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Patran 2008 r1

Interface To ANSYS
Preference Guide

Main Index
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Main Index
Contents
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

1 Overview
Purpose 2
ANSYS Product Information 3

What is included with this Product? 4


ANSYS Input File Reader 4

Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran 6

Configuring the ANSYS Submit File 9

2 Building A Model
Introduction to Building a Model 12

Coordinate Frames 16

Finite Elements 17
Nodes 18
Elements 19
Multi-Point Constraints 20
DOF Lists 26

Patran Material Library 29


Materials Form 30

Element Properties 65
Element Properties Form 65

Loads and Boundary Conditions 139


Loads & Boundary Conditions Form 140

Load Cases 153


Load Cases Form 154

Wavefront Optimization 155

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ii Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
==

3 Running an Analysis
Review of the Analysis Form 158
Analysis Form 159

Translation Parameters 161

Solution Types 162

Solution Parameters 163


Linear Static 163
Nonlinear Static (ANSYS 4.4) 164
Nonlinear Static (ANSYS 5) 166
Convergence Criteria 168
Advanced Options (ANSYS 4.4) 169
Advanced Options (ANSYS 5) 170
Eigenvalue Buckling (ANSYS 4.4) 171
Eigenvalue Buckling (ANSYS 5) 173
Modal 175
Mode Expansion Parameters 176
Harmonic 177
Expansion Parameters (Multiple Solutions) 179
Expansion Parameters (One Loadstep/Substep) 180
Expansion Parameters (Specified Frequency) 181
Master Degrees of Freedom 182
Steady-State Heat Transfer 183

Select Load Cases 185

Output Requests 186


Output Requests Form 187

4 Read Results
Review of the Read Results Form 190
Read Results Form 191
Flat File Results 192
Translation Parameters 193

Select File 194

Results Created in Patran 195

Model Entities Created in Patran 204

Delete Result Attachment Form 205

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CONTENTS iii

5 Read Input File


Review of the Read Input File Form 208
Read Input File Form 208
Selection of Input File 210

Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File 211


Supported Keywords 212

6 Delete
Review of Delete Form 216

Deleting an ANSYS Job 217

7 Files
Files 228

8 Errors/Warnings
Errors / Warnings 232

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iv Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
==

Main Index
Chapter 1: Overview
Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

1 Overview


Purpose 2
 ANSYS Product Information 3

What is included with this Product? 4

Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran 6
 Configuring the ANSYS Submit File 9

Main Index
2 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Purpose

Purpose
Patran is the name of a suite of products written and maintained by MSC Software Corporation (MSC).
The core of the system is Patran, a finite element analysis pre- and postprocessor. The Patran system also
includes several optional products such as advanced postprocessing programs, tightly coupled solvers,
and interfaces to third-party solvers. This document describes the interface to ANSYS.
The Patran ANSYS Application Interface provides a communication link between Patran and ANSYS.
It also provides customization of certain features that can be activated by selecting ANSYS as the
analysis code preference in Patran.
Patran ANSYS is integrated into Patran. The casual user will never need to be aware that separate
programs are being used. For the expert user, there are four main components of Patran ANSYS: several
PCL files to provide the customization of Patran for ANSYS, PAT3ANS to convert model data from the
Patran database into the analysis code input file, and ANSPAT3 and ANS5PAT3 to translate results from
the ANSYS Revision 4.4 and Revision 5 results files, respectively, into the Patran database.
Selecting ANSYS or ANSYS 5 as the analysis code under the “Analysis Preference” menu customizes
Patran in five main areas:
1. Material Library
2. Element Library
3. MPCs
4. Loads and Boundary Conditions
5. Analysis forms
PAT3ANS converts model data directly from the Patran database into the analysis code-specific input file
format. This translation must have direct access to the originating Patran database. The program name
indicates the direction of translation: from Patran to ANSYS.
ANSPAT3 and ANS5PAT3 convert results and⁄or model data from the analysis code-specific results
file into the Patran database. These programs can be run such that the data is loaded directly into the
Patran database, or if incompatible computer platforms are being used, an intermediate file can be
created. The program name indicates the direction of translation: from ANSYS to Patran.

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Chapter 1: Overview 3
ANSYS Product Information

ANSYS Product Information


ANSYS is a general-purpose finite element computer program for engineering analyses. It is developed,
supported, and maintained by ANSYS, Inc., Southpointe, 275 Technology Drive, Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania 15317, (412) 746-3304. Please see the ANSYS User’s Manual Volume I for a general
description of ANSYS capabilities.
FLOTRAN is a general-purpose computational fluid dynamics package based on the finite element
method. It is developed, supported, and maintained by ANSYS, Inc., Southpointe, 275 Technology
Drive, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317, (412) 746-3304. Please see the FLOTRAN User’s Manual
Volume I for a general description of FLOTRAN capabilities.

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4 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
What is included with this Product?

What is included with this Product?


The Patran ANSYS product includes all of the following items:
1. PCL command and library files which add all the Patran ANSYS customization definitions into
Patran. These files are named load_lib_ansys.ses and ansys.plb for ANSYS Revision
4.4A and load_lib_ansys5.ses and ansys5.plb for ANSYS Revision 5.
2. The executable programs are PAT3ANS, ANSPAT3, and ANS5PAT3 which perform the forward
and results translation of data. Although these programs are separate executables, they run from
within Patran, and are transparent to the user.
3. Script files are included to drive the programs in item 2. These script files are started by Patran
and control the running of the programs in Patran ANSYS.
4. This Application Preference User’s Manual is included as part of the product. An on-line version
is also provided to allow the direct access to this information from within Patran.
5. A template file for importing FLOTRAN results into Patran using the functionality described in
Importing Results (p. 190) in the Patran Reference Manual and the FLOTRAN .res or .rsf
files.

ANSYS Input File Reader


It is possible to read an existing ANSYS input file (jobname.inp) into Patran. This is not a fully supported
feature and must be invoked by setting a special parameter. This is done by editing the settings.pcl
file and adding the following line:
pref_env_set_logical( "shareware_input_file", TRUE )
If this setting is set to TRUE, then an additional Action item appears under the Analysis form called Read
Input File. This file can exist in the installation, local or home directories.

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Chapter 1: Overview 5
What is included with this Product?

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6 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran

Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran


Creation of an ANSYS or ANSYS 5 Template Database
Two versions of the Patran database are delivered with Patran. Both reside in the <installation_directory>
directory and they are named base.db and template.db. base.db is a Patran database into which no analysis
code specific definitions, such as element types and material models, have been stored. template.db is a
version of the Patran database which contains most analysis code specific definitions needed by the MSC
supplied interfaces. To create a template database which contains only ANSYS and/or ANSYS
Revision 5 specific definitions, these steps should be followed:
1. Within Patran open a new database using base.db as the template.
2. Enter “load_ansys()” into the command line for ANSYS Revision 4.4A, or
“load_ansys5()” for ANSYS Revision 5, or both to have both ANSYS Revisions available.
3. Save this database under a name like “ansys.db” to be your new “ANSYS only” template
database.
4. From then on, when opening a new database, choose “ansys.db” as your template database.
Any databases derived from base.db may not contain the needed ANSYS specific definitions needed
to run the Patran ANSYS interface. But, ANSYS specific definitions can be added to any database at any
time by simply typing “load_ansys()” or “load_ansys5()” into the Patran command line while
the target database is the database currently opened by Patran. Due to the savings in size and for the sake
of simplicity it is highly recommended “template.db” not be used as a template database and that the
user create his or her own unique template database which contains only the analysis code specific
definitions pertaining to the analysis codes of immediate interest. For more details about adding analysis
code specific definitions to a database and/or creating unique template databases, refer to Modifying the
Database Using PCL (Ch. 1) in the PCL and Customization or to the Patran Installation and Operations
Guide.

The diagrams that follow indicate how these files and programs fit into the Patran environment. In some
cases, site customization of some files is indicated. See the Patran Installation and Operations Guide for
more information.
Figure 1-1 shows the process of running an analysis. The ansys.plb library defines the Translation
Parameter, Solution Type, Solution Parameter, and Output Request forms brought up by the Analysis
form. When the Apply button is selected on the Analyze form, a job control file, named
“jobname”.jba, is created, and the script AnsysSubmit is started. This script may need to be
modified for individual site installation. For more information see Configuring the ANSYS Submit File.
The script, in turn, starts the PAT3ANS forward conversion. Patran operation is suspended at this time.
PAT3ANS reads data from the database and creates the ANSYS input file, named “jobname”.prp. A
message file, named “jobname”.msg, is also created to record any translation messages. If PAT3ANS
finishes successfully and the user has requested it, the script will then start the ANSYS analysis.

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Chapter 1: Overview 7
Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran

Figure 1-1 Forward Translation

Figure 1-2 shows the process of reading information from an analysis results file. When the Apply button
is selected on the Read Results form, a job control file, named “jobname”.jbr, is created, and the
ResultsSubmit script is started. This script may need to be modified for individual site installation. For
more information, see Configuring the ANSYS Submit File. The script, in turn, starts the ANSPAT3 results
conversion. The Patran database is closed while this conversion occurs. A message file is created to
record any translation messages. ANSPAT3 reads the data from the ANSYS results file. If ANSPAT3 can
find the desired database, the results will be loaded directly into it. However, if it cannot find the database,
for example, if several incompatible platforms are running, ANSPAT3 will write all the data into a flat
file. This flat file can be taken where the database is, and read by using the read file selections.

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8 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran

Figure 1-2 Results Translation

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Chapter 1: Overview 9
Configuring the ANSYS Submit File

Configuring the ANSYS Submit File


During the installation of the Patran ANSYS analysis preference, the mscsetup utility creates a default
site_setup file in the installation directory. This file sets environment variables relating to Patran. To
custom configure this site_setup file consult Environment Variables (Ch. 4) in the Patran
Installation and Operations Guide.

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10 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Configuring the ANSYS Submit File

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model
Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

2 Building A Model


Introduction to Building a Model 12
 Coordinate Frames 16

Finite Elements 17

Patran Material Library 29
 Element Properties 65

Loads and Boundary Conditions 139

Load Cases 153
 Wavefront Optimization 155

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12 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Introduction to Building a Model

Introduction to Building a Model


There are many aspects to building a finite element analysis model. In several cases, the forms used to
create the finite element data are dependent on the selected analysis code and analysis type. Other parts
of the model are created using standard forms.
Under Preferences on the Patran main form is a selection for Analysis. Analysis Preferences defines the
intended analysis code which is to be used for this model.

The analysis code may be changed at any time during the model creation. This is especially useful if the
model is to be used for different analyses, in several analysis codes. As much data as possible will be
converted if the analysis code is changed after the modeling process has begun. If any problems occur
during data conversion, messages describing the problem will appear in the Patran command line. The
analysis option defines what will be presented in several areas during the subsequent modeling steps.
These areas include the material and element libraries, including multi-point constraints, the applicable
loads and boundary conditions, and the analysis forms. The selected Analysis Type may also effect the
selections in these same areas. For more details, see Preferences>Analysis (p. 431) in the Patran
Reference Manual.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 13
Introduction to Building a Model

The following tables outline the various ANSYS options supported by the Patran ANSYS Application
Preference. For further information about these options, see the ANSYS User’s Manual Volumes I and II.

Supported ANSYS Commands


The following ANSYS commands are supported.

Supported Commands
! DOMEGA ITER N REAL
ACEL EC KAN NCNV RMORE
AFWRITE ECDELE KAY,1 NEQIT SAVE
ALPHAD EMORE KAY,10 NL SFE
ANTYPE EN KAY,2 NLGEOM SFEDELE
AUTOTS /EOF KAY,3 /NOPRINT /SOLUTION
/AUX1 EP KAY,4 NROPT SOLVE
/BATCH EPDELE KAY,6 NROTAT SSTIF
BCDCNV ET KAY,7 NSUBST /STITLE
BETAD EQSLV KAY,8 NT /STRESS
BF /EXIT KAY,9 NTDELE STRSET
BFDELE EXMOD KBC NUMEXP T
/BUCKLE EXPASS KEYOPT OMEGA TB
BUCOPT EXPSOL KMPRPT OUTPR TBDATA
CE EXTMOD KNROP OUTRES TBPT
CERIG F KTEMP PODISP TBTEMP

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14 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Introduction to Building a Model

Supported Commands
CESIZE FDELE LNSRCH PONF TDELE
CNVR FINISH LOCAL PORF TIME
CNVTOL /GOPRINT LUMPM POSTR /TITLE
/COM HARFRQ LWRITE PRDISP TOFFST
CONV HF M PRED TOTAL
CP HFDELE MAT /PREP7 TREF
CRPLIM HFLOW MODOPT PRNF TUNIF
D HREXP MP PRRF
DDELE HROPT MPDATA PRSTR
DELTIM HROUT MPTEMP PSTRES
DMPRAT /INPUT,27 MXPAND R

Supported ANSYS Element Types


The following ANSYS element types are supported. Elements marked with an asterisk (*) support
ANSYS Revision 5 results, but not Revision 4.4 results. Please note that the elements are listed using the
ANSYS 5.X naming convention. For ANSYS 4.X, the elements use the “STIFFXX” naming convention,
where “XX” is the number appearing in the ANSYS 5.X element name. All listed elements are supported
for both ANSYS 4.4 and 5.X for translation from Patran into an ANSYS input file (jobname.prp).

Name Description Pages


LINK1 2-Dimensional Spar 82
PLANE2 2-Dimensional 6-Node Triangular Solid 108I 109
BEAM3 2-Dimensional Elastic Beam 93
BEAM4 3-Dimensional Elastic Beam 72
SOLID5 Coupled Field Solid 119I 135
LINK8 3-Dimensional Spar 83
LINK10* Tension-only or Compression-only Spar 89
CONTAC12 2-Dimensional Preference 87
PLANE13 2-Dimensional Coupled Field Solid 114I 132
COMBIN14 Spring-Damper 84I 85I 125
PIPE16 Elastic Straight Pipe 76
PIPE18 Elastic Curved pipe or elbow 74
MASS21 Generalized Mass 69I 70, 71
BEAM23 2-Dimensional Plastic Beam 93I 93I 93I 98
SHELL28 4-Node Quadrilateral Shear⁄Twist Panel 112I 113
LINK31 Radiation Link 123
LINK32 2-Dimensional Heat Conduction Bar 124
LINK33 3-Dimensional Heat Conduction Bar 121

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 15
Introduction to Building a Model

Name Description Pages


LINK34 Convection Link 122
PLANE35 2-Dimensional 6-Node Triangular Thermal Solid 129, 130
COMBIN40 Combination 90I 126
SHELL41* Membrane Shell 110
PLANE42 2-Dimensional Isoparametric Solid 108I 109
SHELL43 Plastic Quadrilateral Shell 104
BEAM44 3-Dimensional Tapered Unsymmetrical Beam 79
SOLID45 3-Dimensional Isoparametric Solid 116
SOLID46 8-Node Layered Solid 118
SHELL51* Axisymmetric Structural Shell 92
CONTAC52 Three-Dimensional Point-Point Contact 86
BEAM54* 2-Dimensional Tapered Unsymmetric Beam 99
PLANE55 2-Dimensional Isoparametric Thermal Solid 129I 130
SHELL57 Isoparametric Quadrilateral Thermal Shell 128
SHELL63 Elastic Quadrilateral Shell 101I 106
PLANE67 Thermal -Electric 2D Solid 131
LINK68 Thermal-Electric Line 127
SOLID69 3-Dimensional Thermal Electric Solid 134
SOLID70 Isoparametric Thermal Solid 133
MASS71 Lumped Thermal Mass with Variable Heat Generation 120
SOLID72* 4-Node Tetrahedral Structural Solid with Rotations 117
SOLID73* 3-Dimensional 8-Node Structural Solid with Rotations 117
PLANE77 2-Dimensional 8-Node Isoparametric Thermal Solid 129I 130
PLANE82 2-Dimensional 8-Node Isoparametric Solid 108I 109
SOLID87 10-Node Tetrahedral Thermal Solid 133
SOIID90 3-Dimensional 20-Node Isoparametric Thermal Solid 133
SHELL91 8-Node Layered Shell 105
SOLID92 3-Dimensional Tetrahedral Structural Solid 116
SHELL93 8-Node Isoparametric Shell 104
SOLID95 3-Dimensional three-dimensional Structural Solid 116
SOLID98 Tetrahedral Coupled Field Solid 119I 135
SHELL99 8-Node Layered Shell 103
Contac48* 2D Point to Surface Contact 146
Contac49* 3D Point to Surface Contact 146

*These element types are supported indirectly through the Contact LBC see Contact (Deform-Deform).

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16 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Coordinate Frames

Coordinate Frames
Patran coordinate frames will generate the ANSYS LOCAL and NROTAT commands for nodes which
are assigned an analysis coordinate frame. Analysis coordinate frames can be specified when nodes are
created or modified, and when assigning a displacement boundary condition with an analysis coordinate
frame. All ANSYS nodes will reference the global analysis coordinate frame unless
otherwise specified.
Rectangular, Cylindrical, or Spherical coordinate frames may be created. The origin and rotation angles
of the new coordinate frames are used in the LOCAL command. Due to ANSYS coordinate frame
numbering requirements, 10 will be added to the Patran coordinate frame ID when it is translated to the
ANSYS input deck.
For more information see Creating Coordinate Frames (p. 393) in the Geometry Modeling - Reference
Manual Part 2.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 17
Finite Elements

Finite Elements
Finite Elements in Patran is used to define the basic finite element construction. The Finite Elements
form appears when Finite Elements, located on the Patran main form, is chosen. Use this application to
create ANSYS nodes and elements.

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18 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Finite Elements

Nodes
Nodes in Patran will generate the ANSYS N command. Create Nodes either directly by using the Node
object, or indirectly by using the Mesh object. An ANSYS NROTAT command is generated for each
node associated to a non-global analysis coordinate frame.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 19
Finite Elements

Elements
Finite Elements in Patran assign element topology, such as Quad⁄4 which is used for standard finite
elements. The type of elements created are not determined until the element properties are assigned.
Either create elements directly, by using the Element object, or indirectly by using the Mesh object. The
element connectivity is entered using the ANSYS EN command.

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20 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Finite Elements

Multi-Point Constraints
Multi-point Constraints (MPCs) can be created from the Finite Elements form. MPCs are special element
types which define a rigorous behavior between several specified nodes. The forms for creating MPCs
are found by selecting MPC as the Object on the Finite Elements form. The full functionality of the MPC
forms are defined in Create MPC Form (for all MPC Types Except Cyclic Symmetry and Sliding Surface)
(p. 125) in the Reference Manual - Part III.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 21
Finite Elements

MPC Types
To create an MPC, first select the type of MPC to be created from the option menu. The MPC types that
appear in this option menu are dependent on the current settings of the Analysis Code and Analysis Type
preferences. The following table describes the MPC types which are supported for Patran ANSYS.

MPC Type Analysis Type Description


Explicit Structural Creates an ANSYS CE explicit MPC between a dependent
degree-of-freedom and one or more independent degrees-of-
Thermal freedom. The dependent term consists of a node ID and a
degree-of-freedom, while an independent term consists of a
coefficient, a node ID, and a degree-of-freedom. An unlimited
number of independent terms can be specified, while only one
dependent term can be specified. The constant term is obtained
from the Create MPC form.
Rigid (Fixed) Structural Creates the ANSYS CERIG command which constrains all
degrees-of-freedom at one or more dependent nodes to the
corresponding degrees-of-freedom at one independent node. An
unlimited number of dependent terms can be specified, while
only one independent term can be specified. Each term consists
of a single node. There is no constant term for this MPC type.
Rigid Structural Creates the ANSYS CERIG command which constrains only
(Pinned) the translational components. An unlimited number of
dependent terms can be specified, while only one independent
term can be specified. Each term consists of a single node. There
is no constant term for this MPC type.
CP Structural Creates an ANSYS CP command between the selected degree-
of-freedom of the independent node and the same degree-of-
Thermal freedom of one or more dependent nodes. An unlimited number
of dependent terms may be specified. Only one independent
node and degree-of-freedom may be specified. There is no
constant term for this MPC type.

Degrees-of-Freedom
When a list of degrees-of-freedom is expected for an MPC term, a listbox containing the valid degrees-
of-freedom is displayed on the form. A degree-of-freedom is valid if:
1. It is valid for the current Analysis Code Preference.
2. It is valid for the current Analysis Type Preference.
3. It is valid for the selected MPC type.
In most cases, all degrees-of-freedom which are valid for the current Analysis Code and Analysis Type
preferences are valid for the MPC type.

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22 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Finite Elements

The following degrees-of-freedom are supported by the Patran ANSYS MPCs for the various analysis
types:

Degree-of-freedom Analysis Type


UX Structural
UY Structural
UZ Structural
RX Structural
RY Structural
RZ Structural
Temperature Thermal

Note: Make sure that the degree-of-freedom selected for an MPC actually exists. For example, a node
that is attached only to solid structural elements will not have any rotational degrees-of-
freedom. However, Patran will allow you to select rotational degrees-of-freedom at this node
when defining an MPC.

Explicit MPCs
This form appears when Define Terms is selected from the Finite Elements form when Explicit is the
selected type. Use this form to create the ANSYS CE command.

Note: The equation used to define Explicit MPCs in Patran (3-1) in the Reference Manual - Part III is
different than the equation used by ANSYS. The equation used by ANSYS is: C0 = C1U1 +
C2U2 +C3U3 + ... + CnUn. This will cause the independent terms to have the opposite sign in
the ANSYS PREP7 input file than the values input in the Patran Define Terms form. The
dependent term from the Patran form will be placed in the first term (C1U1) of the equation, with
C1 set to one, to comply with the ANSYS convention.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 23
Finite Elements

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24 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Finite Elements

Rigid (Fixed)
This form appears when the Define Terms button is selected on the Finite Elements form when Rigid
(Fixed) is the selected Type. Use this form to create the ANSYS CERIG command.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 25
Finite Elements

Rigid (Pinned)
This form appears when the Define Terms button is selected on the Finite Elements form when Rigid
(Pinned) is the selected Type. Use this form to create the ANSYS CERIG command.

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26 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Finite Elements

CP
This form appears when the Define Terms button is selected on the Finite Elements form when CP is the
selected Type. Use this form to create the ANSYS CP command.

DOF Lists
Degree-of-freedom (DOF) lists can be created from the Finite Elements form. DOF Lists are a collection
of node IDs and degrees-of-freedom. The form for creating DOF Lists is found by selecting DOF Lists
as the Object on the Finite Elements form. The full functionality of the DOF List forms is defined in
Creating DOF List (p. 132) in the Reference Manual - Part III.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 27
Finite Elements

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28 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Finite Elements

Define Terms
This form appears when the Define Terms button is selected on the Finite Elements form when
DOF List is the selected Type. Use this form to create the ANSYS M command for each node,
DOF combination selected.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 29
Patran Material Library

Patran Material Library


The Materials form will appear when the Materials toggle, located on the Patran main form, is chosen.
The selection made on this form will determine which materials form will be presented, and ultimately,
the material to be created.

The following pages give an introduction to the Materials forms, followed by definitions of all the
materials properties supported by the Patran ANSYS Application Preference.
References to externally defined materials (i.e., materials whose property values are not defined in
Patran) will result in a special comment and the creation of either the ANSYS ISOTROPIC or
ORTHOTROPIC option with zero values for all properties.

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30 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran Material Library

Materials Form
This form appears when Materials is selected on the main menu. The Materials form is used to create
ANSYS materials, and provides the following options.

The following table outlines the available Input Properties options when Create is the selected Action and
Structural is the selected Analysis Type.
.

Note: Set the Analysis Type on the Analysis Preferences form by selecting Preferences on the main
form.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 31
Patran Material Library

Object Option 1 Option 2


Isotropic • Elastic
• Nonlinear Elastic
• Plastic • von Mises
• Multilinear Isotropic
• Failure • Tsai-WU
• Maximum Strain
• Maximum Stress
• Electric
• Piezoelectric
3D Orthotropic • Elastic
• Plastic • von Mises
• Multilinear Isotropic
• Electric
• Failure • Tsai-Wu
• Maximum Strain
• Maximum Stress
• Piezoelectric
3D Anisotropic • Elastic
• Failure • Tsai-Wu
• Maximum Strain
• Maximum Stress
• Electric
• Piezoelectric
Composite • Laminate
• Rule of Mixtures
• Hal Cont. Fiber
• Hal Disc. Fiber
• Hal Cont. Ribbon
• Hal Disc. Ribbon
• HAL Particulate
• Short Fiber 1D
• Short Fiber 2D

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The following table outlines the options when Create is the selected Action and Thermal is the selected
Analysis Type.

Note: Set the Analysis Type on the Analysis Preferences form by selecting Preferences on the main
menu.

Object Option 1
Isotropic • Thermal
• Electric
3D Orthotropic • Thermal
• Electric
3D Anisotropic • Thermal
• Electric
Composite • Laminate
• Rule of Mixtures
• HAL Cont. Fiber
• HAL Disc. Fiber
• HAL Cont. Ribbon
• HAL Disc. Ribbon
• HAL Particulate
• Short Fiber 1D
• Short Fiber 2D

Isotropic

Elastic
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
Isotropic Elastic

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 33
Patran Material Library

Use this form to create the ANSYS material property commands (MP). These properties (except for
Reference Temperature) may be either real scalar values or references to tabular fields of values versus
temperature. If a tabular field is referenced, the appropriate MPTEMP and MPDATA commands will be
created instead of the MP command.

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Nonlinear Elastic
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
Isotropic Nonlinear Elastic

Note: The ANSYS program allows only 5 data points to define the curve for ANSYS Revision 4.4.
ANSYS 5 will allow 100 points. Similarly, ANSYS 4.4 allows only 5 temperatures and ANSYS
5 allows 20. Keep this in mind when defining your fields.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 35
Patran Material Library

Plastic
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
Isotropic Plastic

Note: The ANSYS program allows only 5 data points to define the curve for ANSYS Revision 4.4.
ANSYS 5 will allow 100 points. Similarly, ANSYS 4.4 allows only 5 temperatures and
ANSYS 5 allows 20. Keep this in mind when defining your fields.

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Failure
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1 Option 2


Isotropic Failure Tsai-Wu

Use this form to create the ANSYS NL commands (ANSYS 4.4) or TB, TBTEMP, and TBDATA
commands (ANSYS 5). For ANSYS Revision 5 the TB, FAIL and TBTEMP,CRIT commands are
written to indicate failure criteria which are being written. These are followed by a TB DATA, 1, 1
command to indicate a Tsai-Wu failure criteria is being defined. If a reference temperature is specified a
TBTEMP command will be written.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 37
Patran Material Library

Failure
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1 Option 2


Isotropic Failure Maximum Strain

Maximum Stress

Use this form to create the ANSYS NL commands (ANSYS 4.40 or TB,TBTEMP, and TBDATA
commands (ANSYS 5) for failure theory definition.

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Patran Material Library

Electric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
Isotropic Electric

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 39
Patran Material Library

Piezoelectric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
Isotropic Piezoelectric

Note: The Data input follows the ANSYS convention. This may be different from the material data
provided by several standards organizations. Confirm order of data presentation prior to
entering the data into these forms.

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40 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran Material Library

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 41
Patran Material Library

This is a list of data input, available for defining the Piezoelectric criteria, which was not shown on the
previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Piezo Matrix Term 51 = Continuation of the definition of the terms of the Piezoelectric matrix.
These are written as the terms 133 through 150 of the NL table for
Piezo Matrix Term 52 = ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5 the LAB parameter of the TB command is
Piezo Matrix Term 53 = set to PIEZO and the data are written using the TBDATA command.

Piezo Matrix Term 61 =

Piezo Matrix Term 62 =

Piexo Matrix Term 63 =

3D Orthotropic

Elastic
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Orthotropic Elastic

Use this form to create the ANSYS material property commands (MP). These properties (except for
Reference Temperature) may be either real scalar values or references to tabular fields of values versus
temperature. If a tabular field is referenced, the appropriate MPTEMP and MPDATA commands will be
created instead of the MP command.

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Patran Material Library

This is a list of data input, available for defining the 3D Orthotropic criteria, which was not shown on the
previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Coeff of Thermal Exp 11 Defines the coefficient of thermal expansion for the material. These
will be written to the input file using the MP command with the LAB
Coeff of Thermal Exp 22 parameter set to ALPX, ALPY, and ALPZ.
Coeff of Thermal Exp 33
Reference Temperature Defines the stress free temperature. It is entered using the REFT
property name on the MP command. This parameter is supported only
by ANSYS 5.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 43
Patran Material Library

Plastic
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Orthotropic Plastic

Note: The ANSYS program allows only 5 data points to define the curve for ANSYS Revision 4.4.
ANSYS 5 will allow 100 points. Similarly, ANSYS 4.4 allows only 5 temperatures and ANSYS
5 allows 20. Keep this in mind when defining your fields.

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44 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran Material Library

Electric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Orthotropic Electric

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 45
Patran Material Library

Failure
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1 Option 2


3D Orthotropic Failure Tsai-Wu

Use this form to create the ANSYS NL commands (ANSYS 4.4) or TB, TBTEMP, and TBDATA
commands (ANSYS 5). For ANSYS Revision 5 the TB, FAIL and TBTEMP,CRIT commands are
written to indicate failure criteria which are being written. These are followed by a TB DATA, 1, 1
command to indicate a Tsai-Wu failure criteria is being defined. If a reference temperature is specified a
TBTEMP command will be written.

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Patran Material Library

This is a list of data input, available for defining the Tsai-Wu failure criteria, which was not shown on the
previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties
.

Property Name Description


Interaction Term 12 Defines the X-Y, Y-Z, and X-Z coupling coefficients. For ANSYS 4.4,
these are entered in the 211th, 217th, and 223rd columns of the NL
Interaction Term 23 table, using the NL command. For ANSYS 5, these are entries 18
Interaction Term 13 through 20 in the TBDATA command.

Failure
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1 Option 2


3D Orthotropic Failure Maximum Strain

Maximum Stress

Use this form to create the ANSYS NL commands for failure theory definition.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 47
Patran Material Library

Piezoelectric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Othotropic Piezoelectric

Note: The Data input follows the ANSYS convention. This may be different from the material data
provided by several standards organizations. Confirm order of data presentation prior to
entering the data into these forms.

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48 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran Material Library

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 49
Patran Material Library

This is a list of data input, available for defining the Piezoelectric criteria, which was not shown on the
previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Piezo Matrix Term 51 = Continuation of the definition of the terms of the Piezoelectric matrix.
These are written as the terms 133 through 150 of the NL table for
Piezo Matrix Term 52 = ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5 the LAB parameter of the TB command
Piezo Matrix Term 53 = is set to PIEZO and the data are written using the TBDATA command.

Piezo Matrix Term 61 =

Piezo Matrix Term 62 =


Piexo Matrix Term 63 =

3D Anisotropic

Elastic
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Anisotropic Elastic

Note: The Data input follows the ANSYS convention. This may be different from the material data
provided by several standards organizations. Confirm order of data presentation prior to
entering the data into these forms.

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50 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran Material Library

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 51
Patran Material Library

This is a list of data input, available for defining the Piezoelectric criteria, which was not shown on the
previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Stiffness 62 Continuation of the Definition of the terms of the anisotropic stiffness
Stiffness 33 matrix. These are entered as terms 271 through 291 of the NL table
Stiffness 43 for ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5, the LAB parameter of the TB
stiffness 53
Stiffness 63 command is set to ANEL and the data are written using the TBDATA
Stiffness 44 command.
Stiffness 54
Stiffness 64
Stiffness 55
Stiffness 65
Stiffness 66
Density Defines the mass density. It is entered using the DENS property name
on the MP command.
Coeff of Thermal Exp 11 Defines the coefficient of thermal expansion for the material. These
Coeff of Thermal Exp 22 will be written to the input file using the MP command with the LAB
Coeff of Thermal Exp 33 parameter set to ALPX, ALPY, and ALPZ.
Reference Temperature Defines the stress free temperature. It is entered using the REFT
property name on the MP command. This parameter is supported only
by ANSYS 5.

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Patran Material Library

Failure
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1 Option 2


3D Anisotropic Failure Tsai-Wu

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 53
Patran Material Library

This is a list of data input, available for defining the Tsai-Wu failure criteria, which was not shown on the
previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Interaction Term 12 Defines the X-Y, Y-Z, and X-Z coupling coefficients. For ANSYS 4.4,
Interaction Term 23 these are entered in the 211th, 217th, and 223rd columns of the NL
Interaction Term 13 table, using the NL command. For ANSYS 5, these are entries 18
through 20 in the TBDATA command.

Failure
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

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Patran Material Library

Object Option 1 Option 2


3D Anisotropic Failure Maximum Strain

Maximum Stress

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 55
Patran Material Library

Electric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Anisotropic Electric

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56 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Patran Material Library

Piezoelectric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3DAnisotropic Piezoelectric

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 57
Patran Material Library

This is a list of data input, available for defining the Piezoelectric criteria, which was not shown on the
previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Piezo Matrix Term 51 = Continuation of the definition of the terms of the Piezoelectric matrix.
Piezo Matrix Term 52 = These are written as the terms 133 through 150 of the NL table for
Piezo Matrix Term 53 = ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5 the LAB parameter of the TB command
Piezo Matrix Term 61 =
Piezo Matrix Term 62 = is set to PIEZO and the data are written using the TBDATA command.
Piexo Matrix Term 63 =

Isotropic (Thermal)
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
Isotropic Thermal

Use this form to create the ANSYS material property commands (MP). These properties may be either
real scalar values or references to tabular fields of values versus temperature. If a tabular field is
referenced, the appropriate MPTEMP and MPDATA commands will be created instead of the
MP command.

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Patran Material Library

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 59
Patran Material Library

Electric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
Isotropic Electric

3D Orthotropic (Thermal)
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Orthotropic Thermal

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Use this form to create the ANSYS material property commands (MP). These properties may be either
real scalar values or references to tabular fields of values versus temperature. If a tabular field is
referenced, the appropriate MPTEMP and MPDATA commands will be created instead of the
MP command.

Electric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Orthotropic Electric

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Patran Material Library

3D Anisotropic (Thermal)
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Anisotropic Thermal

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Electric
This form appears when the Input Options button is selected on the Materials form when the following
is applied.

Object Option 1
3D Anisotropic Electric

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 63
Patran Material Library

Composite
The Composite forms are used to create new materials by combining existing materials. All of the
composite materials, with the exception of the laminated composites, can be assigned to elements, as any
homogeneous material, through the element property forms. For the laminated composites, the section
thickness is entered indirectly through the definition of the stack. The Homogeneous option for shells,
plates and beam, must be changed to Laminate to avoid reentry of this information.
For details on entering data on the Composite forms, refer to the Composite Materials Construction
(p. 116) in the Patran Reference Manual.

Laminated
This form appears when Composite is the selected Object and Laminate is the selected Method on the
Materials form. Use this form to create the ANSYS real constant cards associated with the composite

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Patran Material Library

elements. This may be used with SHELL91, SHELL99, or SOLID46 elements only. Layers are numbered
from the bottom of the element.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 65
Element Properties

Element Properties
The Element Properties form appears when the Element Properties toggle, located on the Patran main
form, is chosen. When creating an element property several options are available. The selections made
on these forms will determine which Element Properties form will appear, and ultimately, which ANSYS
element will be created.

The following page gives an introduction to the Element Properties form, followed by definitions of the
element properties supported by the Patran ANSYS Application Preference.

Element Properties Form


This form appears when Element Properties is selected on the main form. Four option menus are used to
determine which ANSYS element types will be created, and which property forms will be displayed. The
individual property forms are explained later in this section. For more information on the Element
Properties form, see Create Element Property Sets (p. 67) in the Patran Reference Manual.

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Element Properties

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 67
Element Properties

The following table outlines the options when the Analysis Type is set to Structural There is more
information on the Element Property input forms following the tables
.

Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2


0D • Mass • UX,UY
• UX,UY,UZ
• UX,UY,RZ,
• UX,UY,UZ,RX,RY,RZ
1D • Beam • General Section
• Curved w/Pipe Section
• Pipe Section
• Tapered Section
• Planar Spar
• Spar
• Spring/Damper • Standard Formulation
• Fixed Direction
• Gap
• Planar Gap
• Cable
• Combination
• Axisym Shell
• Planar Beam • General Section
• Circular Section
• General Plastic Section
• Pipe Section
• Rectangular Section
• Tapered Section
2D • Thin Shell • Homogeneous
• Laminate
• Thick Shell • Homogeneous
• Laminate
Bending Panel
• 2D Solid • Plane Strain
• Plane Stress
• Axisymmetric

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Element Properties

Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2


• Membrane
• Shear Panel
• Twist Panel
• 2D Coupled Field • Plane Strain
Solid • Plane Stress
• Axisymmetric
3D • Solid • Homogeneous • Standard Formulation
• Rotational DOF
• Laminate
• Coupled Field Solid • Voltage
• Magnetic Flux
• UX,UY,UZ
• UX,UY,UZ,Temp,
Volt,Mag Flux

The following table outlines the options when the Analysis Type is set to Thermal.There is more
information on the Element Properties input forms following this table

Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2


0D • Mass
1D • Link • 3D Conduction

Convection

Radiation
• 2D Link
• Spring/Damper
• Combination
• Thermal - Electric Link
2D • Shell
• 2D Solid • Planar
• Axisymmetric
• Thermal - Electric 2D Solid • Planar
• Axisymmetric

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 69
Element Properties

Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2


• 2D Coupled Field Solid • Temperature
• Magnetic Flux
3D • Solid
• Thermal - Electric Solid
• Coupled Field Solid

Structural Mass (MASS21)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 0D Mass UX, UY Point/1

UX, UY, UZ

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Element Properties

Use this form to create the MASS21 (Generalized Mass) elements. KEYOPT(3) is defined by the
selection of option 1 to be either 2, or 4. When UX,UY is selected, KEYOPT(3) is set to 4. When
UX,UY,UZ is selected KEYOPT(3) is set to 2.

2D Structural Mass with Rotation


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 0D Mass UX, UY, RZ Point/1

Use this form to create the MASS21 (Generalized Mass) elements. KEYOPT(3) is set to 3.

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Element Properties

3D Structural Mass with Rotation


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 0D Mass UX, UY, UZ, RX, RY, RZ Point/1

Use this form to create the MASS21 (Generalized Mass) elements. KEYOPT(3) is set to 0.

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Element Properties

3D Elastic Beam (BEAM4)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Beam General Section Bar/2

Use this form to create the BEAM4 (Three-Dimensional Elastic Beam) elements.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 73
Element Properties

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74 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the 3D elastic Beam (BEAM4) which were not shown
on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Theta Theta defines an additional rotation from the beam Orientation data. After
the beam orientation is initially established using the Beam Orientation Def
data, the Theta rotation is made around the local X-axis to define the final
local coordinate system. This is the THETA real constant. This value can
either be a real scalar or a reference to an existing field definition. This
property is optional.
Initial Strain Initial Strain defines the initial strain built into the element. This is the
INITIAL STRAIN real constant. This value can either be a real scalar or a
reference to an existing field definition. This property is optional.
Ixx Ixx defines the torsional moment of inertia about the local x-axis. This is the
IXX real constant. This value can either be a real scalar, or a reference to an
existing field definition. This property is optional.
Z Shear Constant Z and Y Shear Constants are the ratios of the actual beam cross-sectional
area to the effective area resisting shear deformation in the Z and Y
Y Shear Constant directions. These are the SHEARZ and SHEARY real constants. These
values can either be real scalars or references to existing field definitions.
These properties are optional.
Mass Matrix Option Mass Matrix Option defines the type of mass matrix to be used for these
elements. This defines the setting of KEYOPT(1). This value is a character
string, which can be set either to consistent, or reduced. This property is
optional. However, if it is not defined, consistent will be assumed.
Node Location Option Node Location Option defines the setting of KEYOPT(3). This defines how
the beam is oriented with respect to the nodes. This value can be set to origin
of Y-Z axes, centroid, or shear center. This property is optional.

Curved Pipe (Elbow) (PIPE18)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Beam Curved Pipe (Elbow) (PIPE18) Bar/2

Use this form to create the PIPE18 (Elastic Curved Pipe (Elbow)) elements
.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

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Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the Curved Pipe (Elbow) (PIPE18) which were not
shown on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

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76 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Property Name Description


[Strs Intns. Factor @ 1] Define the stress intensity factor at end I and end J of the beam. These
are the SIFI and SIFJ real constants. These properties are optional.
[Flexibility] Defines the flexibility factor. This is the FLEX real constant. This
property is optional.
[Internal Fluid Density] Defines the density of the fluid contained in the pipe. This is the
DENSFL real constant. This property is optional.
[Ext Insulation Density] Defines the density of the external insulation applied to the pipe. This
is the DENSIN real constant. This property is optional.
[Ext Insulation Thick] Defines the thickness of the external insulation. This is the TKIN real
constant. This property is optional.
[Corrosion Thick Allow] Defines the allowable thickness of the corrosion on the pipe. This is the
TKCORR real constant. This property is optional.
[Temp Gradient Defn] Defines the representation of the temperature gradient. This is
KEYOPT(1). The value is a character string which can be set to either
“THRU_WALL” or “DIAMETRAL”. The KEYOPT will be set to 0 or
1 respectively. This is an optional property.
[Pipe Flex Factor Type] Defines the type of flexibility factor to be used if the FLEX real constant
is not specified. This is KEYOPT(3). The value is a character string
which may to set to “ANSYS NO PRESS TERM”, “ANSYS WITH
PRESS TERM”, or “KARMAN”. These correspond to KEYOPT
settings of 0, 1, and 2. This property is optional.
[Member Results Print] Specifies if member forces are to be printed. This is KEYOPT(6). The
value is a character string which may be set to either “NO MEMBER
PRINTOUT” or “PRNT MBR FORCE & MOMENT”. These
correspond to KEYOPT settings of 0 and 2. This is an optional property.

Elastic Straight Pipe (PIPE16)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Beam Elastic Straight Pipe (PIPE16) Bar/2

Use this form to create the PIPE16 (Elastic Straight Pipe) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 77
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the Curved Pipe (Elbow) (PIPE18) which were not
shown on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Flexibility Defines the flexibility factor. This is the FLEX real constant. This
property is optional.
[Internal Fluid Density] Defines the density of the fluid contained in the pipe. This is the
DENSFL real constant. This property is optional.
[Ext Insulation Density] Defines the density of the external insulation applied to the pipe. This
is the DENSIN real constant. This property is optional.

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78 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Property Name Description


[Ext Insulation Thick] Defines the thickness of the external insulation. This is the TKIN real
constant. This property is optional.
[Corrosion Thick Allow] Defines the allowable thickness of the corrosion on the pipe. This is
the TKCORR real constant. This property is optional.
[Insulation Surf area] Defines the surface area of the insulation applied to the pipe. This is
the AREAIN real constant. This property is optional.
[Pipe Wall Mass] Overrides the pipe wall mass calculation if a value is specified. This
is the MWALL real constant. This property is optional.
[Pipe Axial Stiffness] Overrides the pipe stiffness calculation if a value is specified. This is
the STIFF real constant. This is an optional property.
[Pipe Rotordynamic Spin] Defines the value of the rotordynamic spin. This is the SPIN real
constant. This property is optional.
[Temp Gradient Defn] Defines the representation of the temperature gradient. This is
KEYOPT(1). The value is a character string which can be set to either
“THRU_WALL” or “DIAMETRAL”. The KEYOPT will be set to 0
or 1 respectively. This is an optional property.
[Strs Intens Factr Defn] Defines which stress intensification factor(s) will be used. This is
KEYOPT(2). The value is a character string which can be set to
“FROM SIFI & SIFJ”, “NODE I TEE JOINT CALC,“, “NODE J
TEE JOINT CALC”, or “BOTH NODES TEE JNT CALC”. These
correspond to KEYOPT settings of 0, 1, 2, or 3. This is an optional
property.
[Pipe Element Type] Defines what type of pipe element this will represent. This is
KEYOPT(4). The value is a character string which can be set to
“STRAIGHT PIPE”, “VALVE”, “REDUCER”, “FLANGE”,
“EXPANSION JOINT”, “MITERED BEND”, or “TEE BRANCH”.
These correspond to KEYOPT settings of 0. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. or 6. This is
an optional property.
[Pipe Press Component] Defines which component(s) of pressure are to be used. This is
KEYOPT(5). The value is a character string which may be set to
either “NORMAL COMPONENT”, or “FULL PRESSURE”. These
correspond to KEYOPT settings of 0 or 1.
This is an optional property.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 79
Element Properties

Property Name Description


[Member Results Print] Specifies if member forces are to be printed. This is KEYOPT(6). The
value is a character string which may be set to either “NO MEMBER
PRINTOUT” or “PRNT MBR FORCE & MOMENT”. These
correspond to KEYOPT settings of 0 and 2. This is an optional
property.
[Gyro Damping Matrix] Specifies if a gyroscopic damping matrix is to be calculated. This is
KEYOPT(7). The value is a character string which may be set to
either “NO GYRO DAMP MATRIX”, or “COMPUTE GYRO
DAMP MATRIX”. These correspond to KEYOPT settings of 0 or 1.
If a gyroscopic damping matrix is to be computed, the SPIN real
constant must be greater than zero and DENSFL and DENSIN must
be zero.

Tapered Unsymmetrical Beam (BEAM44)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Beam Tapered Section Bar/2

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80 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the BEAM44 (3D Tapered Unsymmetrical Beam) elements.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 81
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the Tapered Unsymmetrical Beam (BEAM44) which
were not shown on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Area at End J Area at End J defines the cross-sectional area at each end of the
element. These are the AREA1 and AREA2 real constants. This value
can either be a real scalar or a reference to an existing field definition.
This property is required.
Z Inertia at J Defines the area moments of inertia about the Z and Y axes. These are
Y Inertia at J the IZ2 and IY2 real constants. These values can either be real scalars
or reference to existing field definitions. These properties are optional.
Z Bottom Thickness at J Z and Y Bottom Thickness defines the distances from the center of
Y Bottom Thickness at J gravity of the beam cross-section to the outermost fibers at the bottom
of the element in the Z direction at End J. These values are the TKZB2,
and TKYB2 real constants. These values are real scalars and are
optional properties.
Torsional Inertia @ I Torsional Inertia defines the torsional inertia values at the ends of the
beam. These are IX1 and IX2 real constants. These values can either
Torsional Inertia @ J be real scalars or references to existing field definitions, and are
optional properties.
Nodal Offset at I Nodal Offset defines the distance from the nodes to the actual center
of gravity of the section at each end of the beam. These are the DX1,
Nodal Offset at J DY1, DZ1, DX2, DY2, and DZ2 real constants. These values are real
vectors, and are optional properties.
Z Shear Constant Z and Y Shear Constant are the ratios of the actual beam cross-
sectional area to the effective and resisting shear deformation in the Z
Y Shear Constant and Y directions. These are the SHEARZ and SHEARY real constants.
These values can either be real scalars or references to existing field
definitions, and are optional properties.
Z Top Thickness at I, J Z and Y Top Thickness defines the distances from the center of gravity
Y Top Thickness at I, J of the beam cross-section to the outermost fibers in the positive and
negative y and z directions at either end of the element. These values
are the TKZT1, TKYT1, TKZT2 and TKYT2 real constants. These
values are real scalars and are optional properties.
Z Dir Shear Area at I, J Z and Y Dir Shear Areas define the shear areas in the y and z directions
at either end of the beam. These are the AREAZ1, AREAZ2, and
Y Dir Shear Area at I, J ARESY2 real constants. These values can either be real scalars or
references to existing field definitions, and are optional properties.

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Element Properties

Property Name Description


Torsional Shear at I Torsional Shear defines the torsional stress factors at either ends of the
beam. These are used in calculating the torsional stresses in the
Torsional Shear at J element. These are the TSF1 and TSF2 real constants. These values
can either be real scalars or references to existing field definitions, and
are optional properties.
Z Shr Ctr Offset at I, J Z and Y Shr Ctr Offset defines the offset from the center of gravity of
the section to the shear center. These are the DSCZ1, DSCY1, DSCZ2,
Y Shr Ctr Offset at I, J and DSCY2 real constants. These values can either be real scalars or
references to existing field definitions, and are optional properties. If
any of these are defined, KEYOPT(5) will be increased to 3.
Z Elast Found Stiffness Z and Y Elast Found Stiffness defines the elastic foundation stiffness
in the z and y directions. These are defined as the pressure required to
Y Elast Found Stiffness produce a unit normal deflection of the foundation. These are the
EFSZ and EFSY real constants. These values can either be real scalars
or referenced to existing field definitions, and are optional properties.
If either of these properties are defined, KEYOPT(5) will be increased
to 3.
Mass Matrix Options Mass Matrix Option defines the type of mass matrix to be used for
these elements. This defines the setting of KEYOPT(1). This value is
a character string, which can be set to either constant, or lumped, and
is an optional property. However, if it is not defined, consistent will be
assumed.
End I Releases End Release defines the end release conditions at either end of the
element. These define the settings of KEYOPTs (3) and (4). These
End J Releases values are character strings, which can be set to NONE, RX, RY, RZ,
RX&RY, or RX&RY&RZ. These properties are optional.

2D Spar (LINK1)
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Spar Bar/2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 83
Element Properties

Use this form to create the LINK1 (Two-Dimensional Spar) elements.

3D Spar (LINK8)
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Spar Bar/2

Main Index
84 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the LINK8 (Three-Dimensional Spar) elements.

Spring-Damper Axial (COMBIN14)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Spring/Damper Standard Formulation Bar/2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 85
Element Properties

Use this form to create the COMBIN14 (Spring-Damper) elements.

Spring-Damper Fixed (COMBIN14)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Spring/Damper Fixed Direction Bar/2

Main Index
86 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the COMBIN14 (Spring-Damper) elements.

3D Point-Point Contact
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Gap Bar/2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 87
Element Properties

Use this form to create the CONTAC52 (Three-Dimensional Preference) elements.

2D Point-Point Contact
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Gap Bar/2

Main Index
88 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the CONTAC12 (Two-Dimensional Preference) elements.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 89
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the 2D Point-Point Contact, which were not shown on
the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Sticking Options Defines what stiffness is to be used for the Sticking Stiffness. This defines the
setting of KEYOPT(1). This value can either be set to use sticking stiffness or
zero sticking stiffness. If use sticking stiffness is selected, the KS real constant
is used to define the sticking stiffness. If not specified, ANSYS will default to
the KEYOPT setting, corresponding to use sticking stiffness. This is an
optional property.
Gap Size Option Defines how the initial gap opening is defined. This defines the setting of
KEYOPT(4). This value can either be based on gap size value, or based on
node locations. This is an optional property. However, if not specified, base
on gap size value will be assumed.

Cable (LINK10)
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied
.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Cable Bar/2

Use this form to create the LINK10 (Cable) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
90 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Combination (COMBIN40)
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Combination Bar/2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 91
Element Properties

Use this form to create the COMBIN40 (Combination) elements.

Main Index
92 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the Combination (COMBIN 40), which were not shown
on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Degree(s)-of-freedom Defines which degree-of-freedom this element is attached to. This
defines the setting of KEYOPTs (2) and (3). This value can be set to ux,
uy, uz, rotx, roty, or rotz. This is a required property.
Mass Distribution Defines the placement of the element mass values. This defines the
setting of KEYOPT(6). This value can be set to, at node I, at node J, or
equally distributed. This is an optional property. However, if it is not
specified, at node I will be assumed.
Lock up Option Removes the gap opening capability once the gap has closed. This
defines the setting of KEYOPT(1). Allowable options are: Include, and
Do Not Include. This is an optional property.

Axisymmetric Shell (SHELL51)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Axisymmetric Shell Bar/2

Use this form to create the SHELL51(Axisymmetric Structural Shell) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 93
Element Properties

2D Elastic Beam (BEAM3)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Beam General Section Bar/2

Main Index
94 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the BEAM3 (Two-Dimensional Elastic Beam) elements.

2D Beam-Circular Section (BEAM 23)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Beam Circular Section Bar/2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 95
Element Properties

Use this form to create the BEAM23 (2D plastic beam) elements with a circular cross section
.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

2D Beam-General Sect (BEAM 23)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Beam General Plastic Section Bar/2

Main Index
96 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the BEAM23 (2D Plastic Beam) elements with a general beam section.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 97
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the 2D Beam General Section, which were not shown
on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Wt Factor@ L(-50) Defines the area weighting factors for the numerical integration of cross-
sectional properties. These are the A(-50), A(-30), A(0), A(30), and A(50)
real constants. These are required properties. For more information on these
area factors, see <bold_helvetica>Figure 2-1.
[Z shear Constant] Defines the shear deflection constant. This is the SHEARZ real constant.
This is an optional property.
[Shear Option] Specifies if shear deflection is to be included. This is KEYOPT(2). The
value is a character string which may be set to “NO SHEAR
DEFLECTION,” or “INCLUDE SHEAR DEFLECTION.” These
correspond to KEYOPT values of either 0 or 1. This is an optional property.
[Member Results Print] Specifies if member forces are to be printed. This is KEYOPT(6). The value
is a character string which may be set to either “NO MEMBER
PRINTOUT” or “PRNT MBR FORCE & MOMENT.” These correspond
to KEYOPT settings of 0 and 2. This is an optional property.

Figure 2-1 Weighting Factors for General Section (KEYOPT6=4)

Main Index
98 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Important: L(i) are weighting factors for the numerical integration of cross-sectional properties
such as area and moment of inertia. For further information on how to define the L(i) see
the ANSYS Users Manual, Volume III, Elements and Volume IV, Theory, for the
BEAM23 element.

2D Beam-Pipe Section (BEAM 23)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Beam Pipe Section Bar/2

Use this form to create the BEAM23 (2D Plastic Beam) element with a Pipe cross section.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 99
Element Properties

2D Beam-Rectangular Section (BEAM 23)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Beam Rectangular Section Bar/2

Use this form to create the BEAM23 (2D Plastic Beam) elements with a rectangular cross section.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
100 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

2D Elastic Tapered Unsymmetric Beam (BEAM 54)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 1D Planar Beam Tapered Section Bar/2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 101
Element Properties

Use this form to create the BEAM54(2D Elastic Tapered Unsymmetric Beam) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
102 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

This is a list of data input available for creating the 2D Elastic Tapered Unsymmetrical Beam (BEAM54)
which were not shown on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Parameter Name Description


Z Inertia at J Defines the area moment of inertia about the principal axis of the beam at end
J. This is the IZ2 real constant and is an optional property.
Dist. C.G. to Top at J Defines the distance from the center of gravity to the top and bottom of the
beam at end J. These are the HYT2 and HYB2 real constants and are optional
Dist C.G. to Bot at J properties.
Nodal Offset at I Nodal Offset defines the distance from the nodes to the actual center of
gravity of the section at each end of the beam. These are the DX1, DY1,
Nodal Offset at J DX2, and DY2 real constants. These values are real vectors, and are optional
properties.
Z Shear Constant Defines the shear deflection constant. This is the SHEARZ real constant. It
is an optional property.
Shear Area at I Defines the shear areas at either end of the beam. These are the AREAS1, and
AREAS2 real constants. These values can either be real scalars or references
Shear Area at J to existing field definitions, and are optional properties.
Elast Found Stiffness Defines the elastic foundation stiffness. This is the EFS real constant and is
an optional property.

Elastic Shell (SHELL63)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Thin Shell Homogeneous Tri/3, Quad/4

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 103
Element Properties

This form creates the SHELL63 (Elastic Quadrilateral Shell) elements. KEYOPT(1) is set to 0 to indicate
both bending and membrane stiffness.

Main Index
104 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the Elastic Shell (SHELL 63), which were not shown on
the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


Dist C.G to Top Defines the section height from the neutral plane to the top of bottom
fiber for computing bending stresses. These are the CTOP and CBOT
Dist C.G. to Bottom real constants. These values can either be real scalars or references to
existing field definitions. These are optional properties.
Extra Shapes Option Indicates whether extra displacement shapes are to be used in the element
formulation. This defines the setting of KEYOPT(3). This value can be
set to, INCLUDE, or DO NOT INCLUDE. This is an optional property.
Pressure Load Options Defines how distributed loads are represented within the element. This
defines the setting to KEYOPT(6). This can be set to REDUCED or
CONSISTENT This is an optional property. However, if it is not
specified, REDUCED will be assumed.
Mass Matrix Options Defines the type of mass matrix to be used for these elements. This
defines the setting of KEYOPT(7). This value is a charter string, which
can be set to either CONSISTENT, LUMPED, or REDUCED. This is an
optional property. However, if it is not defined, REDUCED will be
assumed.

100-Layer Structural Shell


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Thin Shell Laminate Tri⁄6, Quad⁄ 8

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 105
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SHELL99 (8-Node Layered Shell) elements.

Structural Shell (SHELL43/93)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Thick Shell Homogeneous Tri ⁄3, Quad⁄4
Tri ⁄6, Quad⁄8

Use this form to create the SHELL43 (Plastic Quadrilateral Shell) or SHELL93 (8-Node Isoparametric
Shell) elements, depending on the selected topology.

Main Index
106 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

16-Layer Structural Shell


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Thick Shell Laminate Tri ⁄6, Quad⁄8

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 107
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SHELL91 (8-Node Layered Shell) elements.

Bending Panel (SHELL63)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Bending Panel Tri⁄3, Quad⁄4

Main Index
108 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SHELL63 (Elastic Quadrilateral Shell) elements. KEYOPT(1) is set to 2 to
indicate bending stiffness only.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 109
Element Properties

This is a list of data input, available for creating the Bending Panel (SHELL63), which were not shown
on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Property Name Description


[Bending Inertia Ratio] Defines the ratio of the bending moment of inertia to be used to that
calculated from the input thickness. This is the RMI real constant.
This value can either be a real scalar or a reference to an existing field
definition. This is an optional property.
Dist C.G to Top Defines the section height from the neutral plane to the top of bottom
fiber for computing bending stresses. These are the CTOP and CBOT
Dist C.G. to Bottom real constants. These values can either be real scalars or references to
existing field definitions. These are optional properties.
Extra Shapes Option Indicates whether extra displacement shapes are to be used in the
element formulation. This defines the setting of KEYOPT(3). This
value can be set to INCLUDE, or DO NOT INCLUDE. This is an
optional property.
Pressure Load Options Defines how distributed loads are represented within the element.
This defines the setting to KEYOPT(6). This can be set to REDUCED
or CONSISTENT. This is an optional property. However, if it is not
specified, REDUCED will be assumed.
Mass Matrix Options Defines the type of mass matrix to be used for these elements. This
defines the setting of KEYOPT(7). This value is a character string,
which can be set to either CONSISTENT or REDUCED. This is an
optional property. However, if it is not defined, Reduced will be
assumed.

2D Plane Solid
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D 2D Solid Plane Strain Tri⁄ 3, Quad⁄4
Tri⁄ 6, Quad⁄8
Axisymmetric

Use this form to create either the PLANE2 (2-D, 6-Node Triangular Solid), the PLANE42 (2D
Isoparametric Solid), or the PLANE82 (2-D, 8-Node Isoparametric Solid) elements, which depends on
the selected topology. KEYOPT(3) is set to define either axisymmetric or plane strain behavior,
depending on the selection for option 1.

Main Index
110 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

2D Plane Stress Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D 2D Solid Plane Stress Tri ⁄3, Quad⁄4
Tri ⁄6, Quad⁄8

Use this form to create either the PLANE2 (2-D, 6-Node Triangular Solid), the PLANE42 (2D
Isoparametric Solid), or the PLANE82 (2-D, 8-Node Isoparametric Solid) elements, which depends on
the selected topology. KEYOPT(3) is set to define plane stress behavior.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 111
Element Properties

Membrane Shell (SHELL41)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Membrane Tri/3, Quad/4

Use this form to create the SHELL41(Membrane Shell) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
112 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 113
Element Properties

This is a list of data input available for creating the Membrane Shell (SHELL41) which were not shown
on the previous page. Use the scroll bars to view these properties.

Parameter Name Description


Elastic Found Stiffness Defines the elastic foundation stiffness. This is defined as the
pressure required to produce a unit normal deflection of the
foundation. This is the EFS real constant. This value can either be a
real scalar or a reference to an existing field definition. This is an
optional property.
Stiffness Dir Options Defines the stiffness behavior of the element to specify if the element
has stiffness in both tension and compression or if it has stiffness only
in tension and will collapse in compression. This defines the setting
of KEYOPT(1). This is a optional property.
Extra Shapes Option Indicates whether extra displacement shapes are to be used in the
element formulation. This defines the setting of KEYOPT(3). This
value can be set to INCLUDE or DO NOT INCLUDE. This is an
optional property.

Shear Panel (SHELL28)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Shear Panel Quad⁄4

Main Index
114 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SHELL28 (4-Node Quadrilateral Shear⁄Twist Panel) elements.

Twist Panel (SHELL28)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Twist Panel Quad⁄ 4

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 115
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SHELL28 (4-Node Quadrilateral Shear⁄Twist Panel) elements.

Main Index
116 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

2D Plane Coupled Field Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2 Topologies


Structural 2D 2D Coupled Plane Strain Magnetic Flux Tri/3,
Field Solid
Plane Stress UX, UY Quad/4

Axisymmetric UX,UY,Temp,Mag
Flux

Volt, Mag Flux

UX,UY,Volt

Use this form to create the PLANE13 (2D Coupled-Field Solid) elements. KEYOPT(3) will be set
appropriately to specify if the element is plane strain, plane stress, or axisymmetric, depending upon the
selection for Option 1. KEYOPT(1) will be set depending on the selection for Option 2.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 117
Element Properties

Structural Solid
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 3D Solid Homogeneous Tet⁄4, Wedge⁄6, Hex ⁄8,
Tet⁄10, Wedge⁄15, Hex ⁄20
Standard Formulation

Main Index
118 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SOLID45 (3D Isoparametric Solid), SOLID92 (3D Tetrahedral Structural
Solid), or the SOLID95 (3D Structural Solid) elements.

Structural Solid with Rotations


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 3D Solid Homogeneous Tet/4, Wedge/6,
Hex/8
Rotational DOF

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 119
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SOLID72 (4-Node Tetrahedral Structural Solid with Rotations) or the
SOLID73 (3D 8-Node Structural Solid with Rotations) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Layered Structural Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 3D Solid Laminate Tet ⁄4, Wedge ⁄6,
Hex ⁄8

Main Index
120 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the SOLID46 (8-Node Layered Solid) elements.

Coupled Field Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 121
Element Properties

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Structural 2D Coupled Field Solid Voltage Tet⁄4, Wedge⁄6,
Hex⁄8,
Magnetic Flux
Tet⁄10, Wedge⁄15,
UX,UY,UZ Hex⁄20

UX,UY,UZ, Temp,
Volt,Mag Flux

Use this form to create the SOLID98 (Tetrahedral Coupled-Field Solid) or the SOLID5 (3D Coupled
Field Solid) depending upon the selected topology. KEYOPT(1) will be set depending upon the selection
of Option.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Main Index
122 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Thermal Mass (MASS71)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 0D Mass Point ⁄1

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 123
Element Properties

Use this form to create the MASS71 (Lumped Thermal Mass with Variable Heat Generation) elements.

Conduction Bar (LINK33)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2 Topologies


Thermal 1D Link 3D Link Conduction Bar⁄2

Main Index
124 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the LINK33 (3-Dimensional Heat Conduction Bar) elements.

Convection Link (LINK34)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2 Topologies


Thermal 1D Link 3D Link Convection Bar⁄2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 125
Element Properties

This form creates the LINK34 (Convection Link) elements.

Radiation Link (LINK31)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option 1 Option 2 Topologies


Thermal 1D Link 3D Link Radiation Bar⁄2

Main Index
126 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the LINK31 (Radiation Link) elements.

Conduction Bar (LINK32)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 1D Link 2D Link Bar⁄2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 127
Element Properties

Use this form to create the LINK32 (2-Dimensional Heat Conduction) Bar.

Thermal Spring-Damper (COMBIN14)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 1D Spring/Damper Bar⁄2

Main Index
128 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Element Properties

Use this form to create the COMBIN14 (Spring-Damper) elements with KEYOPT(2) set for a TEMP
degree-of-freedom.

Thermal Combination (COMBIN40)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 1D Combination Bar⁄2

Main Index
Chapter 2: Building A Model 129
Element Properties

Use this form to create the COMBIN40 (Combination) elements with KEYOPT(3) set to 8 for a TEMP
degree-of-freedom.

Thermal Electric Link (LINK 68)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 1D Electric Link Bar⁄2

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Element Properties

Use this form to create the LINK68 (Thermal-Electric Line) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

Thermal Shell (SHELL57)


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 2D Shell Tri⁄3, Quad⁄4

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Element Properties

Use this form to create the SHELL57 (Isoparametric Quadrilateral Thermal Shell) elements.

2D Planar Thermal Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 2D 2D Solid Planar Tri ⁄3, Quad⁄ 4, Tri⁄6,
Quad⁄8

Use this form to create the PLANE35 (2-D, 6-Node Triangular Thermal Solid), PLANE55 (2D
Isoparametric Thermal Solid), or the PLANE77 (2-D, 8-Node Isoparametric Thermal Solid) element
with KEYOPT (3) set for Planar behavior.

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Element Properties

2D Axisymmetric Thermal Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 2D 2D Solid Axisymmetric Tri ⁄3, Quad⁄4

Tri ⁄6, Quad⁄8

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Element Properties

Use this form to create the PLANE35 (2-D, 6-Node Triangular Thermal Solid), PLANE55 (2D
Isoparametric Thermal Solid), or the PLANE77 (2-D, 8-Node Isoparametric Thermal Solid) element
with KEYOPT (3) set for Axisymmetric behavior.

Thermal Electric 2D Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 2D Electric 2D Solid Planar, Axisymmetric Tri/3, Quad/4

Use this form to create the PLANE67 (2D Thermal-Electric Solid) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

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Element Properties

2D Coupled Field Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 2D 2D Coupled Field Temperature Tri/3, Quad/4
Solid Magnetic Flux

Use this form to create the PLANE13 (2D Coupled Field Solid) elements. KEYOPT(1) will be set
depending on the selection of the option.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 135
Element Properties

3D Thermal Solid
This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 3D Solid Tet⁄4, Wedge⁄6, Hex⁄8, Tet⁄10,
Wedge⁄15, Hex⁄20

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Element Properties

Use this form to create the SOLID70 (Isoparametric Thermal Solid), SOLID87 (10-Node Tetrahedral
Thermal Solid), or SOLID90 (3-D, 20-Node Isoparametric Thermal Solid) elements, which depend on
the selected topology.

3D Thermal - Electric Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 3D Electric Solid Tet⁄4, Wedge⁄6, Hex⁄8, Tet⁄10,
Wedge⁄15, Hex⁄20

Use this form to create the SOLID69 (3D Thermal-Electric Solid) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 137
Element Properties

3D Thermal Coupled Field Solid


This form appears when the Input Properties button is selected on the Element Properties form when the
following is applied.

Analysis Type Dimension Type Option(s) Topologies


Thermal 3D Coupled Temperature, Tet ⁄4, Wedge ⁄6,
Field Solid Voltage, Hex ⁄8, Tet⁄10,
Magnetic Flux, Wedge ⁄15,
UX,UY,UZ,Temp, Volt, Mag Flux Hex ⁄20
Temp, Volt, Mag Flux

Use this form to create the SOLID98 (Tetrahedral Coupled-Field Solid) or SOLID5 (3D Coupled-Field
Solid) elements depending on the selected topology. KEYOPT(1) will be set depending on the selection
of the option.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.

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Element Properties

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 139
Loads and Boundary Conditions

Loads and Boundary Conditions


The Loads and Boundary Conditions form appears when the Loads ⁄BCs toggle, located on the Patran
main form, is chosen. The selections on this form will determine which Loads and Boundary form will
appear, and ultimately, which ANSYS loads and boundary conditions will be created.
The following page gives an introduction to the Loads and Boundary Conditions form, followed by
details of the loads and boundary conditions supported by the Patran ANSYS Application Preference.

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Loads & Boundary Conditions Form


The Loads and Boundary Conditions form is used to create ANSYS loads and boundary conditions. For
more information, see Loads and Boundary Conditions Form (p. 27) in the Patran Reference Manual.

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

The following table outlines the options when the Analysis Type is set to Structural.

Object Type
Displacement Nodal
Force Nodal
Pressure Element Uniform
Temperature Nodal
Inertial Load Element Uniform*
Voltage Nodal
Contact Element Uniform (ANSYS 5 Only)

Note: *Inertial Loads are shown as Element Uniform Type but actually apply to the entire model.

The following table outlines the options when the Analysis Code is set to Thermal.

Object Type
Temp (Thermal) Nodal
Convection Element Uniform
Heat Flux Element Uniform (ANSYS 5 Only)
Heat Source Nodal
Voltage (Thermal) Nodal

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Static
This subordinate form appears when the Input Data button is selected when Static is the selected Load
Case Type. The information contained on this form will vary according to the selected Object. However,
defined below is information that remains standard to this form.

Object Tables
On the static input data form, there are areas where the load data values are defined. The data fields
presented depend on the selected Object and Type. In some cases, the data fields also depend on the
selected Target Element Type. These Object Tables list and define the various input data which pertain
to a specific selected object.

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Displacement

Object Type Type


Displacement Nodal Structural

Creates the ANSYS D command. All nonblank entries will generate prescribed displacements with the
D command.

Input Data Description


Translations (T1,T2,T3) Defines the prescribed translational displacement vector. Components
of the vector are entered in model length units. The vector is not
transformed. The analysis coordinate frames of the nodes in the
application region are changed to the analysis coordinate frame
specified on this form.
Rotations (R1,R2,R3) Defines the prescribed rotational displacement vector. Components of
the vector are entered in radians. The vector is not transformed. The
analysis coordinate frames of the nodes in the application region are
changed to the analysis coordinate frame specified on this form.

Force

Object Type Type


Force Nodal Structural

Creates the ANSYS F command.

Input Data Description


Force (F1,F2,F3) Defines the applied translational force vector with respect to the
specified analysis coordinate frame. This vector is transformed from the
specified analysis coordinate frame to the analysis coordinate frames of
the nodes in the application region before it is written to the F
command(s).
Moment (M1,M2,M3) Defines the applied rotational force vector with respect to the specified
analysis coordinate frame. This vector is transformed from the specified
analysis coordinate frame to the analysis coordinate frames of the nodes
in the application region before it is written to the F commands(s).

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Pressure

Object Type Type Dimension


Pressure Element Uniform Structural 2D

Creates the ANSYS EP command for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the SFE command with the Lab
data field set to PRES for ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Top Surf Pressure Defines the top surface pressure on shell and/or plate elements which is
directed inward when positive.
Bot Surf Pressure Defines the bottom surface pressure on shell and/or plate elements
which is directed inward when positive.
Edge Pressure Defines the edge pressure on 2D solid elements which is directed
inward when positive. The IFACE data field of the EP command, or the
LKEY data field of the SFE command, varies based on the element
edges chosen in the application region. Top and/or bottom surface
pressures cannot be used in the same application region as edge
pressure.

Object Type Type Dimension


Pressure Element Uniform Structural 3D

Creates the ANSYS EP command for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the SFE command with the Lab
data field set to PRES for ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Pressure Defines the face pressure on solid elements which is directed inward
when positive. The IFACE data field of the EP command, or the LKEY
data field of the SFE command, varies based on the element faces
chosen in the application region.

Temperature

Object Type Type


Temperature Nodal Structural

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Creates the ANSYS T command for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the BF command with the Lab field
set to Temp for ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Temperature Defines the nodal temperature values for a structural analysis.

Inertial Loads

Object Type Type Dimension


Inertial Element Uniform Structural N/A

Creates the ANSYS ACEL, OMEGA, and DOMEGA commands. Inertial Loads are defined using a
custom form, as shown below, to define the input data. Since ANSYS Inertial Loads apply to the entire
model, no application region selection is permitted.

Voltage

Object Type Type


Voltage Nodal Structural

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Creates the ANSYS NT command with Lab set to VOLT for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the D
command with the Lab field set to VOLT for ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Voltage Defines the nodal voltage values for a structural analysis.

Contact (Deform-Deform)

Object Type Type


Contact Element Uniform Structural

Defines contact between two deformable structural bodies. For 2D and 3D models, contact bodies are
modeled by CONTAC48 and CONTAC49 elements, respectively. The entries on the Application Region
and Input Data forms are used to define Components, and appropriate ANSYS GCGEN, material (MP),
and real constant (R) commands are created. Contact LBCs are used only for nonlinear static analyses.

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 149
Loads and Boundary Conditions

Contact Select Application Region (ANSYS 5)

Temperature (Thermal)

Object Type Type


Temp (Thermal) Nodal Thermal

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Creates the ANSYS NT, TEMP command.

Input Data Description


Temperature Defines the prescribed temperature value.

Convection

Object Type Type Dimension


Convection Element Uniform Thermal 2D

Creates the ANSYS EC command for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the SFE command with the Lab
data field set to PRES for ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Top Surf Convection Defines the top surface film coefficient on shell elements.
Bot Surf Convection Defines the bottom surface film coefficient on shell elements.
Edge Convection Defines the edge film coefficient on 2D solid elements. The entry in the
IFACE data field of the EC command, or the LKEY data field of the
SFE command, varies based on the element edges chosen in the
application region. Top and/or bottom surface convections cannot be
used in the same application region as edge convection.
Ambient Temp Defines the sink temperature for the shell or 2D solid elements. This
produces an entry in the TBULK data field of the EC command, or in
the VAL1 data field of the SFE command.

Object Type Type Dimension


Convection Element Uniform Thermal 3D

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Creates the ANSYS EC command for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the SFE command with the Lab
data field set to PRES for ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Convection Defines the film coefficient on faces of solid elements. The entry in the
IFACE data field of the EC command, or the LKEY data field of the
SFE command, varies based on the element faces chosen in the
application region.
Ambient Temp Defines the sink temperature for the solid elements. This produces an
entry in the T BULK data field of the EC command, or in the VAL1 data
field of the SFE command.

Heat Flux

Object Type Type Dimension


Heat Flux Element Uniform Thermal 2D

Creates the ANSYS SFE command. This is only supported by ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Top Surf Heat Flux Defines the top surface heat flux on shell elements. The Lab data field
of the SFE command is set to HFLUX.
Bot Surf Heat Flux Defines the bottom surface heat flux on shell elements. The Lab data
field of the SFE command is set to HFLUX.
Edge Heat Flux Defines the edge heat flux on 2D solid elements. The entry in the LKEY
data field of the SFE command varies based on the element edges
chosen in the application region. Top and/or bottom surface heat fluxes
cannot be used in the same application region as an edge heat flux.

Object Type Type Dimension


Heat Flux Element Uniform Thermal 3D

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Loads and Boundary Conditions

Creates the ANSYS SFE command. This is only supported by ANSYS Revision 5.0.

Input Data Description


Heat Flux Defines the heat flux on faces of solid elements. The entry in the LKEY
data field of the SFE command varies based on the element faces chosen
in the application region.

Heat Source

Object Type Type


Heat Source Nodal Thermal

Creates the ANSYS HFLOW command.

Input Data Description


Heat Source Defines the applied nodal heat source.

Voltage Thermal

Object Type Type


Voltage Nodal Thermal

Creates the ANSYS NT command with Lab set to VOLT for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the D
command with the Lab field set to VOLT for ANSYS Revision 5.

Input Data Description


Voltage Defines the nodal voltage values for a thermal-electric analysis.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 153
Load Cases

Load Cases
Load Cases in Patran are used to group a series of Load sets into one load environment for the model. A
load case is selected when preparing an analysis, not load sets. The individual load sets are translated into
the input options described in the Object Tables of the section on Loads and Boundary Conditions form.
If free-free modal analysis will be performed, a load case does not need to be chosen. There should be no
more than one load case specified for a modal analysis. Only one load case which defines the static pre-
load state should be specified in a Buckling analysis. The Buckling step is implied, and does not need to
be explicitly specified.

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Load Cases

Load Cases Form


The Patran Load Case form is used to Create, Modify, Delete, and Show load cases. It is also used to
prioritize Loads/BCs sets within a load case. For more information, see Load Cases Forms (p. 166) in
the Patran Reference Manual.

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Chapter 2: Building A Model 155
Wavefront Optimization

Wavefront Optimization
Wavefront optimization can reduce the amount of computer time required to solve an analysis.
Optimization is one of the Actions under the Finite Element item on the Patran application switch. For
ANSYS, the form below shows the suggested setting. For more information, see Optimizing Nodes and
Elements (p. 206) in the Reference Manual - Part III.

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Wavefront Optimization

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Ch apter 3: Runn in g an Analysis
Patran I nterface to ANSY S Preference Guide

3 Running an Analysis


Review of the Analysis Form 158
 Translation Parameters 161

Solution Types 162

Solution Parameters 163
 Select Load Cases 185

Output Requests 186

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158 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Review of the Analysis Form

Review of the Analysis Form


The Analysis form appears when the Analysis toggle, located on the Patran main form, is chosen. This
form is used to request an analysis of the model with the ANSYS finite element program. This form is
also used to incorporate the contents of an ANSYS results file into the Patran database.
The Analysis form is used to prepare an ANSYS analysis, and is introduced on the next page, followed
by detailed descriptions of the subordinate forms. For further information, see The Analysis Form (p. 8)
in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 159
Review of the Analysis Form

Analysis Form
Set ACTION to Analyze to prepare an analysis run.

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160 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Review of the Analysis Form

The following table outlines the Object and Method selections when Analyze is the selected Action.

Object Method
Entire Model Full Run
Check Run
Analysis Deck
Current Group Full Run
Check Run
Analysis Deck

The Object indicates which part of the model is to be analyzed. There are two choices: Entire Model or
Current Group.
• Entire Model is the selected Object if the whole model is to be analyzed.
• Current Group is the selected Object if only part of the model is to be analyzed. Create a group
of that part, confirm it is the current group, then select Current Group as the Object. For more
information, see The Group Menu (p. 262) in the Patran Reference Manual.
The Method indicates how far the translation will be taken. There are three choices:
• Full Run: An Analysis Deck translation is done and the resulting input deck is submitted to
ANSYS for complete analysis.
• Check Run: An Analysis Deck translation is done and the resulting input deck is submitted to
ANSYS for a check run only. This is accomplished by including an ANSYS /CHECK command
in the input deck for ANSYS Revision 4.4A, or a /RUNSTAT and a RALL command in the input
deck for ANSYS Revision 5.
• Analysis Deck: The model is translated along with all of the loads and boundary conditions for
the selected load case(s). This will create a complete input deck, ready for ANSYS.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 161
Translation Parameters

Translation Parameters
This subordinate form appears when the Translation Parameters button is selected on the Analysis form.

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162 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Solution Types

Solution Types
This subordinate form appears when the Solution Type button is selected on The Analysis Form (p. 8) in
the MSC.Patran Reference Manual. It displays the available solution types for the analysis type chosen
on the Preferences>Analysis (p. 431) in the Patran Reference Manual. Only one solution type can be
used in an analysis, and the information that is requested on the Solution Parameters forms varies based
on this selection.

LINEAR STATIC will run the KAN, 0 analysis type for ANSYS 4.4A, or the ANTYPE, STATIC
analysis type for ANSYS 5.
NONLINEAR STATIC will also run the KAN,0 (ANSYS 4.4A) or ANTYPE, STATIC (ANSYS 5).
The Solution Parameters form will now show all parameters that apply to a Nonlinear Static analysis.
EIGENVALUE BUCKLING will run a static preload analysis using KAN, 0 or ANTYPE, STATIC
followed by either the /BUCKLE command for ANSYS 4.4A or the BUCOT command for ANSYS 5.
Note that when you select a load case for the eigenvalue buckling analysis you are selecting the load case
defining the static preload step.
MODAL will run the KAN, 2 analysis type for ANSYS 4.4A, or the ANTYPE, MODAL analysis type
for ANSYS 5.
HARMONIC will run the KAN, 3 (FULL) or KAN, 6 (REDUCED) analysis type for ANSYS 4.4A, or
the ANTYPE, HARMIC analysis type for ANSYS 5.
STEADY-STATE HEAT TRANSFER will run the KAN, -1 analysis type for ANSYS 4.4A, or the
ANTYPE, STATIC analysis type for ANSYS 5. For ANSYS 5 the degree(s)-of-freedom is used to
determine the analysis discipline. ANTYPE, STATIC defines the solver algorithms used within ANSYS.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 163
Solution Parameters

Solution Parameters

Linear Static
This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form when
Static is the selected Solution Type.

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Solution Parameters

Nonlinear Static (ANSYS 4.4)


This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form
when Nonlinear Static is the selected Solution Type and the Preference is set to ANSYS (ANSYS
Revision 4.4).

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 165
Solution Parameters

More data input is available for defining the Nonlinear Static Solution Parameters shown on the previous
page. Listed below are the remaining parameters contained in this menu.

Input Data Description


Stepped=Boundary Causes the analysis to step the boundary conditions rather than ramp them. If
Conditions selected, this will generate the KBC,1 command.
Large Deflection Causes the analysis to include the large deflection option in the solution. This
Analysis= is the KAY,6, 1 command.
Include Stress If selected, this causes the analysis to include the effects of stress stiffening
Stiffening in the analysis. This is the KAY,8, 1 command.
Virtual Wavefront If selected, this will cause ANSYS 4.4 to select a virtual equation solver for
Solution analyses that cannot be solved in-memory. This is the KAY,10, 1 command.

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Solution Parameters

Nonlinear Static (ANSYS 5)


This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form when
Nonlinear Static is the selected Solution Type and the Preference is set to ANSYS 5.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 167
Solution Parameters

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Solution Parameters

Convergence Criteria
This subordinate form appears when the Convergence Criteria button is selected from the Nonlinear
Static Solution Parameters forms and the Preference is set to ANSYS 5.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 169
Solution Parameters

Advanced Options (ANSYS 4.4)


This subordinate form appears when the Advanced Options button is selected from the Nonlinear Static
Solution Parameters forms and the Preference is set to ANSYS (ANSYS Revision 4.4).

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Solution Parameters

Advanced Options (ANSYS 5)


This subordinate form appears when the Advanced Options button is selected from the Nonlinear Static
Solution Parameters forms and the Preference is set to ANSYS 5.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 171
Solution Parameters

Eigenvalue Buckling (ANSYS 4.4)


This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form
when Eigenvalue Buckling is the selected Solution Type and the Preference is set to ANSYS (ANSYS
Revision 4.4).

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Solution Parameters

More data input is available for defining the Eigenvalue Buckling Solution Parameters shown on the
previous page. Listed below are the remaining parameters contained in this menu.

Parameter Name Description


Mode Expansion Defines the method to use for expanding modes. Available options are:
Procedure Expand First Mode Only, Expand No Modes and Expand N Modes. If
Expand N Modes is selected, the Number of Modes Databox will be active.
This is the KEXPM parameter on the ⁄BUCKLE command.
Number of Modes This will be active when the Mode Expansion Procedure is set to Expand
N Modes. The number entered in this databox will be used as the KEXPM
parameter on the /BUCKLE command.
Calculate Buckling If selected, this will cause the KPSTR parameter of the /BUCKLE
Stresses command to be set to 1.
Virtual Wavefront If selected, this will cause ANSYS 4.4A to select a virtual equation solver
Solution for analyses that cannot be solved in-memory. This is the KAY,10, 1
command for ANSYS 4.4A. This option is not displayed if the Selected
Preference is “ANSYS 5.”

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 173
Solution Parameters

Eigenvalue Buckling (ANSYS 5)


This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form when
Eigenvalue Buckling is the selected Solution Type and the Preference is set to ANSYS 5.

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Solution Parameters

More data input is available for defining the Eigenvalue Buckling Solution Parameters shown on the
previous page. Listed below are the remaining parameters contained in this menu.

Parameter Name Description


Mode Expansion Defines the method to use for expanding modes. Available options are:
Procedure Expand First Mode Only, Expand No Modes and Expand N Modes. If
Expand N Modes is selected, the Number of Modes Databox will be active.
If Expand No Modes is the selected procedure, no MXPAND command and
no EXPASS command will be written. If Expand First Mode Only is
selected, the EXPASS, ON command and the MXPAND command will be
written with NMODE set to 1. If Expand N Modes is selected, the EXPASS,
ON and MXPAND command will be written. The value of NMODE will be
set by the data in the Number of Modes databox.
Number of Modes Becomes active when the Mode Expansion Procedure is set to Expand N
Modes. The number entered in this databox will be used as the NMODE
parameter on the MXPAND command.
Calculate Buckling If selected, this will cause the ELCALC parameter of the MXPAND
Stresses command to be set to “YES.” Otherwise, the ELCALC parameter will be set
to “NO.”

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 175
Solution Parameters

Modal
This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form when
Modal is the selected Solution Type.

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176 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Solution Parameters

More data input is available for defining the Modal Solution Parameters shown on the previous page.
Listed below are the remaining parameters contained in this menu.

Parameter Name Description


Normalize Controls the normalization of the mode shapes. If it is selected, the
Shapes 12to Unity KPMOD parameter of theKAY,3 command will be set to the negative of
the value in the Number of Modes to Print databox for ANSYS 4.4.
If ANSYS 5 is being used, this will set the Nrmkey parameter of the
MODOP command to ON.
Include Stress If selected, this causes the analysis to include the effects of stress
Stiffening stiffening in the analysis. This is the KAY,8, 1 command for ANSYS 4.4,
or the SSTIF, ON command for ANSYS 5.
Virtual Wavefront If selected, this will cause ANSYS 4.4A to select a virtual equation
Solution solver for analyses that cannot be solved in-memory. This is the KAY,10,
1 command for ANSYS 4.4. This option is not displayed if the Selected
Preference is “ANSYS 5.”
Expansion Parameters Brings up the subordinate form to allow definition of the parameters that
will control the expansion of the modes. See Mode Expansion
Parameters.

Mode Expansion Parameters


This subordinate form appears when the Expansion Parameters button is selected from the
Mode/Frequency Solution Parameters form.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 177
Solution Parameters

Harmonic
This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form when
Harmonic is the selected Solution Type.

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Solution Parameters

More data input is available for defining the Harmonic Solution Parameters shown on the previous page.
Listed below are the remaining parameters contained in this menu.

Parameter Name Description


Output Format Defines the KPPHA parameter of the KAY,3 command for ANSYS 4.4 or
the REIMKY parameter of the HROUT command for ANSYS 5. Options
are Amplitude and Phase, or Real and Imaginary (default).
Mass Damping Value Defines the VALUE parameter of the ALPHAD command.
Stiffness Damping Value Defines the VALUE parameter of the BETAD command.
Damping Ratio Defines the RATIO parameter of the DMPRAT command.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 179
Solution Parameters

Expansion Parameters (Multiple Solutions)


This subordinate form appears when the Expansion Parameters button is selected from the Harmonic
Solution Parameters form, and the Method of expansion is set to Multiple Solutions. The Expansion
Parameters button can only be selected if the solution method is Reduced.

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Solution Parameters

More data input is available for defining the Multiple Solutions Expansion Parameters shown on the
previous page. Listed below are the remaining parameters contained in this menu.

Parameter Name Description


Phase Angle Options Defines the KIMG parameter of the /STRESS command for ANSYS
4.4, or the ANGLE parameter of the HREXP command for ANSYS
5. Available options are All or Specify. If All is selected, KIMG is set
to 1 for ANSYS 4.4 or ANGLE is set to “All” for ANSYS 5.
Phase Angle Value Defines the PHASE parameter of the HARFRQ command for
ANSYS 4.4 or the ANGLE parameter of the HREXP command for
ANSYS 5. This databox is presented only if the Phase Angle Options
option menu is set to Specify.
Calculate Stresses and Defines the ELCALC parameter of the NUMEXP command for
Reactions ANSYS 5. It has no effect for ANSYS 4.4.

Expansion Parameters (One Loadstep/Substep)


This subordinate form appears when the Expansion Parameters button is selected from the Harmonic
Solution Parameters form, and the Method of expansion is set to One loadstep/substep. The Expansion
Parameters button can only be selected if the solution method is Reduced.

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Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 181
Solution Parameters

Expansion Parameters (Specified Frequency)


This subordinate form appears when the Expansion Parameters button is selected from the Harmonic
Solution Parameters form, and the Method of expansion is set to Specified Frequency. The Expansion
Parameters button can only be selected if the solution method is Reduced.

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182 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Solution Parameters

Master Degrees of Freedom


This subordinate form appears when the Master Degrees of Freedom button is selected from the
Eigenvalue Buckling, Modal/Frequency or Harmonic Solution Parameters forms.

When running a modal analysis with ANSYS Revision 4.4 using Subspace extraction setting the Total
Master Degrees of Freedom to 0 (zero) and not selecting any DOF Lists will cause a Full Subspace
analysis to be performed. Otherwise, a Reduced Subspace Analysis will be performed.

Main Index
Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 183
Solution Parameters

Steady-State Heat Transfer


This subordinate form appears when the Solution Parameter button is selected on the Analysis form when
Steady-State Heat Transfer is the selected Solution Type.

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184 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Solution Parameters

More data input is available for defining the Nonlinear Transient Dynamic Solution Parameters shown
on the previous page. Listed below are the remaining parameters contained in this menu.

Parameter Name Description


Uniform Temperature Defines the value of the uniform temperature for the analysis. The
value here will appear in the TUNIF command.
Reference Temperature Defines the value of the reference temperature for the analysis. The
value here will appear in the TREF command.
Virtual Wavefront Solution If selected, this will cause ANSYS 4. to select a virtual equation
solver for analyses that cannot be solved in-memory. This is the
KAY,10, 1 command for ANSYS 4.4. This option is not used for
ANSYS 5.

Main Index
Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 185
Select Load Cases

Select Load Cases


This form appears when the Select Load Cases button is selected on the Analysis form. Use this form to
select a sequence of load cases to be included in the run.

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186 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Output Requests

Output Requests
The Output Requests form is used to request results from the ANSYS analysis for use in postprocessing
results file, and verification (output file). After the desired results have been requested, the settings can
be accepted by selecting the OK button at the bottom of the form. If the Cancel button is selected instead,
the form will be closed without any changes being accepted. Selecting the Defaults button resets the form
to the initial default settings. The appearance of the form changes based upon the Preference selected.
Versions for ANSYS Revisions 4.4A and 5.0 are described in the following pages.
The results types brought into Patran, due to any of these requests, is documented in Results Created in
Patran. Tables are presented there which associate the ANSYS results items to the Patran primary and
secondary results labels.

Main Index
Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 187
Output Requests

Output Requests Form


This subordinate form appears when the Output Requests button is selected on the Analysis form, and
the selected preference is ”ANSYS.”

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188 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Output Requests

This subordinate form appears when the Output Requests button is selected on the Analysis form, and
the selected preference is “ANSYS 5.” This will produce OUTRES, and/or OUTPR commands.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

4 Read Results

 Review of the Read Results Form 190



Translation Parameters 193

Select File 194
 Results Created in Patran 195

Model Entities Created in Patran 204

Delete Result Attachment Form 205

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190 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Review of the Read Results Form

Review of the Read Results Form


The Analysis form will appear when the Analysis toggle, located on the Patran main form,
is chosen.

Read Results as the selected Action allows you to read results data into the Patran database from an
ANSYS results file, or to access ANSYS results directly from the ANSYS results file (ANSYS Revision
5 and up only). For ANSYS Revision 4.4A, the results file name can be “jobname12.dat”, for a
binary (FILE12) file, or “jobname14.dat” for a text (FILE14) file. For ANSYS Revision 5, the
results file name can be “jobname.rst” for a structural analysis results file, “jobname.rth” for a
thermal analysis results file, or “jobname.rmg” for a magnetics analysis results file.
Other Analysis forms are used to define translation parameters and select the ANSYS results file. These
forms are described on the following pages.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 191
Review of the Read Results Form

Read Results Form


This form appears when the Analysis toggle is selected on the main form. When Read Results is the
selected Action, the type of data to be read from the analysis code results file into Patran is defined.

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192 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Review of the Read Results Form

Flat File Results


In some cases, the translation will not be able to write the data directly into the Patran database. In those
cases, a text file will be created. This file contains instructions as to how this data is to be loaded into the
database. This file can be transferred between computers if necessary, then read into the proper database
using the File Import functionality. The full functionality of this form is described in Importing Results
(p. 190) in the Patran Reference Manual.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 193
Translation Parameters

Translation Parameters
This subordinate form appears when the Translation Parameters button is selected on the Analysis form.

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194 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Select File

Select File
This form appears when the Select Results File button is selected on the Analysis form when Read
Results is the selected Action. The Select file form allows a specific file to be read.

Note: The default file filters will change depending on the Current analysis code in the
Preferences menu.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 195
Results Created in Patran

Results Created in Patran


The following table indicates all the possible element results quantities which can be loaded into the
Patran database (or accessed from the ANSYS results file via the “Attach” method) when reading results
from ANSYS. The Primary and Secondary Labels are items selected from the postprocessing menus. The
Type indicates whether the results are Scalar, Vector, or Tensor. These types will determine which
postprocessing techniques will be available in order to view the results quantity. Result Label indicates
which ANSYS result label is associated with the data. The Description gives a brief discussion about the
results quantity.

Primary Result
Label Secondary Label Type Label Description
Angle Maximum Scalar ILANG The angle of the shear stress
Interlaminar Shear vector.
Failure Criteria Maximum Scalar VALUE The maximum value of the
failure criteria.
Failure Criteria Type Scalar FC The failure criteria number as
defined in ANSYS.
Force Vector MFOR(X, The components of the force
Y,Z) tensor.
Force Out of Plane Shear X Scalar NX The value of the element X out
of plane shear.
Force Out of Plane Shear Y Scalar NY The value of the element Y out
of plane shear.
Layer At Maximum Failure Scalar LN(FCMAX) The layer number where the
Criteria maximum failure criteria
occurred.
Layer Maximum Scalar ILLN The layer number where the
Interlaminar Shear maximum interlaminar shear
occurred.
Layer Total Number Scalar NL The total number of layers in
the composite laminated
element.
Moment Vector MMOM(X,Y, The components of the
Z) Moment tensor.
Pressure Foundation Scalar FOUND The value of the foundation
PRESS pressure.
Shell Forces Vector TX, TY The force per unit length in
shell elements.

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196 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Results Created in Patran

Primary Result
Label Secondary Label Type Label Description
Shell Moment Vector MX, MY The moment per unit length in
shell elements.
Shear Force Shell Scalar TXY The shear force per unit length
in shell elements.
Shear Moment Shell Scalar MXY The shear moment per unit
length in shell elements.
Strain At Maximum Failure Scalar EP (FCMAX) The value of the strain for the
Criteria maximum failure criteria.
Strain Component Tensor EP The components of the strain
tensor.
Strain Creep Tensor EPCR The components of the creep
strain tensor.
Strain Equivalent Scalar EPEQ The value of the equivalent
strain.
Strain First Principal Scalar EP1 The value of the first principal
strain.
Strain Second Principal Scalar EP2 The value of the second
principal strain.
Strain Third Principal Scalar EP3 The value of the third principal
strain.
Strain Plastic Tensor EPPL The components of the plastic
strain tensor.
Strain Swelling Scalar EPSW The value of the swelling
strain.
Strain Thermal Tensor EPTH The components of the thermal
strain tensor.
Stress Component Tensor S or SIG The components of the stress
tensor.
Stress First Principal Scalar SIG1 The value of the first principal
stress.
Stress Second Principal Scalar SIG2 The value of the second
principal stress.
Stress Third Principal Scalar SIG3 The value of the third principal
stress.
Stress At Maximum Failure Scalar S (FCMAX) The value of the stress at the
Criteria maximum failure criteria.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 197
Results Created in Patran

Primary Result
Label Secondary Label Type Label Description
Stress Axial Scalar SDIR The value of the axial stress in
a beam element.
Stress Beam - Maximum Scalar SIG1 The value of the maximum
stress in a beam element.
Stress Beam - Minimum Scalar SIG3 The value of the minimum
stress in a beam element.
Stress Bending -Z Scalar SBZ The beam bending stress on the
+Z side of the element.
Stress Bending -Y Scalar SBY The beam bending stress on the
-Y side of the element.
Stress Combined - 1 Scalar SDIR- The combined stress at output
SBZ+SBY point 1 for a beam element.
Stress Combined - 2 Scalar SDIR+SBZ+ The combined stress at output
SBY point 2 for a beam element.
Stress Combined - 3 Scalar SDIR-SBZ- The combined stress at output
SBY point 3 for a beam element.
Stress Combined - 4 Scalar SDIR+SBZ- The combined stress at output
SBY point 4 for a beam element.
Stress Equivalent Scalar SIGE The value of the equivalent
strain.
Stress Equivalent Plastic Scalar SIGEPL The value of the equivalent
plastic strain.
Stress Intensity Scalar S.I. The value of the stress
intensity.
Stress Maximum Scalar ILMAX The maximum value of the
Interlaminar Shear interlaminar shear stress.
Stress Ratio Scalar SRAT The value of the ratio of the
current stress to the stress on
the yield surface.
Stretch Scalar STRETCH The stretch of a spring.
Temperature Elemental Scalar TEMP The value of the element
temperature.
Twist Scalar TWIST The twist of a spring.
Velocity Axial Scalar VELOCITY Velocity for spring damping.

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198 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Results Created in Patran

The following additional element results will be available from ANSYS Revision 5 results files.

Secondary Result
Primary Label Label Type Label Description
Coupled Field Force Vector Element nodal coupled field
forces.
Current Density Vector Element current densities.
Euler Angles Vector THXY, Element Euler Angles.

THYZ,

THZX
Euler Angle Theta Scalar THETA Layered Shell layer rotation
angle.
Pressure Hydrostatic Scalar HPRES Element hydrostatic
pressure.
Plastic State Variable Scalar PSV The plastic state variable.
Work Plastic Scalar PLWK The plastic work per volume.
Volume Scalar VOLU The element volume.
Element Reaction Damping Force Vector Element nodal damping
forces.
Element Reaction Inertia Force Vector Element nodal inertia forces.
Element Reaction Force Vector Element nodal force.
Element Reaction Damping Moment Vector Element nodal damping
moments.
Element Reaction Inertia moment Vector Element nodal inertia
moments.
Element Reaction Moment Vector Element nodal moments.
Energy Elemental Scalar ENER Element energy associated
with the “stiffness” matrix.
Energy Kinetic Scalar KENE Element kinetic energy.
Stress Layer Maximum Scalar Stress for the layer with the
maximum failure criteria.
Strain Layer Maximum Scalar Creep strain for the layer
Creep with the maximum failure
criteria.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 199
Results Created in Patran

Secondary Result
Primary Label Label Type Label Description
Strain Layer Maximum Scalar Plastic strain for the layer
Plastic with the maximum failure
criteria.
Stress Shear Vector Sum Scalar ILSUM The vector sum of the shear
stress.
Strain Layer Maximum Scalar Strain for the layer with the
maximum failure criteria.
Temperature Layer Maximum Scalar Temperature for the layer
with the maximum failure
criteria.
Strain Layer Maximum Scalar Thermal strain for the layer
Thermal with the maximum failure
criteria.
Strain Layer Maximum Scalar Swelling strain for the layer
Swelling with the maximum failure
criteria.
Strain Axial Scalar EPEL,DIR Axial strain in one
dimensional elements.
Strain Bending Scalar EPEL, BYT Bending strain in one
dimensional elements.
EPEL, BYB

EPEL, BZT

EPEL, BZB
Strain Thermal Axial Scalar EPTH, DIR Axial thermal strain in one
dimensional elements.
Strain Thermal Bending Scalar EPTH, BYT Thermal bending strain in
one dimensional elements.
EPTH, BYB

EPTH, BZT

EPTH, BZB
Strain Swelling Axial Scalar EPSW, AXL Swelling strain in one
dimensional elements.
Strain Initial Axial Scalar EPIN, AXL Initial axial strain in one
dimensional elements.
Strain Plastic Axial Scalar EPPL, AXL Plastic axial strain in one
dimensional elements.

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200 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Results Created in Patran

Secondary Result
Primary Label Label Type Label Description
Strain Creep Axial Scalar EPCR, AXL Axial creep strain in one
dimensional elements.
Gradient Fluid Vector Fluid nodal field gradient.
Gradient Thermal Vector TG (X, Y, Z) Thermal nodal field gradient.
Gradient Electric Vector Electric nodal field gradient.
Gradient Magnetic Vector Magnetic nodal field
gradient.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 201
Results Created in Patran

Secondary Result
Primary Label Label Type Label Description
Flux Thermal Vector TF(X,Y,Z) Thermal nodal field flux.
Flux Electric Vector Electric nodal field flux.
Flux Magnetic Vector Magnetic nodal field flux.
Fluence Scalar FL Neutron flux * time.
Thickness Scalar THICK Thickness of Shell elements.
Area Scalar AREA The AREA real constant
repeated in the results file.
Length Scalar LENGTH The length of a one
dimensional element.
Form Factor Scalar FORM The geometric form factor
FACTOR for a radiation element.
Membrane Diagonal Tension Scalar ANGLE Diagonal tension angles
Angle between element x-axis and
tensile stress directions.
Membrane Status Scalar STAT Element status: tension
and/or collapse.
Force Inertia Vector Element inertia forces from a
transient analysis.
Force Damping Vector Element damping forces
from a transient analysis.

Results which are not related to the elements are outlined in the table below. These results will generally
be from the Group 3 and/or Group 5 segments of the ANSYS 4.4A results file. For ANSYS 5, the results
will appear in the nodal solution section or the reaction force section of the results file. These results will
be available even if the element type used in a given analysis is not supported.

Secondary
Primary Label Label Type Result Label Description
Displacements Translational Vector 3 nodal solution The translational components
of the displacements (UX,
UY, UZ).
Displacements Rotational Vector 3 nodal solution The rotational components of
the displacements (ROTX,
ROTY, ROTZ).
Pressure Nodal Scalar 3 nodal solution Nodal pressures (PRES).
Temperature Nodal Scalar 3 nodal solution Nodal temperatures (TEMP).

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202 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Results Created in Patran

Secondary
Primary Label Label Type Result Label Description
Voltage Nodal Scalar 3 nodal solution Nodal voltages (VOLT).
Magnetic Potential Scalar Scalar 3 nodal solution Magnetic scalar potential
value (MAG).
Magnetic Potential Vector Vector nodal solution The Vector magnetic
potential (AX, AY, AZ).
Temperature Total Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (TTOL).
Heat Flux Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (HFLU).
Film Coefficient Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (HFLM).
Conductivity Thermal Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (TCON).
Pressure Coefficient Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (PCOE).
Pressure Total Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (PTOT).
Velocity Fluid Vector nodal solution The VX, VY, and VZ
FLOTRAN results from the
ANSYS 5 results file.
Energy Turbulent Kinetic Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (ENKE).
Dissipation Rate Turbulent Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (ENDS).
Mach Number Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (MACH).
Stream Func. or Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (STRM).
Velocity Mag. This is the stream function if
2D or the Velocity Magnitude
if 3D.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 203
Results Created in Patran

Secondary
Primary Label Label Type Result Label Description
Density Static Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (NDEN).
Viscosity Absolute Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (NVIS).
Viscosity Effective Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (EVIS).
Conductivity Effective Scalar nodal solution FLOTRAN result (ECON).
Nodal Reaction Reaction Force Vector 5 reaction force Components of the reaction
force at the nodes.
Nodal Reaction Reaction Moment Vector 5 reaction force Components of the reaction
Moment at the nodes.
Nodal Reaction Fluid Flow Scalar 5 reaction force The nodal flow value.
Nodal Reaction Heat Flow Scalar 5 reaction force The nodal heat value.
Nodal Reaction Amps Scalar 5 reaction force The nodal amp value.
Nodal Reaction Magnetic Flux Scalar 5 reaction force The nodal magnetic flux
value.
Nodal Reaction Magnetic Current Vector reaction force The nodal magnetic current
Segment segment.

In addition to these standard results quantities, several Global Variable results can be created. Global
Variables are results quantities where one value is representative of the entire model. The following table
defines the Global Variables which may be created.

Global Variable Label Group Description


Time Real Used with full harmonic, nonlinear transient dynamic, linear
transient dynamic, or transient heat transfer analyses.
Load Factor Real Used with buckling analyses.
Frequency Real Used with modal or reduced harmonic response analyses.
Subincrement Real The ANSYS iteration number.
Load Case Real The ANSYS load case number.
Harmonic Symmetry Real Flag indicating if the loading was symmetrical (Flag = 1) or
Flag anti-symmetrical (Flag = -1) for harmonic loading cases.

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204 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Model Entities Created in Patran

Model Entities Created in Patran


The following table describes the finite element model data that is translated from the ANSYS results file
into the Patran database when “Model Data” or “Both” is the selected Object. These entities should be
sufficient to allow postprocessing of the finite-element results.

Category Description
nodes The node number.
Nodal coordinates, in the global rectangular coordinate frame.
Analysis coordinate frame ID.
elements Element topology (e.g., quad 4 or hex 20).
Element connectivity is translated.
coordinate frames For ANSYS 4.4 results files, only ANSYS LOCAL coordinate frames are
translated.
For ANSYS 5 results files, the ANSYS global cylindrical (CS 1) and global
spherical (CS 2) coordinate frames are translated in addition to any ANSYS
LOCAL coordinate frames.

Note: The ANSYS elliptical option for the cylindrical and spherical
coordinate frames and the toroidal coordinate frame are not supported.
If these are encountered, a warning will be written in the message file
(jobname.msg) and the frame will be translated as standard
cylindrical, spherical or rectangular frames, respectively.

Main Index
Chapter 4: Read Results 205
Delete Result Attachment Form

Delete Result Attachment Form


The following form may be used to remove a results attachment, created via the Attach method, from the
database.

Main Index
206 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Delete Result Attachment Form

Main Index
Chapter 5: Read Input File
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

5 Read Input File


Review of the Read Input File Form 208
 Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File 211

Main Index
208 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Review of the Read Input File Form

Review of the Read Input File Form


The Analysis form will appear when the Analysis toggle, located on the Patran main form,
is chosen.

Read Input File as the selected Action allows model data to be read into the Patran database from an
ANSYS input file. Patran can read two types of ANSYS input files. The first is the ANSYS input file
created by Patran,<jobname.prp>. The second type of file is the file produced by the ANSYS CDWRITE
command <jobname.cdb>. Currently, the input ile reader will only work with CDWRITE files that have
been produced by including the UNBLOCKED option in the CDWRITE command.
The reader will accept input files from either ANSYS version 4.x or 5.x.

Read Input File Form


It is possible to read an existing ANSYS input file (jobname.inp) into Patran. This is not a fully supported
feature and must be invoked by setting a special parameter. This is done by editing the settings.pcl
file and adding the following line:
pref_env_set_logical( "shareware_input_file", TRUE )
If this setting is set to TRUE, then an additional Action item appears under the Analysis form called Read
Input File. This file can exist in the installation, local or home directories.
Simply select the file from the file browser that appears when you pick the Select Input File button on
the Analysis Form.
The translator will import nodes, elements, coordinate frames, and basic materials, element properties,
and loads. See Supported Keywords.
This form appears when the Analysis toggle is selected on the main menu. Read Input File, as the selected
Action, specifies that model data is to be translated from the specified ANSYS input file into the Patran
database.

Main Index
Chapter 5: Read Input File 209
Review of the Read Input File Form

Main Index
210 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Review of the Read Input File Form

Selection of Input File


This subordinate form appears when the Select Input File button is selected on the Analysis form and
Read Input File is the selected Action. It allows the user to specify which ANSYS input file to translate.

Main Index
Chapter 5: Read Input File 211
Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File

Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File


The following sections describe which specific ANSYS card types can currently be read into Patran.
The ANSYS cards described in this document are the only cards read when importing an ANSYS input
file into Patran. All non-supported cards will be ignored. When errors occur during the import of a
supported card type, the card being processed may or may not be imported, depending on the severity of
the problem encountered. An error message will be presented regardless of whether or not the offending
card is actually imported.
Any references from supported cards to cards that were not imported (either due to not being a supported
card type or due to serious import errors) will still be attempted. If this reference is required in Patran for
the card currently being processed, it too will fail to import. For example, if there is a serious error on a
N (node) card which causes it to not imported, then all elements attached to that node will also fail to
import.

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212 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File

Supported Keywords

Node Description
N Node
NROT Node Rotate

Elements and Properties Description


ET Element type
EMOR Additional element data
EN Element connectivity
REAL Select Real Constant Set
R Real Constant data
RMOD Modify Real Constant Sets
RMOD Add real constant data to Sets
TYPE Select Element type

Loads and Boundary


Conditions Description
D Degree of Freedom constraints
F Force
BFDE Deletes nodal body force loads
DDEL Deletes degree of freedom constraints
FDEL Deletes force loads on nodes
HFDE
SFED Deletes surface loads from elements

Materials Description
MAT Select Material
MP Define Material Property Data
MPTE Defines a temperature table for material properties
MPDA Defines property data to be associated with the temperature table

Main Index
Chapter 5: Read Input File 213
Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File

Setup and Solution Commands Description


/TIT Define the Title
/STI Define the Subtitle
/SOL Enter the solution Processor
SOLV Solve
/PRE Enter the Preprocessor (PREP7)
FINI Finish
/BAT Run in Batch mode
/NOP Set no print option
/EXI Exit
/COM Comment
/EOF End of File
KAN Option

Main Index
214 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File

Main Index
Chapter 6: Delete
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

6 Delete


Review of Delete Form 216
 Deleting an ANSYS Job 217

Main Index
216 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Review of Delete Form

Review of Delete Form


The Analysis form will appear when the Analysis toggle, located on the Patran main form, is chosen and
the selected Action is Delete.

The Delete option under Action allows the user to delete jobs that have been created for the ANSYS or
ANSYS5 preference.

Main Index
Chapter 6: Delete 217
Deleting an ANSYS Job

Deleting an ANSYS Job


This format of the Analysis form appears when the Action is set to Delete. The user may delete job
definitions that were created for the ANSYS or ANSYS5 preference with this form.

Main Index
218 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Deleting an ANSYS Job

Main Index
Chapter 7: Files
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

7 Files


Files 228

Main Index
228 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Files

Files
There are several files either used or created by the Patran ANSYS Application Preference. The
following table describes each file and its uses. The occurrence of “jobname” in the definition will be
replaced with the jobname assigned by you. When using ANSYS Revision 4.4A, the first six characters
of the jobname will be used. This allows ANSYS to include the unit numbers in the file names it creates
without overwriting part of the jobname. For example, if the Patran jobname were ansys44job, the
ANSYS results file produced as a result of running an analysis from the Patran Analysis form would be
ansys412.dat. For ANSYS Revision 5, the first eight characters of the jobname will be used. The
Revision 5 version of the results file produced for a Patran jobname of ansys50job would be
ansys50j.rst. See the ANSYS User’s Manual for more information about jobname restrictions
when using ANSYS.

File Name Description


jobname.db This is the Patran database from which the model data is read during an
analyze pass, and into which model and/or results data is written during a
Read Results pass.
jobname.dba The ANSYS 5.0 database file is renamed to jobname.dba from
jobname.db to avoid conflicts with the Patran database.
jobname.jba These are small files used to pass certain information between Patran and
the Application Preference during translation. You should never have
jobname.jbr need to do anything directly with these files.
jobname.prp This is the ANSYS input file created by the interface.
jobname12.dat These are the ANSYS Revision 4.4A binary or text results files which are
read by the Read Results pass.
jobname14.dat
jobname.rst These are the ANSYS Revision 5 structural, thermal, or magnetic results
files which will be read by the Read Results pass.
jobname.rth

jobname.rmg
jobname.flat This file may be generated during a Read Results pass. If the results
translation cannot, for any reason, write data directly into the
jobname.db Patran database, it will create this jobname.flat file.
jobname.msg These message files contain any diagnostic output from the translation,
either forward or reverse.
AnsysSubmit This is a UNIX script file which is called on to submit the forward
PAT3ANS translation program, as well as to submit ANSYS after
translation is complete. This file should be customized for you particular
site installation.

Main Index
Chapter 7: Files 229
Files

File Name Description


ResultsSubmit This is another UNIX script which is called on to submit the reverse
ANSPAT3 or ANS5PAT3 translation program. This file should also be
customized for your particular site.
*.res FLOTRAN binary results files. These can be read into Patran by using the
Import Results functionality of Patran for importing Patran 2.5 style
results files.See File Types and Formats (p. 46) in the Patran Reference
Manual.
*.rsf FLOTRAN text results files. These can be read into Patran by using the
Import Results functionality of Patran for importing Patran 2.5 style
results files. See File Types and Formats (p. 46) in the Patran Reference
Manual.

Main Index
230 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Files

Main Index
Chapter 8: Errors/Warnings
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

8 Errors/Warnings


Errors / Warnings 232

Main Index
232 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Errors / Warnings

Errors / Warnings
There are a number of error or warning messages which may be generated by the Patran ANSYS
Application Preference.
In addition to the errors listed, a fatal error which cannot be trapped by the translator sometimes occurs.
This error occurs when anspat3 is translating many results on a machine with a relatively small “/tmp”
directory. When results are being translated into a Patran database, the Patran database must sort the
results before they are stored permanently. In order to sort these results, it must create relatively large
files in the /tmp directory of the working machine. The names of these files are gds_sort_xxx. If
there is not enough room in the /tmp directory for these files, the sorting will fail and the results will not
be sorted. This error is usually accompanied by messages such as, “write failed: file system
full: directory /tmp” appearing in the console window. The Patran database needs to be
instructed to create these gds_sort_xxx files elsewhere by declaring an environment variable TMP,
and setting it to the targeted directory. For example, setenv TMP /myscratch.
Alternatively, augment the size of the current machines’ “/tmp” directory, or run the translation on a
machine with a larger /tmp directory.
The following table describes the messages that may be generated while creating an input deck.

Message Description
Unable to open the specified The program was unable to open the Patran database
database, “...”. specified. Check file permissions mode.
Unable to open the ANSYS The program was unable to open the input file (*.prp)
input file “...”. specified. Check file permissions mode.
WARNING: No element No element properties were found in the database.
properties were detected in Without element properties, no elements can be created.
the database.
No materials were detected No material properties were found in the database. This
in the database. may not be a problem if the elements used do not require
material properties.
WARNING: None of the element Element properties may have been created then deleted.
property regions have Check the element properties definitions in Patran.
properties defined for them.
WARNING: No elements were No elements were found in the database for the specified
detected in the database for group. Translation will continue without creating
group “...”. Translation elements.
continuing.
No loads or boundary No loads or boundary conditions were found in the
conditions were detected for database associated with the specified load case name.
load case “...”. Check the load case definition in Patran.

Main Index
Chapter 8: Errors/Warnings 233
Errors / Warnings

Message Description
The loads or boundary The loads or boundary conditions specified is not
conditions “...” is of a currently supported by Patran ANSYS. Change the loads
type that the PAT3ANS or boundary conditions to one that is supported.
translator does not
currently support.
Time dependent fields are Time dependent loads or boundary conditions are not
currently not supported. The supported by Patran ANSYS.
field referenced in the
loads or boundary condition
“...” will not appear in the
input file.
No material properties were A material name exists in the Patran database with no
defined for “...”. properties associated to it. Check Patran material
definitions.
No load cases were specified No load cases were specified for an analysis type that
for the analysis. requires load cases to be defined.
The elements in region “...” The elements in the specified region are not currently
are of a type that the supported by the Patran ANSYS interface.
PAT3ANS translator does not
currently support.
The number of layers is set An illegal number of layers is specified for an ANSYS
to INT which is not allowed element.
for STIF number INT.
The elements in region “...” The elements in the specified region require the use of a
are of STIF type INT which laminated material.
requires a laminated
material.
The orientation node INT for The orientation node for a bar element was not defined.
element INT was not found in
the database.
WARNING: A loading was A loading was applied to an element in a manner that
applied to a ANSYS does not support.
face or edge that is not
supported in ANSYS. LBCs
case is “...”. Translation
is continuing without this
loading.
WARNING: HEAT FLUX is not The heat flux lbcs is not supported in ANSYS Revision
supported by ANSYS Release 4.4A. To use this lbc, you must run ANSYS Revision 5.
4.X. You must have ANSYS Translation will continue without this loading.
Release 5.X to use HEAT
FLUX. Translation is
continuing without this
loading.

Main Index
234 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Errors / Warnings

Message Description
WARNING: Nonzero For future use with implicit MPCs.
coefficients are ignored in
MPC # INT.
Error translating mpc # INT. For future use with implicit MPCs.
Recheck mpc geometry.
DOF was required at node INT For future use with implicit MPCs.
for Patran MPC #.
The number of total nodes in For future use with implicit MPCs.
an “...” MPC must be INT
times the number of
dependent nodes.
Unknown node INT referenced For future use with implicit MPCs.
in “...” type MPC.
Unknown coordinate frame INT For future use with implicit MPCs.
referenced by MPC INT.
MPC # INT not translated. For future use with implicit MPCs.
An unrecognized degree-of- A DOF was specified that is not recognized by Patran
freedom was found while ANSYS.
“...”.
No independent term was The specified MPC did not contain a definition for the
found for MPC required independent term. Specify an independent term
number INT, of type “...”. and resubmit.
No dependent term was found The specified MPC did not contain a definition for the
for MPC required dependent term. Specify a dependent term and
number INT, of type “...”. resubmit.
More than the allowed number ANSYS 4.4 restricts the number of terms in an MPC set
of INT were specified for to 199. Reduce the number of terms specified below the
the MPC set. The maximum allowed number and resubmit.
number allowed for a “...”
type mpc is INT.
WARNING: An unsupported MPC The MPC type selected is not supported by Patran
type was detected for MPC ANSYS. Translation will continue without creating this
number INT. Translation MPC type.
continuing without this MPC.
The translation must be The loads and boundary conditions applied to geometry
resubmitted from the were not evaluated onto the finite elements model. The
Analysis form. analysis must be resubmitted from the analysis form to
cause the evaluation of the loads and boundary
conditions.

Main Index
Chapter 8: Errors/Warnings 235
Errors / Warnings

The following errors or warnings may be generated while reading the analysis results into the Patran
database.

Message Description
ANSYS element STIF# is not An element of the specified STIF number was detected in
supported by the the ANSYS results file that is not supported by the Patran
translator. Execution ANSYS interface. Translation is continuing without using
proceeding without this
element type. this element type.

Input Results File is From The ANSYS results file was created with a version of
Pre 4.2 Version of ANSYS. ANSYS prior to Revision 4.2 and cannot be translated.
Translation Stopped.
Illegal STIF number (#) An element type number was detected that is not in the
detected in ANSYS results allowable range for an ANSYS element.
file. Execution stopped.
Error translating ANSYS An error was encountered translating the Group 5 data
Group 5 (Reaction Force) block in the ANSYS results file.
data block. Translation
Stopped.
Error Adding ANSYS Group 5 An error was encountered while adding Group 5 data to the
(Reaction Force) data to Patran database.
database. Translation
Stopped.
Error translating An error was encountered translating the displacement data
displacements. Translation block (Group 3) of the ANSYS results file.
Stopped.
The element number# of type The specified element with ANSYS STIF number and the
STIF No. =# with shape specified shape is not supported by the Patran ANSYS
=”...” is not supported. interface. Translation will continue without this element.
Translation is continuing
without this element.
Error while translating An error occurred while translating local coordinate
local coordinate systems from the ANSYS results file.
systems. Translation
Stopped.
An Unsupported Toroidal The specified coordinate system number is a Toroidal
coordinate system (Number coordinate system that is not currently supported by Patran.
#) was encountered. It was A rectangular coordinate system was created. This will
translated as a rectangular
coordinate system. NOTE: cause results that reference this coordinate system to be
Results referring to this improperly displayed.
coordinate system may be
improperly displayed.

Main Index
236 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Errors / Warnings

Message Description
An Unsupported Elliptical An elliptical, cylindrical or spherical coordinate system of
“...” coordinate system the specified number was found in the ANSYS results file.
(Number #) was encountered. Patran does not support the elliptical systems. The
It was translated as a
“...” coordinate system. coordinate system will be translated as a standard
NOTE: Results referring to cylindrical or spherical coordinate system. This may cause
this coordinate system may the results to be improperly displayed.
be improperly displayed.
The configuration of The topology specified in the ANSYS results file for the
element # is currently not specified element is not supported for the element type
supported for STIF number specified.
#.
WARNING: INT Nodes were not The specified number of nodes were not found in the model
found while adding “...” when trying to add the named results. These results will not
results. appear in the database.
Error reading the ANSYS An error occurred while reading the ANSYS results file
results file. Error while attempting to perform the named function.
occurred while “...”.
File “...” does not exist. The specified file does not exist in the users path.
Translation stopped. Translation will not continue.
Error while initializing An error occurred by initializing the ANSYS result file
ANSYS binary file using using the ANSYS BINSET routine. The translation will not
ANSYS BINSET routine. continue.
Error while reading the An error occurred while reading the standard header from
ANSYS results file the ANSYS results file. Translation will not continue.
standard header.
Translation stopped.
The selected file, “...”, The specified file was not created by ANSYS Revision 5
is not an ANSYS 5 results and can not be translated.
file. Translation stopped.
Error while translating An error occurred while translating the element results for
element results for the specified data. Translation will not continue.
“...” data.

Main Index
jp`Kc~íáÖìÉ=nìáÅâ=pí~êí=dìáÇÉ

Index
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

fåÇÉñ A elements, 19
Index ACEL, 145 EN, 19
EP, 144
B
BEAM3, 94 F
BEAM4, 72 F, 143
BEAM44, 80 files, 228
BEAM54, 101 .db, 228
BF, 145 .dba, 228
.flat, 228
.jba, 228
C .jbr, 228
CE, 21, 22
.msg, 228
CERIG, 21, 24, 25
.prp, 228
COMBIN14, 85, 86, 128
.res, 229
COMBIN40, 91, 129
.rmg, 228
composite
.rsf, 229
laminated, 63
.rst, 228
CONTAC12, 88
.rth, 228
CONTAC52, 87
12.dat, 228
contact, 141
14.dat, 228
convection, 141, 150
AnsysSubmit, 228
coordinate frames, 16
ResultsSubmit, 229
CP, 21, 26, 28
flat file results, 192
force, 141, 143
D
D, 143, 146, 152
displacement, 143
H
heat flux, 141, 151
displacements, 141
heat source, 141, 152
DOF List, 26
HFLOW, 152
DOMEGA, 145

E I
inertial loads, 145
EC, 150
inertial_load, 141
element properties, 65
0D, 67
1D, 67 L
2D, 67 laminate, 63
3D, 68 LINK1, 83

Main Index
238 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

LINK10, 89 PLANE77, 131, 133


LINK31, 126 PLANE82, 109, 110
LINK32, 127 pressure, 141, 144
LINK33, 124
LINK34, 125 R
LINK8, 84 read results, 191
load cases, 153 results
loads and boundary conditions, 139, 140 global variables, 203
LOCAL, 16 table, 195
results files
M FILE12, 190
MASS21, 69, 70, 71 FILE14, 190
MASS71, 123 model entities translated, 204
materials, 29 rmg, 190
3D orthotropic, 41, 49 rst, 190
3D orthotropic (thermal), 59, 61 rth, 190
composite, 63
isotropic, 32, 34, 35, 43 S
isotropic (thermal), 57 SFE, 144, 150, 151
MP, 33, 41, 57, 60 SHELL28, 114, 115
MPDATA, 33, 41, 57, 60 SHELL41, 111
MPTEMP, 33, 41, 57, 60 SHELL43, 105
multi-point constraints, 20 SHELL51, 92
multi-point constraints SHELL57, 131
CP, 21, 26 SHELL63, 103, 108
degrees-of-freedom, 21 SHELL91, 64, 107
explicit, 21, 22 SHELL93, 105
rigid (fixed), 21, 24 SHELL99, 64, 105
rigid (pinned), 21, 25 SOLID45, 118
SOLID46, 64, 120
N SOLID7, 119
N, 18 SOLID70, 136
NL, 36, 37, 45, 46 SOLID72, 119
nodes, 18 SOLID87, 136
NROTAT, 16, 18 SOLID90, 136
NT, 146, 150, 152 SOLID92, 118
SOLID95, 118
O
OMEGA, 145 T
T, 145
P TEMP, 150
PLANE2, 109, 110 temp (thermal), 141, 149
PLANE35, 131, 133 temperature, 141, 144
PLANE42, 109, 110 TREF, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166,
PLANE55, 131, 133 171, 172, 173, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180,

Main Index
INDEX 239

181, 183, 184, 185, 186, 188

V
VOLT, 146
voltage, 141, 145
voltage thermal, 141, 152

W
wavefront optimization, 155

Main Index
240 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

Main Index

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