Patran

Patranには、有限要素モデルの形状を作成するための直接CADアクセス機能に加えて、形状作成ツールの高度なセットも含まれています。

また、Patranは、穴の削除または編集、フィレット、および面取りを行うことができる高度なフィーチャ認識機能を搭載しています。3Dソリッド形状の場合、形状に変更が行われた後、既存のメッシュおよび荷重が自動的にモデルに再適用されます

Patranは、共通の有限要素モデルの使用および高度なエンジニアリング解析の実行、および設計最適化とトポロジー最適化機能を用いて設計を向上するために、MSC Nastranをサポートするように構成されています。

MSC Nastranに加え、Patranは、MSCによって開発された他のソルバー（Marc、Dytran、MSC Sinda）だけでなく、Abaqus、Ansys、LS-Dyna、Pamcrashなどのソルバーもサポートするので、さまざまな解析において複数のソルバーを使用する必要がある場合でも、単一のグラフィカルユーザー環境で作業することが可能です。

Patranは、構造、熱、疲労、流体、電磁場解析、または合成値がそれぞれの有限要素または節点に関連付けられている他のアプリケーションとの関係に対して、結果を表示します。イメージングは、解析の前のグラフィックシェーディングと視覚的検証を含む、Patran製品内の完全なグラフィクス機能を包含します。また、イメージングは、局所ビュー操作、局所シェーディング、複数の光源、および透過を含む、特殊なハードウェア機能を活用するいくつかのオプションを備えています。さらに、ドキュメントやウェブベースのレポートに含めるために、多くの標準的なフォーマットでイメージや動画をエクスポートすることができます。

Patran Command Language（PCL）は、Patranの中核を成すプログラミング言語です。PCLは、従来のプログラミング言語にみられる多くの機能を提供する高レベルなブロック構造言語です。PCLは、アプリケーションまたはサイト固有のコマンドの記述、さまざまなモデリングの実行、および商用または内製のソフトウェアプログラムとより完全に統合するために使用できます。

Q: Is Patran still being developed and supported?

A: Yes! Patran is currently on a bi-annual release cycle, with new capabilities and enhancements added every year. Recent releases have improved Patran’s user experience and expanded MSC Nastran support. No other software supports MSC Nastran pre- and post-processing capabilities as comprehensively as Patran.

Some of the latest MSC Nastran features supported in Patran include initial geometric imperfection buckling, nonlinear buckling, initial contact distance check, flexible glued contact, automatic contact generation, pyramid element creation and large rotation bolt modelling.

Q: Can I still buy Patran?

A: Yes, you can still buy Patran. Patran is available with either MSC One tokens or as a bundle with MSC Apex. With the combination of MSC Apex and Patran, you get the direct modelling capabilities of MSC Apex and Patran’s unparalleled support for MSC Nastran. You won’t miss out on any features, and you’ll be able to choose the best tools for your workflow.

Q: When should I use Patran over MSC Apex?

A: Both MSC Apex and Patran are powerful pre- and post-processors, but there are some circumstances where Patran truly excels. For example, if you’re using a solver other than MSC Nastran, you may find that Patran offers more processing capabilities.

Some capabilities of MSC Nastran are also only supported in Patran, such as aeroelasticity. MSC Apex supports MSC Nastran solutions 101, 103, 105, 111, and 400—for other MSC Nastran solutions, you may choose to construct the model (CAD-to-mesh) in MSC Apex, and then use Patran for the final attribution and solution setup.

You’ll want to use Patran when post-processing older models with results in XDB or master/dball formats. Patran is also the best tool for orphan mesh edits in typical aerospace global FEM models.

Patran is still the all-around best tool for post-processing MSC Nastran models. MSC Apex is continuously adding capabilities, but we offer both MSC Apex and Patran as a combination so you never miss out on features or capabilities.

Q: When should I use MSC Apex along with Patran?

A: MSC Apex is a powerful solution for moving from CAD to mesh. Whether you’re de-featuring, idealizing, or cleaning geometry, MSC Apex offers robust functionality. Direct model interaction along with automatic model updates makes MSC Apex the perfect choice for handling geometry and meshing.

Patran offers tools for transferring geometry and mesh from MSC Apex to Patran while maintaining associativity, making them a powerful duo when used together.

Q: Why should I update my older version of Patran to a newer version?

A: Patran gets better with every new version and includes more support for MSC Nastran. You may be missing out on these enhancements by not upgrading. In addition, if you’re using an older version of Patran and don’t have the Patran and MSC Apex combination, you might be limiting your modelling and meshing capabilities.

Q: What is the Patran Command Language (PCL)?

A: PCL is the Patran command language. PCL is very useful for automating workflows and processes in Patran. PCL can be used to create interactive forms, select items from the viewports, and perform other tasks to streamline your workflows.

Q: Does Patran only work with MSC Nastran?

A: Patran also works with other MSC solvers such as Dytran and Marc. In addition to seamless support for MSC Nastran, Marc, and Dytran, Patran also works with solvers such as Abaqus (Simulia) and Ansys.

Q: What solvers does Patran work best with?

A: Patran is most powerful when used with MSC Nastran, but Patran also supports a wide range of solvers in addition to MSC Nastran.

Q: Why should I learn to use Patran?

A: Patran is the industry standard for many large aerospace OEMs for pre- and post-processing for MSC Nastran. Patran’s development team has worked closely with users over many years to help users develop efficient workflows.

Patran follows the development of MSC Nastran closely, meaning new capabilities in MSC Nastran are supported in Patran—sometimes before they’re supported in other software.

Q: I’m an aspiring FE analyst. Will I need to know how to use Patran as I start my career?

A: Patran is one of the most widely used pre- and post-processors in the world. Having experience with Patran may give you a head-start in your career. You will likely be expected to use the solution your organization works with, but because Patran is standard in many industries you will likely encounter it in your career.