active Independent Variable for the field must now be chosen. A tabular non-
spatial real-valued field may be a function of time, frequency, temperature,
displacement, velocity, or a user-defined variable. A tabular non-spatial complex-valued
field must be a function of frequency.
Selecting the Input Data button displays the tabular input data form. The data entry
rules for real-valued non-spatial fields are similar to those for the 1D case explained
above in Data Tables, except that a PCL function may also be used to fill the data table. If
PCL function input is desired, select the Map Function to Table button and the PCL
function form will open. Any valid PCL function may be entered into the PCL
Expression box. Note that the independent variable (“t “, “f “, “T”, “u”, “v”, or “UD”)
in this expression must always be preceded by a “' “. Filling in the Start, End and Number
of Points boxes will define points uniformly spaced with respect to the independent
variable. Selecting the Use Existing...Points button will cause the function to be
evaluated at all points previously entered in the table. Selecting Apply in the Map
Function to Table form causes the function values to be mapped to the table. The data
entry rules for complex-valued non-spatial fields differ from those of real-valued non-
spatial fields in the following respects: first, you have the option to select the complex
data format. It may be Real-Imaginary, Magnitude-Phase (degrees), or Magnitude-Phase
(radians). Second, you (obviously) need to define two ordinate values instead of one.
Spreadsheet data entry via the input databox works as it does for real-valued fields, but
you also have the option (if cells from both complex component columns have been
selected) to enter two values, or a complex expression, so that both columns may be
loaded simultaneously. Finally, the Map Function To Table form that is displayed for
complex fields is used to load one ordinate spreadsheet column at a time because PCL
does not recognize complex expressions.
The Options button allows the user to set the number of independent variables and the
extrapolation procedure to be used for the field. The Apply button in the Fields form
must be selected after entering data to create and store the field defined.
Discrete FEM A unique descriptive name for the field should be entered by selecting the Field Name
(SAMCEF box. Select the “Entity Type” (Node or Element). Select the “Active Dynamic Variable”
Only) of “Time(t)” or “Frequency(f )”.
Select the “Input Data” button to enter the field data into the spreadsheet. The
spreadsheet widget requires the creation of a table of node or element ids and values.
Nodes, elements, element faces, element edges or element vertices may be selected or
typed in. Nodes and elements may not be combined in a single field. The values must
be typed in. Presently, only scalar values are allowed.
The spreadsheet data is entered by layers. Each layer represents a different time or
frequency value. Time or frequency must increase or stay the same with increasing layer
numbers before the “Apply” button is selected on the main Fields form. If layer data is
entered out of order, the “Sort Layers in Ascending Order” button may be used before
selecting “Apply”.
Layers or rows may be added or deleted by using the other button options on the
spreadsheet form.
General Fields
The General Field can be used to create a field of any object type. The data are described by a mathematical
function composed in PCL. The function expression is composed of terms which can be PCL Functions,
Constants or Independent Variables, related by mathematical operators. The expression is composed in a
text box by selecting terms from option menus, or by simply typing a PCL expression. Unlike other fields
methods which strictly limit the available independent variables, the General Field allows access to nearly any
independent variable for any field. It is up to the user to create functions with appropriate arguments for the
intended application.
The General Field for this release will be of limited utility. It is restricted to scalar fields of up to three
variables, is not defined in parametric space, and analysis code translators will not evaluate general field
functions for material properties. The primary use of General Fields in this release will be for accessing custom
PCL functions and forms.
To create a General Field, select the “General” method for any field object. This will display the General Field
Create form. Any existing fields of the current object will be displayed in the Existing Fields box. A descriptive
name may be entered in the Field Name box. Selecting the Input Data button displays the General Fields
Input Data form. This form, identical for all field objects, is used to compose function terms and to display
the function expression.
The Input Data form presents two option menus, enabling the user to select the next term “type” and
“subtype.” The types currently available are “Patran Functions” and “Independent Variables.” By default,
there are no subtypes available under “Patran Functions” except with the Patran Thermal analysis preference.
Any custom functions added will allow the user to specify a subtype. There are no subtypes for independent
variables. Upon specifying a term type (and subtype), the listbox will fill with available selections for the next
term. If an independent variable is selected, it will be appended to the function expression. If a function is
selected, another form will be displayed to accept the function input arguments.
Function input arguments may be specified in a custom PCL form created for the custom function, or in a
simple “Generic Input” form which is part of General Fields. The use of a custom input form will be helpful
for complicated or specialized functions. The incorporation of a custom form into General Fields is a simple
step beyond custom PCL form programming. See Adding Custom General Field Functions (p. 528) in the PCL and
Customization. The Generic form will be displayed if no custom form is created. The Generic form displays
only the function name, a data box for each argument, and a label indicating the data type expected for that
argument. Because of the limited information presented on the Generic form, it is best used only for simple
functions. When entering data or expressions into the argument databoxes, proper PCL syntax must be
maintained, and any independent variables in the expression must be preceded by a “' “. Upon selecting “OK”
in the function input form, the argument data will be stored, and the function name, complete with integer
prefix and independent variable list, will be appended to the function expression text box. (The prefix is an
ID used to associate the function’s argument data with the particular term of the function expression.)
Important: While the function expression may be entered into the textbox, or edited via the
keyboard, editing of a PCL function term will result in an error. A PCL function term (a
term with an integer prefix) has argument data associated with it. Because of this, the
modification of a function term must be done with the Modify Highlighted Function
button. To modify a PCL function term, first highlight the desired term (double clicking
the term will do). Selecting the Modify Highlighted Function button will display the
corresponding form and any current data. Modifications will be stored when “OK” is
selected.
FEM Fields
A FEM Field is a field which is associated to a finite element model. There are two kinds of FEM Field,
Continuous and Discrete. Both are created with the Fields, Spatial User Interface, using the “FEM” method.
The Continuous FEM Field is created from data associated to a finite element mesh. The connectivity
provided by this mesh allows interpolation of data to any point within the space defined. This field is most
often used to map data from one analysis to another.
The Discrete FEM Field (formerly known as the LBC Field) is simply a table of data associated to a list of
nodes or elements. This field cannot be interpolated, as no connectivity is defined.
Creating a Continuous FEM Field

Perform the following steps to create a Continuous FEM field. A finite element mesh and associated results
must be imported. It is recommended that a new viewport with a new current group be used. This segregates
the results model from the current model, permitting easy manipulation.
1. Import analysis results (and the associated model if not in the current database).
2. Display the desired results or loads on the mesh. If they are scalar, display them as a fringe plot. If
they are vector use any available vector display method. The plot must be displayed while creating the
FEM field to ensure the correct data is used. See Fields Create (Spatial, Continuous FEM), 240.
3. Create the field with the user interface.
Note: See fields_create (p. 1089) in the PCL Reference Manual for more information.
Once created, a Continuous FEM field can be used like any other spatial field and will be evaluated on any
point in space over which it is defined. The evaluation process automatically invokes an interpolator.
Important: The FEM field group/results should not be deleted before evaluation has taken place, as
the field has no means of interpolation without the mesh.
Creating a Discrete FEM Field

One way to create a Discrete FEM field is to import a PATRAN 2.5 Neutral File finite element mesh with
loads on it. Another way is to utilize the user interface in the Fields application or from within client
applications (i.e. Element Properties or Loads/BCs) to explicitly define values associated with existing FEM
entities. Note that a Discrete FEM field is defined only at the FEM entities listed. No interpolation is
available.
Modify a Field
To modify an existing field, select the Modify action in the fields form. Then select the object to be modified,
a Spatial, Material Property or Non-Spatial field. The “Select Fields to Modify” box will then display the
names of all existing fields of the specified object type. Upon selecting one of the displayed names, all settings
in the form will automatically be changed to reflect the parameters of the selected field, and filled data tables
or PCL functions (as appropriate) will also be displayed. After changing any of the parameters or data as
desired, selecting the Apply button will result in the creation of a modified field.
Discrete FEM Fields can also be modified from within client applications (i.e. Element Properties or
Loads/BCs) by using the Access DFEM Fields button usually located on the input data form. The action of
the client application must also be set to Modify. For more information see Input LBCs Set Data (Static Load Case),
30 or Typical Element Properties Input Menu, 65.
Important: The original field will be deleted in all cases. To create a new field without deleting the old,
refer to Create, 174.
Common Spreadsheet Functionality

All Fields spreadsheet input forms have the following common functionality. All Fields spreadsheet input
forms have an "Import/Export..." button in the upper right.
Input Data Databox The Input Data databox is used to enter data into the spreadsheet. First one or
more cells must be selected, and then data is entered into the databox. The
keyboard “Enter” key causes the data to be copied into the cells. When a single cell
is selected, the contents of the cell are copied to the databox. By default, if more
than one cell is selected, the databox is cleared. Users who prefer that the upper
leftmost selected cell contents be copied to the databox may do so by adding the
following to their settings.pcl file:
pref_env_set_logical("fields_spreadsheet_multicell", TRUE )
Auto Highlight This toggle controls the behavior of the Input Data databox when a spreadsheet
Toggle cell is selected. It is off by default. When a cell is selected, the contents of the cell
are placed into the Input Data databox. If the toggle is off, it is not highlighted
(selected) in the databox. If the toggle is on, it is. Users who prefer to default the
toggle on may do so by adding the following to their settings.pcl file:
pref_env_set_logical( "fields_spreadsheet_auto_highlight", TRUE )

Import/Export Allows import and export of comma separated value (CSV) files. This provides
Button compatibility with popular spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel. See
below for details.
Undo Button This button will undo the last change made to the spreadsheet. There is no limit
to the number of undo-s that can be done. Closing the form, selecting an existing
field from the main form or using Import cannot be undone and reset the undo
level to zero.
Selecting it gives you a file form and the option to Import or Export CSV (comma separated value) files.
An options menu allows you to set the separator (comma is default) and whether to read the first line for
Import or write column headings for Export.
Import completely replaces what is in the current spreadsheet. Export writes everything in the current
spreadsheet.
Some Fields spreadsheets require the spreadsheet to be fully populated. This means there must be a dependent
value specified for every combination of independent variables. The Options form from the Fields/Create and
Modify forms has a frame for specifying an “Incomplete Data Action”. This tells Patran what you want it to
do if there are missing values in an imported CSV file. “Abort” is the default. If it is set, and a CSV file is
imported with any missing values, the import will abort with a warning message. “Set to Zero” and “Set to
User Specified Value” can also be chosen. If they are, and a CSV file is imported with any missing values, they
will be set to the value specified.
For example, if your CSV file looks like this:

X,Y,Value
1.0000000E+000, 1.0000000E+001, 9.1000000E+001
1.0000000E+000, 2.0000000E+001, 9.4000000E+001
2.0000000E+000, 1.0000000E+001, 9.2000000E+001
2.0000000E+000, 2.0000000E+001, 9.5000000E+001
3.0000000E+000, 1.0000000E+001, 9.3000000E+001
3.0000000E+000, 2.0000000E+001, 9.6000000E+001
3.0000000E+000, 4.0000000E+001, 9.8000000E+001
the value for x = 1, y = 40 and x = 2 and y = 40 are missing. They will be set to the value specified on import.
Delete a Field
Deletion of an existing field is accomplished by selecting the Delete action, and the Object to be deleted
(Spatial, Material Property or Non-Spatial). When the desired object type has been selected, the Existing
Fields box will display all fields of that type. All fields selected for deletion will be displayed in the Fields To
Be Deleted box. Selecting the Apply button will cause the fields to be deleted.
After selecting Apply in the Delete form, wait for the name(s) of the field(s) selected to be removed from the
Existing Fields listbox. Verify the correct Fields were deleted. If an error is made, select the Undo icon.
Fields Forms
Show a Field
The data in any field may be reviewed by selecting the Show action. The Show form contains a scroll box
which displays all existing fields. Upon selecting a field to show, the corresponding independent variables will
be displayed in the Select Independent Variable box directly below. Any one independent variable at a time
may be selected for display. Data is displayed in both graphical and tabular format. For one dimensional data,
a single curve over the range will be displayed. multidimensional data will be displayed as a family of curves,
each curve at some fixed value of the other independent variable(s). Selecting the Specify Range button
enables a precise definition of the range over which the variable will be displayed, and also allows control of
the fixed variable values.
If a Discrete FEM field is selected, the data is displayed only in Tabular format.
Note: Currently, Show is not enabled for the General Field.
Fields Forms
The functions on the Fields menu are listed and described below in the order in which they appear on the
menu.
Fields Forms
Action Object Options

Create...  PCL Function
 Tabular Input
 1D Tabular Input
 1D Linear Parametric Tabular Input
 1D Tabular Input Options
 Spatial Field  2D Tabular Input Options
 3D Tabular Input Options
 General Field
 FEM Fields
 Discrete Input Data
 Continuous Options
 1D Data Input Table
 Material Property
 General Fields
 Tabular Input
 Active Independent Variable, Input
Data
 Input Data, Map Function
 T2D Data Input Table
 Non-Spatial Field
 Complex Scalar Field Data Input
Table
 Discrete FEM (SAMCEF Only)
 General Fields
Fields Forms
Action Object Options

Show...  1D Table Display
 2D Table Display
 3D Table Display
 1D Specify Range
 Discrete Table Display
Modify...  PCL Function
 Tabular Input
 Spatial Field  General Fields
 Discrete FEM Field
 Continuous FEM Field
 Tabular Input
 Material Property
 General Fields
 Tabular Input
 Non-Spatial Field  Discrete FEM (SAMCEF Only)
 General Fields
Delete...
Fields Create (Spatial, PCL Function)

This form is used to create scalar or vector spatial fields in real or parametric space using a PCL expression or
externally defined PCL function.
Fields Forms
Action Select Create as the action.

Object The new field will be Spatial in either real (X,Y,Z) or parametric (C1,C2,C3)
space. It may be either scalar or vector in nature depending on the selections
made below.
Fields Forms
Method The new field will be defined using an input PCL expression or externally
defined PCL function.
Existing Fields Existing fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a
modification of an existing field. The selected field name will appear in the
box below.
Field Name Alternatively, enter a unique field name here.
Field Type Select Scalar or Vector as the field type. The form changes depending on the
pick.
Coordinate System Type For type Real, input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is
inappropriate. For type Parametric, select the single geometrical entity whose
parametric coordinates and space will be used for all evaluations of this field.
Coordinate System Input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Scalar Function ('X,'Y,'Z) Input a PCL command defining the field or the name of the external PCL
function file.
Note: `X,`Y,`Z changes to `C1,`C2,`C3 when Parametric is selected. The

apostrophes identify independent variables. If the coordinate system is
cylindrical or spherical, the independent variables are `R, `T, `Z or `R, `T, `P.
`T and `P in a PCL function are automatically converted into radians when
the function is evaluated.
Note: For more help, see Field Type (Vector Option), 194.
Fields Forms
Field Type (Vector Option)
Field Type Select Scalar or Vector as the field type. The form changes depending on the
pick.
Coordinate System Type For type Real, input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is
inappropriate. For type Parametric, select the single geometrical entity whose
parametric coordinates and space will be used for all evaluations of this field.
Coordinate System Enter or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Fields Forms
Vector Function `X,`Y,`Z changes to `C1,`C2,`C3 when Parametric is selected. The

apostrophes identify independent variables.
First Component Input a PCL command defining the vector field components or the names of
external PCL function files.
Second Component
The First, Second and Third Components are defined as the components in
Third Component
the frame in which the field is evaluated. The frame is specified in the
application using the field. Applied in an LBC defined in a rectangular frame
for instance, the components would be in the X, Y, and Z directions.
Fields Create (Spatial, Tabular Input)

This form is used to create scalar or vector spatial fields in real or parametric space with user supplied tabular
data. The fields may be one-, two-, or three-dimensional in nature and may be either in real or parametric
space.
Fields Forms
Fields Forms
Action A new field will be created.

Object The new field will be Spatial in either real (X,Y,Z) or parametric (C1,C2,C3)
space. It may be either scalar or vector in nature, depending on the selections
made below.
Method The new field will be defined using data tables input by the user.
Existing Fields Existing fields are displayed here. S
Field Name Enter a unique field name here. Or, to create a new field using attributes of an
existing field, highlight the existing field and type the new name here.
Coordinate System Type Select Real if the field is in X,Y,Z space. Select Parametric if it is in C1, C2,
C3 space. The form changes to the one shown on the next page if Parametric
is selected.
Coordinate System Enter or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Active Independent Select the independent variables to use. The number selected determines
Variables whether a one-, two-, or three- dimensional table input form will be displayed.
At least one variable must be selected. Select Real if the field is in X,Y,Z space,
Parametric if it is in C1, C2, C3 space.
Note: For more help, see Coordinate System Type (Parametric), 197.
Coordinate System Type (Parametric)

Fields Forms
Coordinate System Type Select Real if the field is in X,Y,Z space. Select Parametric if it is in C1, C2,
C3 space. The form changes to the one shown on the next page if Parametric
is selected.
Geometric Entity A spatial parametric field must be associated with a geometric entity. This
single geometrical entity’s parametric coordinates and space will be used for all
evaluations of this field. Select this box and either input directly or select from
the viewport using the selection tools.
Active Independent Determines whether a one-, two-, or three- dimensional table input form will
Variables be displayed. At least one variable must be selected. The labels change to 1D,
2D, and 3D when the Endpoints Only option is selected.
Input Data... Selecting this box brings up the appropriately sized and labeled input table
form.
Options... Allows you to modify the maximum table size (default is 30 x 30 x 10). Also,
the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified.
Inactive when Enpoints Only is ON.
Endpoints Only This invokes a procedure where field values are defined only at the end points
of each parametric direction. The program performs a linear interpolation in
parametric space between these points. This can also be done using the regular
table forms. Making this selection causes specialized input forms to be used
along with visual identification of selected points.
Spatial Field 1D Tabular Input

This form is used to enter tabular data into a one-dimensional table. The default maximum table length is
30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main fields application menu. The first column
heading changes depending on the independent parameter being input.
Fields Forms
Spatial Field 1D Linear Parametric Tabular Input

This form is used to input tabular data into a one-dimensional table using the Endpoints Only option
available when using parametric coordinates. Only two values are input; the field values at the beginning and
end of the curve. Intermediate values are obtained by linear interpolation in the parametric direction
Fields Forms
Endpoint Values (0) Select this box and type in the desired data value(s) to be used at the beginning
(0) and end (1) of the selected curve.
Endpoints Only (1) Select this box and type in the data value(s) at the end of the selected curve(s).
Linear interpolation in parametric space will be used for intermediate points.
Note: As each box is selected a circle will appear around the associated point in the viewport. The
parametric directions can also be displayed by turning on the “Parametric Direction” button
located on the Display/Geometric form. See Display>Geometry (p. 381) in the Patran Reference
Manual for more information.
Spatial Field 1D Tabular Input Options

This form permits the maximum number of rows of one-dimensional field tables to be increased over the
default value of 30. The method used to handle field data if a parameter exceeds the table range can also be
selected from among three different options.
Fields Forms
Maximum Number of X Select this box and increase the default maximum table size to equal or exceed
the desired table size. It is not necessary to reduce this number if smaller tables
are used.
Extrapolation Option Click on this selection box to change the method used to handle values that
may exceed the range of the table. The options are:
1. Use Closest Table Value (default)

2. Linear Extrapolation
3. Set Value to Zero
Incomplete Data Action Click on this selection box to change the way incomplete CSV file imports are
handled. The options are:
1. Abort
The import is immediately aborted.
2. Set to Zero
All missing values are set to Zero.
3. Set to User Specified Value
All missing values are set to the value in the databox below.
Fields Forms

This form is used to input tabular data into a two-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30
in both dimensions. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form.

This form is used to input tabular data into a two-dimensional table using the Endpoints Only option
available when using parametric coordinates. Four values are input; the field values at the corners of the
surface. Intermediate values are obtained by linear interpolation in both parametric directions.
Fields Forms
Enpoint Values Select each of these boxes individually and input field values at the parametric
corners of the surface(s).
Note: As each box is selected, a circle will appear around the associated point in the viewport. The
located on the Display Properties/Geometric form. See Display>Geometry (p. 381) in the Patran
Reference Manual for more information.

This form permits the maximum number of rows and columns of two-dimensional field tables to be increased
over the default value of 30. The method used to handle field data if a parameter exceeds the table range can
also be selected from among three different options.
Fields Forms
Maximum Number of X Select these boxes and increase the default maximum table size to equal or
exceed the desired table size. It is not necessary to reduce this number if
Maximum Number of Y smaller tables are used. Values do not need to be the same.
Fields Forms
Extrapolation Option Determines the method used to handle values that may exceed the range of
the table. The options are:

Incomplete Data Action Click on this selection box to change the way incomplete CSV file imports
are handled. The options are:
1. Abort
2. Set to Zero

This form is used to input tabular data into a three-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30
by 30 by 10 in X, Y, and Z (or C1, C2, and C3) respectively. This can be changed in the Options submenu
in the main Fields Application form.
Fields Forms

This form is used to input tabular data into a three-dimensional table using the Endpoints Only option
available when using parametric coordinates. Eight values are input: the field values at the corners of the
solid(s). Intermediate values are obtained by linear interpolation in the parametric directions.
Fields Forms
Enpoint Values Select each of these boxes individually and input field values at the parametric
corners of the solid(s).
Note: As each box is selected a circle will appear around the associated point in the viewport. The
located on the Display Properties/Geometric form. See Display>Geometry (p. 381) in the Patran
Reference Manual for more information.

This form permits the maximum number of rows, columns, and layers of three-dimensional field tables to be
increased over the default values. The method used to handle field data if a parameter exceeds the table range
can also be selected from among three different options.
Fields Forms
Maximum Number of X Select these boxes and increase the default maximum table size to equal or
exceed the desired table size. It is not necessary to reduce this number if
Maximum Number of Y smaller tables are used.
Maximum Number of Z
Fields Forms
Extrapolation Option Determines the method used to handle values that may exceed the range of
the table. The options are:

Incomplete Data Action Click on this selection box to change the way incomplete CSV file imports
are handled. The options are:
1. Abort
2. Set to Zero
Time Spatial Fields Create (Patran Thermal only)

This form is used to create time dependent spatial field distributions. The functionality is available only while
under the Patran Thermal preference. These fields can be referenced from heating and convective thermal
Loads/BC. The time independent variable (t) will appear as an additional active independent variable that
can be selected from the main form. The Fields/Create form is shown below.
Fields Forms
Object When the Object is Spatial and Method is Tabular Input and the Analysis
preference is PThermal, widgets to select a dynamic variable will be shown.
Method Either time or frequency or neither may be selected.
Active Independent Select X, Y, and/or Z as spatial independent variables.
Variables
Active Dynamic Variables Enable time-dependency.
Fields Forms
The capability is available for Tabular Input only. Both Real and Parametric coordinate system types are
supported. In the case Real, the coordinate system can reference a rectangular or cylindrical system.
The Input Data form provides a spreadsheet entry for the Time/Spatial independent variables and the Value.
The number of columns depend on the active independent variables selected on the Fields create form. The
table must be structured; that is, values at the same X,Y,Z spatial locations must be provided for each of the
time point.
Click in a blank cell and press Enter to clear form.
An Import utility is available on the Input Data form for comma separated value (CSV) files. These can be
saved from popular spreadsheet programs such as Excel. The value separations supported are Comma, Semi-
colon, Tab and Space.
Fields Forms
Note: CSV files can be saved from Excel or created with a text editor.
Fields Create (Material Property, Tabular Input)

This form is used to create material property tabular fields. Currently temperature, strain, strain rate, time or
frequency can be selected as the independent variable in a material property field. This form is also used to
create new fields which are modifications of existing fields.
Fields Forms
Fields Forms
Action Select the Create action.

Object Select Material Property as the type of field to be created.
Method Select the Tabular Input Method.
Existing Fields Any existing Material Property fields are displayed here. Select one if the new
field is to be a modification of an existing one.
Field Name Enter a unique field name here, or change the name of the existing field
selected.
Active Independent Select the appropriate independent variable or variables. The number selected
Variables determines whether a one-, two- or three-dimensional table input form will
be displayed. Select up to three variables from Temperature, Strain or Strain
Rate. Only one of the variables, Time or Frequency may be selected. Some
independent variables may only allows one.
Input Data... Selecting this box brings up the appropriate one-, two-, or three-dimensional
input table form.
Options... Selecting the Options menu permits changing the maximum table size. Also,
the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified.
And in the case of defining fatigue material data with Life (N) as the
independent variable, the x- and y-axes can be defined with log interpolation.
Note: Field created by this option are only used and accessible by the Materials application. Each material
property that can reference a material field also filters which fields are applicable by the defined independent
variables. For example a material property that accepts only Life(N) as the independent variable, will not show
or allow other types of material fields. A property that only allows stress vs Strain (e) will only show fields
created with Strain (e) as the independent variable.
Fields Forms
Material Field 1D Data Input Table

This form is used to input tabular data into a one-dimensional Material Data table. The default maximum
table length is 30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main fields application menu. The
first column heading changes from temperature (T) to strain (e), strain rate (er), time (t), or frequency (f ),
etc. depending on the independent parameter used.
Fields Forms

This form is used to input tabular material property data into a two-dimensional table. The default maximum
table size is 30 in both dimensions. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields
Application form.
Fields Forms

by 30 by 10 in T, e, and er respectively. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields
Application form.
Fields Forms
Fields Create (Non-Spatial, Tabular Input)

This form is used to create Non-Spatial time and frequency-dependent fields. It is also used to create new
fields which are modifications of existing fields.

Object Select Non-Spatial as the type of field to be created.
Method Select the Tabular Input Method.
Fields Forms
Existing Fields Existing Non-Spatial fields are displayed here.

Field Name Enter a unique field name here. Or, to create a new field using attributes of an
existing field, highlight the existing field and type the new name here.
Scalar Field Type Select the desired Scalar Field Type. This switch is available only for the MSC
Nastran Analysis Preference. For all other Analysis Preferences, all Non-Spatial
Tabular fields are real valued scalar fields.
Active Independent Select the desired independent variable. Up to three variables may be selected
Variables for real-valued fields, but you cannot select both time and frequency. For
complex fields, the independent variable must be frequency.
Input Data... Displays the table input form.
Options... Allows you to change the maximum table size (default is 30). Also, the
treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified. And
in the case of defining frequency dependent PSDs for a random vibration
fatigue analysis with frequency (f ) as the independent variable, the x- and y-
axes can be defined with log interpolation.
Fields Create (Active Independent Variable, Input Data)

Use this form to input tabular data into a one-dimensional data table. The default maximum table length is
30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main fields application form. The first column will
show the Active Independent Variable (Time, Frequency, Temperature, Displacement, or Velocity), and the
second is the associated field value.
Fields Forms
Map Function To Table Select this option if you want to use a PCL expression or function to define
the data points. The Independent variable points used can either be those
input in the above table, or be equally spaced values as defined in the Map
Function submenu.
Fields Create (Input Data, Map Function)

This form permits a dependent field to be defined by a PCL expression or function. The PCL expression is
evaluated either at Independent variable points specified in the input table or at equally spaced intervals as
defined in this form.
Fields Forms
PCL Expression f(t) Input the PCL expression you want to use to define the time dependence. Use
‘t for the time variable.
Use Existing Time Points Select this option if you want to use the points specified in the input table.
The expression will be evaluated at those points. The Start Time, End Time,
and Number of Points databoxes will be grayed out if you select this option.
Start Time To evaluate the expression at equally spaced time points, input the starting
time, ending time and number of points here. The number of points is one
End Time plus the number of intervals.
Number of Points
Non-Spatial Field 2D Data Input Table

This form is used to input tabular non-spatial property data into a two-dimensional table. The default
maximum table size is 30 in both dimensions. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main
Fields Application form.
Fields Forms
Non Spatial Field 3D Data Input Table

by 30 by 10 in the first, second, and third independent variables, respectively. This can be changed in the
Options submenu in the main Fields Application form. The independent variables can be any three of Time
(t), Frequency (f ), Temperature (T), Displacement (u), Velocity (v), and User-Defined (UD), except that
Time and Frequency cannot be selected simultaneously.
Fields Forms
Non-Spatial Complex Scalar Field Data Input Table

This form is used to input tabular complex non-spatial property data into a one-dimensional table. The
default maximum table size is 30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields
Application form.
Fields Forms
Complex Data Format Select the format in which you would like to enter your complex data
Input Data Select this box and type in the desired value. Pushing the Return key puts this
value in the selected cell. If you have selected cells from the 2 right-hand
columns, then you may enter complex pairs. Both columns will then be
loaded simultaneously. Complex pairs may be entered as space-delimited
constants. Real-imaginary pairs may, in addition, be entered in the form of
expressions like “1+2i”, “-3i-5”, “-i”, or”-3.14159”.
Data Select a cell you wish to input a value for or a cell you wish to modify. The
selected cell frame is highlighted. If you select cells from the 2 right-hand
columns simultaneously, then you may enter complex pairs.
Map Function To Table Select this option if you want to use a PCL expression or function to define
the data points. The Independent variable points used can either be those
input in the above table, or be equally spaced values as defined in the Map
Function submenu.
Fields Forms
Fields Create (Input Complex Data, Map Function)

This form permits the components of a complex field to be defined by a PCL expression or function. The
PCL expression is evaluated either at Independent variable points specified in the input table or at equally
spaced intervals as defined in this form.
Complex Component Select the complex component that your PCL expression will represent. The
component choices are consistent with the Complex Data Format selected on
the parent form, “Non Spatial Complex Scalar Table Data”.
PCL Expression f(‘f) Input the PCL expression you want to use to define the frequency
dependence. Use ‘f for the frequency variable.
Use Existing Frequency Select this option if you want to use the frequency points specified in the input
Pts table. The expression will be evaluated at those points. The Starting
Frequency, Ending Frequency, and Number of Points databoxes will be grayed
out if you select this option.
Fields Forms
Starting Frequency To evaluate the expression at equally spaced frequency points, input the
starting frequency, ending frequency and number of points here. The number
Ending Frequency of points is one plus the number of intervals.
Number of Points
Apply When you hit Apply, the parent form spreadsheet column corresponding to
the selected complex component is updated. If the “Use Existing Frequency
Pts.” toggle is not selected, then the abscissa column is also updated. Finally,
the alternate Complex Component switch item is automatically selected in
preparation for defining the remaining complex component.
Fields Create (Non-Spatial, Discrete FEM) (SAMCEF Only)

This form is used to create a discrete FEM Field (formerly known as an LBC Field).
Fields Forms
Fields Forms

Object Select Non-Spatial.
Method Select the Discrete FEM Method.
modification of an existing field. The field name will appear in the box below.
Entity Type Select Node for nodal entities or Element for element entities (for element
select menu options, see FEM Select Icons (p. 38) in the Patran Reference
Manual).
Active Dynamic Variable Select the dynamic variable.
Options... The Options Menu allows you to change the treatment of points that lie
outside the dynamic variable range.
Non-Spatial Discrete FEM Field Tabular Input (SAMCEF Only)

This form is used to input Discrete FEM Tabular data. The default table length is 30. This can be changed
by adding and deleting rows. The default number of layers is 10. This can be changed by adding and deleting
layers. The Input Data Box changes depending on whether entities or values are selected and what is selected
on the main form.
Fields Forms
Fields Forms
Select Entity Nodes The select databoxes allow you to pick either nodes or elements off the
viewport or enter them manually. The main form determines whether you are
using Nodes or Elements and they cannot be mixed. The entities will be
highlighted in the viewport.
If more than one entity is in the select databox, the spreadsheet will be filled
out starting at the first selected cell.
The databox allows you to enter Scalar values.

Entity select a cell. If an Entity cell is chosen a select databox will appear and if a
Value cell is chosen a databox will appear.
Values
Time Value Select the layer and set the time or frequency value here.
Number to Insert Define the number of rows or layers to be inserted or appended. Defaults to 1.
Fields Create (General Field)

This form is used to create fields for any Fields object. It is also used to create new fields which are
modifications of existing General Fields.
Fields Forms
Fields Forms

Object Select one of the three objects (Spatial, Material Property, Non Spatial) as the
type of field to be created.
Method Select the General Method.
Existing Fields Any existing fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a
modification of an existing one. The selected field name will appear in the box
below.
Field Name Alternatively, enter a unique field name here, or change the name of the
existing field selected.
Manual).
Coordinate System Type Select Real, if the field is in X,Y,Z space. Parametric space is not enabled for
the General Field.
Fields Create (General Field, Input Data)

This form is used to compose the function defining a General field. The terms of the function may be
constants, independent variables or functions and appear in the textbox at the bottom of the form. The
function expression is composed using the widgets in the “Select Function Term” and “Arithmetic Operator”
frames.
Fields Forms
Function Term Type This menu allows choice of term type, function or independent variable.
Term Sub-Type This menu allows choice of term subtypes. For function terms, this is user
defined.
Select Function Term The term choices are listed here. Selecting a function displays its argument
input form; selecting an independent variable appends it to the expression.
Select Arithmetic Selecting an operator appends it to the expression.
Operator
Function Expression The Function Expression is displayed here. Typing the expression into this
form in PCL syntax is acceptable for all but function terms. Function terms
must be composed via the menus to maintain the integrity of the argument
input data.
Modify Highlighted Select this button to modify the argument data for an existing term which is
Function a function. Highlight the desired function (double clicking will do) and select
“Modify Highlighted Function.” This will display the function’s input form,
and all its current data. This button works only for terms which are functions
(terms preceded by an integer prefix). Attempting to modify terms which are
functions in the textbox via the keyboard will result in an error.
Fields Forms
Fields Create (General Field, Generic Function)

This form lists the input arguments (and data types) for a General Field Function. It is displayed when there
is no custom PCL form supplied for a General Field Function. Because it provides the user little information
about the argument requirements, it is best used with functions having self-evident argument requirements.
General Field Generic Function

Function Name: some_test()
Allowable Independent Variables:
'X 'Y 'Z 'e 'er 't 'f 'RAD
Function Argument List:
Integer
Integer
Integer
OK Cancel
Function Name This line displays the name of the function.

Allowable Independent This is the list of allowable independent variables for this function. Note
Variables temperature is not allowed for Spatial fields, and Theta is not allowed for
Material Property fields.
Function Argument List This is the list of arguments for the functions; one databox per argument. The
expected datatype is given to the left. Inputs to the databoxes must be valid
PCL syntax, all independent variables must be preceded with a “ ' “. This
example is a function requiring three integer arguments.
OK Select the “OK” button when you are satisfied with the arguments. This will
store the argument data and append the function name (and list of its
independent variables) to the Function Expression textbox in the General
Field Input Data form.
Fields Forms
Fields Create (Spatial, Discrete FEM)

This form is used to create a discrete FEM Field (formerly known as an LBC Field).

Object Select Spatial.
Method The new field will be a FEM field.
Fields Forms

FEM Field Definition Select Discrete for a discrete field.
Field Type Select Scalar or Vector as the Field Type.
Manual).
Spatial Discrete FEM Field Tabular Input

This form is used to input Discrete FEM Tabular data. The default table length is 30. This can be changed
by adding and deleting rows. The Input Data Box changes depending on whether entities or values are
selected and what is selected on the main form.
Fields Forms
Select a Node The select databoxes allow you to pick either nodes or elements off the
viewport or enter them manually. The main form determines whether you are
using Nodes or Elements and they cannot be mixed. The entities will be
highlighted in the viewport.
The databox allows you to enter either Scalar or Vector values (as set on the
main form). Scalar and vector values cannot be mixed.
Entity Select a cell. If an Entity cell is chosen a select databox will appear and if a
Value cell is chosen a databox will appear.
Values
Fields Forms
Number of Rows to Define the number of rows to be added. Defaults to 1.

Insert
Insert Rows... Adds rows to the spreadsheet after the cell selected or at the end if no cell is
selected.
If more than one entity is in the select databox, the spreadsheet will be filled
out starting at the first cell selected.
Spatial Discrete FEM Field Access by Other Applications

This form is used to input Discrete FEM Tabular data from within other applications such as Loads/BCs.
The form characteristics are similar to the Fields DFEM Fields Input Data form (p. 236) except as noted here.
Fields Forms
DFem Field Access for Loads/BCs
Field Action: Create
Discrete FEM Field Information (Loads/BCs)

Field Name
Field Type: Vector Field Entity: Node

Load 3D Field Elements into Application Region
Retain Element Sub-Entities: Edge Face
Input Vector
< 1, 1, 1 > Normalize selected vector(s)
Entity ScaleFactor Values
1 Elem 25.2.1 20.0 < .5,1, 1.5 >
2 Elem 26.3 1.0 < 10, 20, 30 >
Sort selected row(s) u Ascending uu Descending
Clear selected cell(s) Delete selected row(s)
Number of rows to insert 1 Insert row(s)
-OK- Reset Cancel
Field Action Field Action is determined by the action of the Client Application at the time
this form is displayed.
Field Name If a field referenced prior to displaying this form, its name will be inserted
here. Otherwise, a field name (maximum 31 characters) must be entered
before the field can be Created/Modified.
Fields Forms
Field Entity The field entity and data types are determined by entity & data required by
the client application.
Load 3D Field Elements Enabled if the field entities are to be loaded into the application region of the
into Application Region client after clicking OK.
Input Vector Sorts the active cells in ascending or descending order.
Entity The Scale Factor is used to scale the data in the Values column upon apply. If
a referenced field already exists when this form is displayed, the data
Scalar Factor corresponding to this field will be also be displayed. If values were inputted
Values previously with a scale factor, the scaled data will be displayed in the Values
column with an associated scale factor of 1.0.
OK OK creates/modifies the field. Reset clears the Values column and sets the
Reset scale factor column cells to 1.0--existing entities will remain. Cancel exits this
Cancel form.
Fields Create (Spatial, Continuous FEM)

This form is used to create a Continuous FEM Spatial Field.
Fields Forms
Fields Forms
Action Select Create and Spatial as the action and field type respectively.
Method The new field will be a FEM field.
FEM Field Definition Select Continuous for a Continuous FEM field.
Field Type Select Scalar or Vector as the field type.
Manual).
Mesh/Results Group This filter permits control of group selection. A group with a contour (scalar)
Filter or vector marker (vector) plot must be selected. The field data is defined by
the graphical display.
Only groups with contour or vector plots are displayed. The plots must
therefore be created before field creation. Selecting all groups causes the
listbox to display all groups (with plots) in the database. If Current Viewport
is selected, only those groups (with plots) in the current viewport are shown
in the listbox. A group must be chosen.
Options... This button displays the form to modify the Extrapolation Option and
Interpolation Method.
Spatial Continuous FEM Field Options

This form is used to change options when creating/modifying a FEM field.
Fields Forms
Extrapolation Option Extrapolation method - Choose from “Use Closest Table Value,” “Linear
Extrapolation,” or “Set to Zero.” Defaults to “Use Closest Table Value.”
2D to 3D Interpolation This feature enables the Interpolator to map a 2D field into 3D space. This is
accomplished by setting the field values constant in the direction normal to
the 2D plane.
Coordinate System Select Coordinate Frame to define interpolation.
Specify Constant Axis Toggle to enable 2D to 3D Interpolation.
Axis Normal to Interp. Switch enabled when the toggle above is set. Select one axis.
Plane
Note: 2D to 3D interpolation can only be used under a limited set of conditions. As stated above, the
interpolation is accomplished by keeping the field values constant in the direction normal to the
plane specified. For this reason, to obtain a correct 3D evaluation, the coordinate frame axis
specified must be exactly normal to the 2D field plane. For rectangular coordinate frames, any
axis may be chosen as the constant. For cylindrical and spherical coordinate frames the radial axis
(axis 1) is not valid.
Fields Show
This form contains the commands necessary to display fields, both tabular and PCL defined. The display can
either be in the form of a table, or in the form of an XY plot of the table data.
Fields Forms
Fields Forms
Action Select Show.

Select Field to Show All fields are listed in this databox. Select the one to be displayed. If a FEM
Discrete Field is selected, the switches, buttons and toggles on the form are
hidden and the Field is displayed in tabular format without having to press
Apply.
Select Independent Switches for each field variable are displayed here. Select the independent
Variables variable, or the horizontal axis of the XY plot.
Specify Range Select this submenu to specify the range of the independent variable, or set the
number of points to be used in the display. This is required for PCL defined
fields.
Post XY Plot If toggled ON, a window containing an XY plot of the field dependent
variables versus the selected independent variable will appear. If the field is
complex, then each complex component will appear in its own XY plot
window. To remove a plot from the screen, iconify it or unpost it from the XY
Plot Application form.
Unpost Current XY Removes the current XY plot window from the display. The plot window may
Window be deleted using the XY Plot application.
Additional widgets are displayed depending on the type of field selected. If a vector field is selected, then a
switch listing the vector components is displayed. You would then select the vector component that you want
shown. If a complex field is selected, then a switch listing the output complex formats is displayed. This gives
you the option to display the field as 1) real and imaginary components, 2) magnitude and phase (degrees),
3) magnitude and phase (radians), or 4) a Bode plot, which displays the magnitude in db and the phase in
degrees. If a Non-Spatial Discrete FEM field is selected, a select databox will appear allowing you to select
one or more nodes or elements as the FEM location for the XY Plot and tabular results. If you select elements,
you must select a face or edge entered in the spreadsheet.
Show Field (1D Table Display)

This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is one-dimensional.
It contains the tabular data as specified in the Specify Range submenu. The points displayed are the values
that are plotted in the XY Plot if this option was selected.
Fields Forms
Fields Forms
X These are the values of the independent variable that were either input or
computed based on parameters input in the Specify Range menu.
Value These are the values of the field corresponding to the independent variable
values.

This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is two-dimensional.
Fields Forms
computed based on parameters input in the Specify Range form.
values.
Curve This is the XY plot curve number and its associated dependent variable value.
Y
Fields Forms

This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is three-dimensional.
Fields Forms
computed based on parameters input in the Specify Range form.
values.
Curve This is the XY plot curve number and its associated Y and Z variable values.
Y, Z
Show Field (Complex 1D Table Display)

This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is one-dimensional.
It contains the tabular data as specified in the Specify Range submenu using the complex format specified on
the Ordinate Display Type switch. The points displayed are the values that are plotted in the XY Plot if this
option was selected.
Fields Forms
Plotted Complex Curves
Frequency Magnitude Phase (degrees)
Cancel
Frequency These are the values of the independent variable (Frequency) that were either
input directly or computed from parameters input in the Specify Range
menu.
Magnitude These are the values of the first complex component of the field corresponding
to the independent variable values.
Phase (degrees) These are the values of the second complex component of the field
corresponding to the independent variable values.
Show Field (1D Specify Range)

This submenu is used to define the range of the independent variable to be used in creating the XY plot. For
fields created using PCL, the number of points used to display the function must be specified.
Fields Forms
Use Existing Points If toggled ON, the plot will contain all existing points in a tabular field.
Minimum The minimum and maximum value of the independent plot variable
Maximum (horizontal axis) can be specified by changing the values in these boxes.
No. of Points The number of points used in the display is set in this box. This value must
be input for display of PCL defined fields.

Fields Forms
Independent Variable The minimum and maximum value of the independent plot variable
Range (horizontal axis) can be specified by changing the values in these boxes.
Minimum/Maximum
Fixed Independent The minimum and maximum values of the other variable is displayed.
Variable Range
Minimum/Maximum
No. of Sets This is the number of sets (curves) of the second variable. A value must be
input for PCL defined fields.

Independent Variable The minimum and maximum value of the independent plot variable
Range (horizontal axis) can be specified by changing the values in these boxes.
Minimum/Maximum
Fields Forms
Fixed Independent The minimum and maximum values of the other variable is displayed.
Variable Range
Minimum/Maximum
No. of Sets This is the number of sets (curves) of the second variable. A value must be
input for PCL defined fields.
Show Field (Discrete FEM Table Display)

This read-only table appears when a Discrete FEM Field is selected in the listbox. It contains a list of entities
and associated values in the field.
Fields Forms
Entities These are the nodes or elements in the field.

Values These are the Scalar or Vector values of the field that correspond to the
entities.
Fields Modify (Spatial, PCL Function)

This form permits modification of any existing spatial PCL defined field in the database. The modified field
replaces the original field.
Fields Forms

Method Select PCL Function as the method used to define the field.
Fields Forms
Select Field to Modify Existing Spatial fields are displayed here. Select the one you need to modify.
Rename Field As The name of the selected field appears here. Change it if desired.
Field Type The type of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used for Scalar
fields. If you change the type to Vector, the form changes to the one shown on
the next page.
Coordinate System Type The Coordinate System Type of the selected field is indicated here. Change it
if desired.
Coordinate System The reference coordinate frame of the selected field is indicated here. Change
it if desired.
Scalar Field Function The PCL command defining the field or the name of the external PCL
function file is displayed here. Change it as desired. Note that ’X,’Y,’Z changes
to ’C1,’C2,’C3 when Parametric is selected.
Options... This button displays the form to modify the Extrapolation Option and
Interpolation Method.
Fields Modify (Spatial, Tabular Input)

This form permits modification of any existing tabular spatial field in the database. The modified field
Fields Forms

Method Select Tabular Input as the method used to define the field.
Fields Forms
Rename Field As The name of the selected field appears here. Change it if desired.
Field Type The type of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used for Scalar
fields. If you change the type to Vector, the form changes to the one shown on
the next page.
Coordinate System Type The Coordinate System Type of the selected field is indicated here. Change it
if desired.
Coordinate System The reference coordinate frame of the selected field is indicated here. Change
it if desired.
Active Ind. Variables Select the independent variable(s) you want to use. The number selected
determines whether a one-, two-, or three-dimensional table input form will
be displayed. At least one variable must be selected.
Input Data... Selecting this box brings up the appropriate input table form.
Options... Selecting the Options menu permits changing the maximum table size
(default is 30 x 30 x 10). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the
table range may be specified.
Fields Modify (Material Property)

This form permits modification of any existing material property field in the database. The modified field
Fields Forms

Object Select Material Property.
Method Select Tabular Input.
Fields Forms
Existing Fields Any existing Material Property fields are displayed here. Select the one to be
modified.
Rename Field As The selected field name appears here. Change it if desired.
Active Independent Select the appropriate independent variable or variables. The number selected
Variables determines whether a one-, two- or three-dimensional table input form will
be displayed. Select up to three variables from Temperature, Strain or Strain
Rate. Only one of the variables, Time or Frequency may be selected at once.
Input Data... To change data in the table, select this box to bring up the table input form.
(default is 30 x 30 x 10). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the
table range may be specified.
Fields Modify (Non-Spatial)

This form permits modification of any existing Non-Spatial Tabular field in the database. The modified field
Fields Forms

Method Select Tabular Input.
Fields Forms
Select Field to Modify Any existing Non-Spatial fields are displayed here. Select one to be modified.
Scalar Field Type The selected scalar field type appears here if you are using the MSC
Nastran Analysis Preference. Change it if desired.
Active Independent Select the desired independent variable. Only one variable may be
Variables selected.
Input Data... To change data in the table, select this box to bring up the table input form.
(default is 30). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the table
range may be specified.
Fields Modify (Non-Spatial, Discrete FEM) (SAMCEF Only)

This form permits modification of any existing Non-Spatial Discrete FEM field in the database. The
modified field replaces the original field.
Fields Forms

Method Select Discrete FEM.
Fields Forms
Select Field to Modify Any existing Non-Spatial fields are displayed here. Select one to be modified.
Field Type Select Node for nodal entities or Element for element entities (for element
Manual).
Active Dynamic Variable Select the dynamic variable.
Input Data... This button displays the Input Data form as shown in the Create section.
Options... The Options Menu allows you to change the treatment of points that lie
outside the dynamic variable range.
Fields Modify (General Field)

This form is used to create fields for any Fields object. It is also used to create new fields which are
modifications of existing General Fields.
Fields Forms

Object Select one of the three objects as the type of field to be modified.
Method Select General.
Fields Forms
Coordinate System Type Select Real, if the field is in X,Y,Z space.
Parametric General Fields are not enabled in this release.
Input Data... Selecting this box brings up the General Field Input form.
Fields Modify (Spatial, Discrete FEM)

This form permits modification of any existing Discrete FEM Spatial Field in the database. The modified
Field replaces the original Field.
Fields Forms

Object Select Spatial
Method Select FEM.
Fields Forms
Select Field to Modify Any existing fields are displayed here. Select the field to be modified. The
selected field name will appear in the box below.
FEM Field Definition The field definition of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used
for Discrete FEM Fields.
Field Type The type of the existing field is indicated here. This setting affects the input
form.
Entity Type Entity type of the existing field is indicated here. This setting affects the input
form.
Fields Modify (Spatial, Continuous FEM)

This form permits modification of any existing Spatial FEM Continuous Field in the database. The modified
Field replaces the original Field.
Fields Forms

Object Select Spatial
Method Select FEM.
Fields Forms
FEM Field Definition The field definition of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used
for Continuous FEM Fields.
Field Type The type of the existing field is indicated here.
Group Name of the group results apply to.
Options... The extrapolation option and interpolation direction can be changed by
displaying the Options form. The form reflects the current field settings.
Fields Delete
This action permits any field to be deleted from the database.
Fields Forms
Action Select Delete.

Object Select the type of field to be deleted.
Fields Example
Existing Fields All fields of the type selected will appear in this databox. Select those to be
deleted.
Fields to be Deleted Selected fields appear in this databox. They can be removed from this list by
selecting them.
Fields Example
Spatial PCL Function

An analyst is required to determine the stress on a dam near its capacity. The analyst decides to neglect all but
the water pressure loads on the dam. As pressure is a function of depth, it is easily defined using a spatial field.
Since the pressure distribution can be represented by a simple formula, the PCL Function method should be
used. The configuration to be analyzed is shown below:
190 Feet
Y
Due to certain modeling considerations, the analyst decides to put the origin of his model at the base of the
dam. The analyst must now determine a formula which defines the pressure on the back of the dam in terms
of his spatial coordinate system. Since pressure = ρ • depth , it is clear that
pressure dam = ( ρ • depth total ) – ( ρ • ′Y ) .
As the density of water is 62.4 lb/ft3, and the maximum depth is 190 feet, the following PCL expression is
entered in the “Scalar Function” databox:
(62.4 * 190) - (62.4 * ‘Y)
When selected as an edge load in the Loads/BCs create pressure form, this field will generate a pressure
ranging from 0 psf at the surface to 11,856 psf at 190 feet. It is important to realize that this field is only
meaningful for Y coordinates from 0 to 190. Care must be taken not to apply this field to entities greater in
Y than 190 to prevent nonsensical negative pressures.
Fields Example
MSC.Fatigue Quick Start Guide
Index
Functional Assignmens
A K
Abaqus, 6 key highlights, 2
ACIS, 4
Index ANSYS, 6 L
assumptions, 32 limitations, 4
LS- DYNA3D, 6
C
CAD Access, 4 M
CATIA, 4 Marc, 6
MSC Fatigue, 6
D
Dytran, 6 N
Nastran, 6
E NEF, 2, 29
embedded fatigue, 2, 29
enhancements, 2 O
Operating systems, supported, 3
F
fatigue, 2, 6, 29 P
Flightloads, 6 PAMCRASH, 6
Parasolid, 4
G postprocessing, 2, 16, 20
GUI, 2 Pro/ENGINEER, 4
Behavior Change, 15
Deprecated Features, 16 Q
QT, 11 QT, 2, 11
QT Support, 11
H
Hardware, 3 R
Hardware Rendering, 16 results, 2, 20
HDF5, 2, 20
highlights, 2
S
Sinda, 6
I Software Rendering, 16
IGES, 4 Solid Works, 4
Insight, 16 STEP, 4
Supported OS levels/Hardware Platforms, 3
276 Functional Assignmens
T
Thermal, 6
U
Unigraphics, 4
user interface, 2
V
vibration fatigue, 2, 29

Patran 2023.2 Reference Manual Part 4 Functional Assignments

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Patran 2023.2 Reference Manual Part 4 Functional Assignments

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Patran 2023.

1 Introduction to Functional Assignment Tasks

2 Loads and Boundary Conditions Application

3 Element Properties Application

5 Load Cases Application

Fields Modify (Spatial, PCL Function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

Geometry FEM Model Analysis Results

Element Properties Load Cases

Material Properties Fields Loads and Boundary Conditions

This area is called Functional

Loads and Boundary

Overview of the Loads and Boundary Conditions

Summary of Key Features

Rules for Creating/Modifying/Applying Loads and

Local Coordinate System Definition

Plotting Loads and Boundary Conditions as Contours

Structural Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs

Set Type Association Element Inputs

Rotations < R1 R2 R3>

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Surf Rotations < R1 R2 R3>

Edge Translations <T1 T2 T3>

Edge Rotations < R1 R2 R3>

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Surf Rotations < R1 R2 R3>

Edge Translations <T1 T2 T3>

Edge Rotations < R1 R2 R3>

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Moment < M1 M2 M3>

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Set Type Association Element Inputs

Bot Surf Pressure

Bot Surf Pressure

Bottom Surface Temperature

Rotational Accel <a1 a2 a3>

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Rotations <R1 R2 R3>

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Rotationa l Veloc <w1 w2 w3>

Analysis Coordinate Frame

Set Type Association Element Inputs

Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

Edge Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

Edge Distr Moment <m1 m2 m3>

Stiffness in Stick (FSTIF)

Penalty Stiffness Scaling Factor

Slideline Width (W!)

A Vector Pointing from Master to

Thermal Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs (other than Patran Thermal)

Set Type Association Element Inputs

Bot Surf Convection

Bot Surf Convection

Bot Surf Heat Flux

Edge Heat Flux

Bot Surf Heat Flux

Edge Heat Flux

Thermal Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs (Patran Thermal)

Set Type Association Element Inputs

Set Type Association Element Inputs

Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis Loads/BCs Set Inputs