Patran 2014 Doc Interface Ansys

Patran 2014
Interface To ANSYS
Preference Guide
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P3:V2014:Z:INT-ANA:Z:DC-USR-PDF
Contents
Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Overview
Purpose
ANSYS Product Information
What is included with this Product?

ANSYS Input File Reader
4
Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran

Configuring the ANSYS Submit File
6
9
Building A Model
Introduction to Building a Model
Coordinate Frames
12
16
Finite Elements
17
Nodes
18
Elements
19
Multi-Point Constraints
DOF Lists
26
Patran Material Library
Materials Form
30
20
29
Element Properties
65
Element Properties Form
65
Loads and Boundary Conditions
Loads & Boundary Conditions Form
Load Cases
153
Load Cases Form
154
Wavefront Optimization
155
139
140
iv Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Running an Analysis
Review of the Analysis Form
Analysis Form
159
Translation Parameters
Solution Types
158
161
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
Read Results
Review of the Read Results Form
Read Results Form
191
Flat File Results
192
Select File
190
193
194
Results Created in Patran
195
Model Entities Created in Patran

Delete Result Attachment Form
204
205
CONTENTS v
Read Input File

Review of the Read Input File Form
Read Input File Form
208
Selection of Input File
210
208
Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File

Supported Keywords
212
Delete
Review of Delete Form
Deleting an ANSYS Job
Files
Files
220
Errors/Warnings
Errors / Warnings
224
216
217
211
vi Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide
Chapter 1: Overview
Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide
Overview
Purpose
3
4
6
9
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.
Chapter 1: Overview 3

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 Users 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 Users Manual
Volume I for a general description of FLOTRAN capabilities.


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 Users 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. 202) 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.


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. 6) 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.
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.

Figure 1-2
Results Translation

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.

Chapter 2: Building A Model

Building A Model
Coordinate Frames
Finite Elements
Element Properties
Load Cases
12
16
17
29
65
153
155
139


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. 451) in the Patran
Reference Manual.
Chapter 2: Building A Model 13

The following tables outline the various ANSYS options supported by the Patran ANSYS Application
Preference. For further information about these options, see the ANSYS Users Manual Volumes I and II.
Supported ANSYS Commands
The following ANSYS commands are supported.
!
ACEL
AFWRITE
ALPHAD
ANTYPE
AUTOTS
/AUX1
/BATCH
BCDCNV
BETAD
BF
BFDELE
/BUCKLE
BUCOPT
CE
CERIG
DOMEGA
EC
ECDELE
EMORE
EN
/EOF
EP
EPDELE
ET
EQSLV
/EXIT
EXMOD
EXPASS
EXPSOL
EXTMOD
F
Supported Commands
ITER
N
KAN
NCNV
KAY,1
NEQIT
KAY,10
NL
KAY,2
NLGEOM
KAY,3
/NOPRINT
KAY,4
NROPT
KAY,6
NROTAT
KAY,7
NSUBST
KAY,8
NT
KAY,9
NTDELE
KBC
NUMEXP
KEYOPT
OMEGA
KMPRPT
OUTPR
KNROP
OUTRES
KTEMP
PODISP
REAL
RMORE
SAVE
SFE
SFEDELE
/SOLUTION
SOLVE
SSTIF
/STITLE
/STRESS
STRSET
T
TB
TBDATA
TBPT
TBTEMP

CESIZE
CNVR
CNVTOL
/COM
CONV
CP
CRPLIM
D
DDELE
DELTIM
DMPRAT
FDELE
FINISH
/GOPRINT
HARFRQ
HF
HFDELE
HFLOW
HREXP
HROPT
HROUT
/INPUT,27
Supported Commands
LNSRCH
PONF
LOCAL
PORF
LUMPM
POSTR
LWRITE
PRDISP
M
PRED
MAT
/PREP7
MODOPT
PRNF
MP
PRRF
MPDATA
PRSTR
MPTEMP
PSTRES
MXPAND
R
TDELE
TIME
/TITLE
TOFFST
TOTAL
TREF
TUNIF
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
LINK1
PLANE2
BEAM3
BEAM4
SOLID5
LINK8
LINK10*
CONTAC12
PLANE13
COMBIN14
PIPE16
PIPE18
MASS21
BEAM23
SHELL28
LINK31
LINK32
LINK33
Description
2-Dimensional Spar
2-Dimensional 6-Node Triangular Solid
2-Dimensional Elastic Beam
3-Dimensional Elastic Beam
Coupled Field Solid
3-Dimensional Spar
Tension-only or Compression-only Spar
2-Dimensional Preference
2-Dimensional Coupled Field Solid
Spring-Damper
Elastic Straight Pipe
Elastic Curved pipe or elbow
Generalized Mass
2-Dimensional Plastic Beam
4-Node Quadrilateral Shear Twist Panel
Radiation Link
2-Dimensional Heat Conduction Bar
3-Dimensional Heat Conduction Bar
Pages
82
108, 109
93
72
119, 135
83
89
87
114, 132
84, 85, 125
76
74
69, 70, 71
93, 93, 93, 98
112, 113
123
124
121

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 129) in the Reference Manual - Part III.

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
Explicit
Analysis Type
Structural
Thermal
Description
Creates an ANSYS CE explicit MPC between a dependent
degree-of-freedom and one or more independent degrees-offreedom. 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
(Pinned)
Structural
Creates the ANSYS CERIG command which constrains only

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 degreeof-freedom of the independent node and the same degree-offreedom 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.
Thermal
Degrees-of-Freedom
When a list of degrees-of-freedom is expected for an MPC term, a listbox containing the valid degreesof-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.

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-offreedom. 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.

Finite Elements

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.

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.

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. 136) in the Reference Manual - Part III.

Finite Elements

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.


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.

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.

Object
Isotropic
Option 1
Option 2
Elastic
Nonlinear Elastic
Plastic
von Mises
Failure
Multilinear Isotropic
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

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
Isotropic
Option 1
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

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.

Nonlinear Elastic
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.

Plastic
is applied.
Object
Option 1
Isotropic
Plastic
Note:
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.

Failure
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.

Failure
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.

Electric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
Isotropic
Electric

Piezoelectric
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.


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
Piezo Matrix Term 51 =
Description
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
ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5 the LAB parameter of the TB command is
set to PIEZO and the data are written using the TBDATA command.

Piexo Matrix Term 63 =
3D Orthotropic
Elastic
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.

This is a list of data input, available for defining the 3D Orthotropic criteria, which was not shown on the
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
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.

Plastic
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Orthotropic
Plastic
Note:
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.

Electric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Orthotropic
Electric

Failure
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.

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 table, using the NL command. For ANSYS 5, these are
entries 18 through 20 in the TBDATA command.
Interaction Term 23
Interaction Term 13
Failure
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.

Piezoelectric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Othotropic
Piezoelectric
Note:


Property Name
Description

ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5 the LAB parameter of the TB command
is set to PIEZO and the data are written using the TBDATA
command.

3D Anisotropic
Elastic
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Anisotropic
Elastic
Note:


Property Name
Description
Stiffness 62
Stiffness 33
Stiffness 43
stiffness 53
Stiffness 63
Stiffness 44
Stiffness 54
Stiffness 64
Stiffness 55
Stiffness 65
Stiffness 66
Continuation of the Definition of the terms of the anisotropic stiffness

matrix. These are entered as terms 271 through 291 of the NL table
for ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5, the LAB parameter of the TB
command is set to ANEL and the data are written using the TBDATA
command.
Density
Defines the mass density. It is entered using the DENS property name
on the MP command.

Defines the coefficient of thermal expansion for the material. These

will be written to the input file using the MP command with the LAB
parameter set to ALPX, ALPY, and ALPZ.
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.

Failure
is applied.
Object
Option 1
Option 2
3D Anisotropic
Failure
Tsai-Wu

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
Interaction Term 23
Interaction Term 13
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 table, using the NL command. For ANSYS 5, these are
entries 18 through 20 in the TBDATA command.
Failure
is applied.

Object
Option 1
Option 2
3D Anisotropic
Failure
Maximum Strain
Maximum Stress

Electric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Anisotropic
Electric

Piezoelectric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3DAnisotropic
Piezoelectric

Property Name
Description


ANSYS 4.4. For ANSYS 5 the LAB parameter of the TB command
is set to PIEZO and the data are written using the TBDATA
command.
Isotropic (Thermal)
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.


Electric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
Isotropic
Electric
3D Orthotropic (Thermal)
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Orthotropic
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.
Electric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Orthotropic
Electric

3D Anisotropic (Thermal)
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Anisotropic
Thermal

Electric
is applied.
Object
Option 1
3D Anisotropic
Electric

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

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

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. 68) in the Patran Reference Manual.

Element Properties

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
0D
Type
Mass
Option 1
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
Option 2

Element Properties
Dimension
Type
Option 1
Option 2
Membrane
Shear Panel
Twist Panel
2D Coupled Field
Solid
Plane Strain
Plane Stress
Axisymmetric
3D
Solid
Homogeneous
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
0D
Mass
1D
Link
Option 1
3D
Option 2
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
2D Link
Spring/Damper
Combination
Thermal - Electric Link
2D
Shell
2D Solid
Planar
Axisymmetric
Thermal - Electric 2D Solid
Planar
Axisymmetric

Element Properties
Dimension
Type
Option 1
2D Coupled Field Solid
Option 2
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

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

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.

Element Properties
3D Structural Mass with Rotation

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.

Element Properties
3D Elastic Beam (BEAM4)

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.

Element Properties

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
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.
Y Shear Constant
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)
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.

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.

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
[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)

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:

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
[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.

Element Properties
Property Name
Description
[Ext Insulation Thick]
Defines the thickness of the external insulation. This is the TKIN real
[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
[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.

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)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
1D
Beam
Tapered Section
Bar/2

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

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
Y Inertia at J
Defines the area moments of inertia about the Z and Y axes. These are
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
Y Bottom Thickness at J
Z and Y Bottom Thickness defines the distances from the center of

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
be real scalars or references to existing field definitions, and are
optional properties.
Torsional Inertia @ J
Nodal Offset at I
Nodal Offset at J
Z Shear Constant
Y Shear Constant
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, DZ1, DX2, DY2, and DZ2 real constants. These values are real
vectors, and are optional properties.
Z and Y Shear Constant are the ratios of the actual beam crosssectional area to the effective and resisting shear deformation in the Z
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
Y Top Thickness at I, J
Z and Y Top Thickness defines the distances from the center of gravity
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
ARESY2 real constants. These values can either be real scalars or
references to existing field definitions, and are optional properties.
Y Dir Shear Area at I, J

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
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.
Torsional Shear at J
Z Shr Ctr Offset at I, J

Y Shr Ctr Offset at I, J
Z Elast Found Stiffness

Y Elast Found Stiffness
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,
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 and Y Elast Found Stiffness defines the elastic foundation stiffness
in the z and y directions. These are defined as the pressure required to
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
values are character strings, which can be set to NONE, RX, RY, RZ,
RX&RY, or RX&RY&RZ. These properties are optional.
End J Releases
2D Spar (LINK1)
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
1D
Planar Spar
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar/2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the LINK1 (Two-Dimensional Spar) elements.
3D Spar (LINK8)
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
1D
Spar
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar/2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the LINK8 (Three-Dimensional Spar) elements.
Spring-Damper Axial (COMBIN14)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
1D
Spring/Damper
Bar/2

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

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
1D
Spring/Damper
Fixed Direction
Bar/2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the COMBIN14 (Spring-Damper) elements.
3D Point-Point Contact
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
1D
Gap
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar/2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the CONTAC52 (Three-Dimensional Preference) elements.
2D Point-Point Contact
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
1D
Planar Gap
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar/2

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

Element Properties
This is a list of data input, available for creating the 2D Point-Point Contact, which were not shown on
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)
following is applied
.
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
1D
Cable
Option(s)
Use this form to create the LINK10 (Cable) elements.

Note:
Topologies
Bar/2

Element Properties
Combination (COMBIN40)
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
1D
Combination
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar/2

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

Element Properties
This is a list of data input, available for creating the Combination (COMBIN 40), which were not shown
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)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
1D
Axisymmetric Shell
Option(s)
Use this form to create the SHELL51(Axisymmetric Structural Shell) elements.

Note:
Topologies
Bar/2

Element Properties
2D Elastic Beam (BEAM3)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
1D
Planar Beam
General Section
Bar/2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the BEAM3 (Two-Dimensional Elastic Beam) elements.
2D Beam-Circular Section (BEAM 23)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
1D
Planar Beam
Circular Section
Bar/2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the BEAM23 (2D plastic beam) elements with a circular cross section
.
Note:
2D Beam-General Sect (BEAM 23)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
1D
Planar Beam
General Plastic Section
Bar/2

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

Element Properties
This is a list of data input, available for creating the 2D Beam General Section, which were not shown
Property Name
Description
Wt Factor@ L(-50)
Defines the area weighting factors for the numerical integration of crosssectional 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)

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)
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:

Element Properties
2D Beam-Rectangular Section (BEAM 23)

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.

Element Properties
2D Elastic Tapered Unsymmetric Beam (BEAM 54)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
1D
Planar Beam
Tapered Section
Bar/2

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

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
properties.
Dist C.G. to Bot at J

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,
DX2, and DY2 real constants. These values are real vectors, and are optional
properties.
Nodal Offset at J
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
to existing field definitions, and are optional properties.
Shear Area at J
Elast Found Stiffness Defines the elastic foundation stiffness. This is the EFS real constant and is
an optional property.
Elastic Shell (SHELL63)
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
2D
Thin Shell
Homogeneous
Tri/3, Quad/4

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

Element Properties
This is a list of data input, available for creating the Elastic Shell (SHELL 63), which were not shown on
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
real constants. These values can either be real scalars or references to
existing field definitions. These are optional properties.
Dist C.G. to Bottom

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

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
2D
Thin Shell
Laminate
Tri 6, Quad8

Element Properties
Use this form to create the SHELL99 (8-Node Layered Shell) elements.
Structural Shell (SHELL43/93)

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.

Element Properties
16-Layer Structural Shell

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
2D
Thick Shell
Laminate
Tri 6, Quad 8

Element Properties
Use this form to create the SHELL91 (8-Node Layered Shell) elements.
Bending Panel (SHELL63)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
2D
Bending Panel
Option(s)
Topologies
Tri 3, Quad 4

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

Element Properties
This is a list of data input, available for creating the Bending Panel (SHELL63), which were not shown
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
real constants. These values can either be real scalars or references to
existing field definitions. These are optional properties.
Dist C.G. to Bottom

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
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.

Element Properties
2D Plane Stress Solid

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.

Element Properties
Membrane Shell (SHELL41)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
2D
Membrane
Option(s)
Use this form to create the SHELL41(Membrane Shell) elements.

Note: Results translation is supported for ANSYS Revision 5 only.
Topologies
Tri/3, Quad/4

Element Properties

Element Properties
This is a list of data input available for creating the Membrane Shell (SHELL41) which were not shown
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)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
2D
Shear Panel
Option(s)
Topologies
Quad 4

Element Properties
Use this form to create the SHELL28 (4-Node Quadrilateral ShearTwist Panel) elements.
Twist Panel (SHELL28)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Structural
2D
Twist Panel
Option(s)
Topologies
Quad 4

Element Properties
Use this form to create the SHELL28 (4-Node Quadrilateral ShearTwist Panel) elements.

Element Properties
2D Plane Coupled Field Solid

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option 1
Option 2
Topologies
Structural
2D
2D Coupled
Field Solid
Plane Strain
Magnetic Flux
Tri/3,
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:

Element Properties
Structural Solid
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
3D
Solid
Homogeneous
Tet 4, Wedge 6, Hex 8,

Tet 10, Wedge 15, Hex 20

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

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
3D
Solid
Homogeneous
Tet/4, Wedge/6,
Hex/8
Rotational DOF

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:
Layered Structural Solid

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
3D
Solid
Laminate
Tet 4, Wedge 6,
Hex 8

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


Element Properties
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Structural
2D
Coupled Field Solid
Voltage
Tet4, Wedge6,
Hex8,
Magnetic Flux
UX,UY,UZ
Tet10, Wedge15,
Hex20
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:

Element Properties
Thermal Mass (MASS71)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Thermal
0D
Mass
Option(s)
Topologies
Point1

Element Properties
Use this form to create the MASS71 (Lumped Thermal Mass with Variable Heat Generation) elements.
Conduction Bar (LINK33)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option 1
Option 2
Topologies
Thermal
1D
Link
3D Link
Conduction
Bar 2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the LINK33 (3-Dimensional Heat Conduction Bar) elements.
Convection Link (LINK34)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option 1
Option 2
Topologies
Thermal
1D
Link
3D Link
Convection
Bar 2

Element Properties
This form creates the LINK34 (Convection Link) elements.
Radiation Link (LINK31)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option 1
Option 2
Topologies
Thermal
1D
Link
3D Link
Radiation
Bar 2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the LINK31 (Radiation Link) elements.
Conduction Bar (LINK32)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Thermal
1D
Link
2D Link
Bar 2

Element Properties
Use this form to create the LINK32 (2-Dimensional Heat Conduction) Bar.
Thermal Spring-Damper (COMBIN14)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Thermal
1D
Spring/Damper
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar 2

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)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Thermal
1D
Combination
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar 2

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)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Thermal
1D
Electric Link
Option(s)
Topologies
Bar 2

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

Note:
Thermal Shell (SHELL57)

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Thermal
2D
Shell
Option(s)
Topologies
Tri3, Quad4

Element Properties
Use this form to create the SHELL57 (Isoparametric Quadrilateral Thermal Shell) elements.
2D Planar Thermal Solid

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.

Element Properties
2D Axisymmetric Thermal Solid

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Thermal
2D
2D Solid
Axisymmetric
Tri 3, Quad4
Tri 6, Quad 8

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

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Thermal
2D
Electric 2D Solid Planar, Axisymmetric
Use this form to create the PLANE67 (2D Thermal-Electric Solid) elements.
Note:
Topologies
Tri/3, Quad/4

Element Properties
2D Coupled Field Solid

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Thermal
2D
2D Coupled Field
Solid
Temperature
Magnetic Flux
Tri/3, Quad/4
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:

Element Properties
3D Thermal Solid
Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Thermal
3D
Solid
Option(s)
Topologies
Tet4, Wedge6, Hex8,
Tet10, Wedge15, Hex20

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

Analysis Type
Dimension
Type
Thermal
3D
Electric Solid
Option(s)
Topologies
Tet4, Wedge6, Hex8, Tet10,
Wedge15, Hex20
Use this form to create the SOLID69 (3D Thermal-Electric Solid) elements.
Note:

Element Properties
3D Thermal Coupled Field Solid

Analysis Type
Dimension Type
Option(s)
Topologies
Thermal
3D
Temperature,
Voltage,
Magnetic Flux,
UX,UY,UZ,Temp, Volt, Mag Flux
Temp, Volt, Mag Flux
Tet 4,
Wedge 6,
Hex 8, Tet 10,
Wedge 15,
Hex 20
Coupled
Field Solid
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:

Element Properties


The Loads and Boundary Conditions form appears when the Load s 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.

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. 21) in the Patran Reference Manual.

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

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.

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).

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
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

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

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.



Contact Select Application Region (ANSYS 5)
Temperature (Thermal)
Object
Type
Type
Temp (Thermal)
Nodal
Thermal

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
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

Creates the ANSYS EC command for ANSYS Revision 4.4A. Creates the SFE command with the Lab
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

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.

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 preload state should be specified in a Buckling analysis. The Buckling step is implied, and does not need to
be explicitly specified.

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.

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. 210) in the Reference Manual - Part III.

Chapter 3: Running an Analysis

Running an Analysis
Solution Types
Solution Parameters
Select Load Cases
Output Requests
161
162
163
185
186
158


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.
Chapter 3: Running an Analysis 159

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

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. 280) 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.

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

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. 451) 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.

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.

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).

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

Solution Parameters
Nonlinear Static (ANSYS 5)

Nonlinear Static is the selected Solution Type and the Preference is set to ANSYS 5.

Solution Parameters

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.

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).

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.

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).

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
Procedure
Defines the method to use for expanding modes. Available options are:
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
Stresses
If selected, this will cause the KPSTR parameter of the /BUCKLE

command to be set to 1.
Virtual Wavefront
Solution
If selected, this will cause ANSYS 4.4A to select a virtual equation solver
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.

Solution Parameters
Eigenvalue Buckling (ANSYS 5)

Eigenvalue Buckling is the selected Solution Type and the Preference is set to ANSYS 5.

Solution Parameters
More data input is available for defining the Eigenvalue Buckling Solution Parameters shown on the
Parameter Name
Description
Mode Expansion
Procedure
Defines the method to use for expanding modes. Available options are:
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
Stresses
If selected, this will cause the ELCALC parameter of the MXPAND

command to be set to YES. Otherwise, the ELCALC parameter will be set
to NO.

Solution Parameters
Modal
Modal is the selected Solution Type.

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
Shapes 12to Unity
Controls the normalization of the mode shapes. If it is selected, the

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
Stiffening
If selected, this causes the analysis to include the effects of stress

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
Solution
If selected, this will cause ANSYS 4.4A 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 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.

Solution Parameters
Harmonic
Harmonic is the selected Solution Type.

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.

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.

Solution Parameters
More data input is available for defining the Multiple Solutions Expansion Parameters shown on the
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

Reactions
Defines the ELCALC parameter of the NUMEXP command for

ANSYS 5. It has no effect for ANSYS 4.4.
Expansion Parameters (One Loadstep/Substep)

Solution Parameters form, and the Method of expansion is set to One loadstep/substep. The Expansion

Solution Parameters
Expansion Parameters (Specified Frequency)

Solution Parameters form, and the Method of expansion is set to Specified Frequency. The Expansion

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.

Solution Parameters
Steady-State Heat Transfer

Steady-State Heat Transfer is the selected Solution Type.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Chapter 4: Read Results

Read Results
Select File
190
193
194
195
204
205
190 Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide


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.
Chapter 4: Read Results 191

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.

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. 202) in the Patran Reference Manual.

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

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.


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
Label
Angle
Secondary Label
Maximum
Interlaminar Shear
Result
Label
Type
Description
Scalar
ILANG
The angle of the shear stress

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,
Y,Z)
The components of the force

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
Criteria
Scalar
LN(FCMAX) The layer number where the

maximum failure criteria
occurred.
Layer
Maximum
Interlaminar Shear
Scalar
ILLN
The layer number where the

maximum interlaminar shear
occurred.
Layer
Total Number
Scalar
NL
The total number of layers in

the composite laminated
element.
Vector
MMOM(X,Y
,Z)
The components of the

Moment tensor.
Scalar
FOUND
PRESS
The value of the foundation

pressure.
Vector
TX, TY
The force per unit length in

shell elements.
Moment
Pressure
Shell Forces
Foundation

Primary
Label
Secondary Label
Shell Moment
Result
Label
Type
Description
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
Criteria
Scalar
EP (FCMAX) The value of the strain for the

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
Criteria
Scalar
S (FCMAX)
The value of the stress at the


Primary
Label
Secondary Label
Type
Result
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
SDIRSBZ+SBY
The combined stress at output

point 1 for a beam element.
Stress
Combined - 2
Scalar
SDIR+SBZ+
SBY

Stress
Combined - 3
Scalar
SDIR-SBZSBY

Stress
Combined - 4
Scalar
SDIR+SBZSBY

Stress
Equivalent
Scalar
SIGE

strain.
Stress
Equivalent Plastic
Scalar
SIGEPL

plastic strain.
Stress
Intensity
Scalar
S.I.
The value of the stress

intensity.
Stress
Maximum
Interlaminar Shear
Scalar
ILMAX
The maximum value of the

interlaminar shear stress.
Stress
Ratio
Scalar
SRAT
The value of the ratio of the

current stress to the stress on
the yield surface.
Scalar
STRETCH
The stretch of a spring.
Scalar
TEMP
The value of the element

temperature.
Scalar
TWIST
The twist of a spring.
Scalar
VELOCITY
Velocity for spring damping.
Stretch
Temperature
Elemental
Twist
Velocity
Axial

The following additional element results will be available from ANSYS Revision 5 results files.
Primary Label
Secondary
Label
Type
Result
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.
Scalar
PSV
The plastic state variable.
Scalar
PLWK
The plastic work per volume.
Scalar
VOLU
The element volume.
Plastic State Variable

Work
Plastic
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

Strain
Layer Maximum
Creep
Scalar
Creep strain for the layer

with the maximum failure
criteria.

Primary Label
Secondary
Label
Type
Result
Label
Description
Strain
Layer Maximum
Plastic
Scalar
Plastic strain for the layer

criteria.
Stress
Shear Vector Sum
Scalar
Strain
Layer Maximum
Scalar
Strain for the layer with the

Temperature
Layer Maximum
Scalar
Temperature for the layer

criteria.
Strain
Layer Maximum
Thermal
Scalar
Thermal strain for the layer

criteria.
Strain
Layer Maximum
Swelling
Scalar
Swelling strain for the layer

criteria.
Strain
Axial
Scalar
EPEL,DIR
Axial strain in one

dimensional elements.
Strain
Bending
Scalar
EPEL, BYT
Bending strain in one

ILSUM
EPEL, BYB
The vector sum of the shear

stress.
EPEL, BZT
EPEL, BZB
Strain
Thermal Axial
Scalar
EPTH, DIR
Axial thermal strain in one

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

Strain
Initial Axial
Scalar
EPIN, AXL
Initial axial strain in one

Strain
Plastic Axial
Scalar
EPPL, AXL
Plastic axial strain in one


Primary Label
Secondary
Label
Type
Result
Label
EPCR, AXL
Description
Strain
Creep Axial
Scalar
Axial creep strain in one

Gradient
Fluid
Vector
Gradient
Thermal
Vector
Gradient
Electric
Vector
Electric nodal field gradient.
Gradient
Magnetic
Vector
Magnetic nodal field

gradient.
Fluid nodal field gradient.

TG (X, Y, Z)
Thermal nodal field gradient.

Primary Label
Secondary
Label
Result
Label
Type
TF(X,Y,Z)
Description
Flux
Thermal
Vector
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
FACTOR
The geometric form factor

for a radiation element.
Membrane
Diagonal Tension
Angle
Scalar
ANGLE
Diagonal tension angles

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.
Primary Label
Secondary
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).

Primary Label
Secondary
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).
Scalar
nodal solution
FLOTRAN result (HFLM).
Film Coefficient
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
Velocity Mag.
Scalar
nodal solution
FLOTRAN result (STRM).

This is the stream function if
2D or the Velocity Magnitude
if 3D.

Primary Label
Secondary
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
Segment
Vector
reaction force
The nodal magnetic current

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
Flag
Real
Flag indicating if the loading was symmetrical (Flag = 1) or

anti-symmetrical (Flag = -1) for harmonic loading cases.


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.


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

Chapter 5: Read Input File

Read Input File
208
211


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.
Chapter 5: Read Input File 209


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.


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.

Supported Keywords
Node
Description
Node
NROT
Node Rotate
Elements and Properties
Description
ET
Element type
EMOR
Additional element data
EN
Element connectivity
REAL
Select Real Constant Set
Real Constant data
RMOD
Modify Real Constant Sets
RMOD
Add real constant data to Sets
TYPE
Select Element type
Loads and Boundary

Conditions
Description
Degree of Freedom constraints
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

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

Chapter 6: Delete
Delete
216
217


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.
Chapter 6: Delete 217


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.

Chapter 7: Files
Files
Files
220

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 Users 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
jobname.jbr
These are small files used to pass certain information between Patran and
the Application Preference during translation. You should never have
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
jobname.rth
These are the ANSYS Revision 5 structural, thermal, or magnetic results

files which will be read by the Read Results pass.
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.
Chapter 7: Files 221

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.

Files
Chapter 8: Errors/Warnings
Errors/Warnings
Errors / Warnings
224

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

database, ....
The program was unable to open the Patran database

specified. Check file permissions mode.
Unable to open the ANSYS

input file ....
The program was unable to open the input file (*.prp)

specified. Check file permissions mode.
WARNING: No element
properties were detected in
the database.
No element properties were found in the database.

Without element properties, no elements can be created.
No materials were detected

in the database.
No material properties were found in the database. This

may not be a problem if the elements used do not require
material properties.
WARNING: None of the element

property regions have
properties defined for them.
Element properties may have been created then deleted.

Check the element properties definitions in Patran.
WARNING: No elements were

detected in the database for
group .... Translation
continuing.
No elements were found in the database for the specified

group. Translation will continue without creating
elements.
No loads or boundary
conditions were detected for
load case ....
No loads or boundary conditions were found in the

database associated with the specified load case name.
Check the load case definition in Patran.
Chapter 8: Errors/Warnings 225

Errors / Warnings
Message
Description
The loads or boundary

conditions ... is of a
type that the PAT3ANS
translator does not
currently support.
The loads or boundary conditions specified is not

currently supported by Patran ANSYS. Change the loads
or boundary conditions to one that is supported.
Time dependent fields are

currently not supported. The
field referenced in the
loads or boundary condition
... will not appear in the
input file.
Time dependent loads or boundary conditions are not

supported by Patran ANSYS.
No material properties were

defined for ....
A material name exists in the Patran database with no

properties associated to it. Check Patran material
definitions.
No load cases were specified

for the analysis.
No load cases were specified for an analysis type that

requires load cases to be defined.
The elements in region ...

are of a type that the
PAT3ANS translator does not
currently support.
The elements in the specified region are not currently

supported by the Patran ANSYS interface.
The number of layers is set

to INT which is not allowed
for STIF number INT.
An illegal number of layers is specified for an ANSYS

element.
The elements in region ...

are of STIF type INT which
requires a laminated
material.
The elements in the specified region require the use of a

laminated material.
The orientation node INT for

element INT was not found in
the database.
The orientation node for a bar element was not defined.
WARNING: A loading was

applied to a
face or edge that is not
supported in ANSYS. LBCs
case is .... Translation
is continuing without this
loading.
A loading was applied to an element in a manner that

ANSYS does not support.
WARNING: HEAT FLUX is not

supported by ANSYS Release
4.X. You must have ANSYS
Release 5.X to use HEAT
FLUX. Translation is
continuing without this
loading.
The heat flux lbcs is not supported in ANSYS Revision

4.4A. To use this lbc, you must run ANSYS Revision 5.
Translation will continue without this loading.

Errors / Warnings
Message
Description
WARNING: Nonzero
coefficients are ignored in
MPC # INT.
For future use with implicit MPCs.
Error translating mpc # INT.

Recheck mpc geometry.
DOF was required at node INT

for Patran MPC #.
The number of total nodes in

an ... MPC must be INT
times the number of
dependent nodes.
Unknown node INT referenced

in ... type MPC.
Unknown coordinate frame INT

referenced by MPC INT.
MPC # INT not translated.
An unrecognized degree-offreedom was found while

....
A DOF was specified that is not recognized by Patran

ANSYS.
No independent term was

found for MPC
number INT, of type ....
The specified MPC did not contain a definition for the

required independent term. Specify an independent term
and resubmit.
No dependent term was found

for MPC
number INT, of type ....
The specified MPC did not contain a definition for the

required dependent term. Specify a dependent term and
resubmit.
More than the allowed number

of INT were specified for
the MPC set. The maximum
number allowed for a ...
type mpc is INT.
ANSYS 4.4 restricts the number of terms in an MPC set

to 199. Reduce the number of terms specified below the
allowed number and resubmit.
WARNING: An unsupported MPC

type was detected for MPC
number INT. Translation
continuing without this MPC.
The MPC type selected is not supported by Patran

ANSYS. Translation will continue without creating this
MPC type.
The translation must be

resubmitted from the
Analysis form.
The loads and boundary conditions applied to geometry

were not evaluated onto the finite elements model. The
analysis must be resubmitted from the analysis form to
cause the evaluation of the loads and boundary
conditions.
Chapter 8: Errors/Warnings 227

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

supported by the
translator. Execution
proceeding without this
element type.
An element of the specified STIF number was detected in

the ANSYS results file that is not supported by the Patran
ANSYS interface. Translation is continuing without using
this element type.
Input Results File is From

Pre 4.2 Version of ANSYS.
Translation Stopped.
The ANSYS results file was created with a version of

ANSYS prior to Revision 4.2 and cannot be translated.
Illegal STIF number (#)

detected in ANSYS results
file. Execution stopped.
An element type number was detected that is not in the

allowable range for an ANSYS element.
Error translating ANSYS

Group 5 (Reaction Force)
data block. Translation
Stopped.
An error was encountered translating the Group 5 data

block in the ANSYS results file.
Error Adding ANSYS Group 5

(Reaction Force) data to
database. Translation
Stopped.
An error was encountered while adding Group 5 data to the

Patran database.
Error translating
displacements. Translation
Stopped.
An error was encountered translating the displacement data

block (Group 3) of the ANSYS results file.
The element number# of type

STIF No. =# with shape
=... is not supported.
Translation is continuing
without this element.
The specified element with ANSYS STIF number and the

specified shape is not supported by the Patran ANSYS
interface. Translation will continue without this element.
Error while translating

local coordinate
systems. Translation
Stopped.
An error occurred while translating local coordinate

systems from the ANSYS results file.
An Unsupported Toroidal
coordinate system (Number
#) was encountered. It was
translated as a rectangular
coordinate system. NOTE:
Results referring to this
coordinate system may be
improperly displayed.
The specified coordinate system number is a Toroidal

coordinate system that is not currently supported by Patran.
A rectangular coordinate system was created. This will
cause results that reference this coordinate system to be
improperly displayed.

Errors / Warnings
Message
Description
An Unsupported Elliptical
... coordinate system
(Number #) was encountered.
It was translated as a
... coordinate system.
NOTE: Results referring to
this coordinate system may
be improperly displayed.
An elliptical, cylindrical or spherical coordinate system of

the specified number was found in the ANSYS results file.
Patran does not support the elliptical systems. The
coordinate system will be translated as a standard
cylindrical or spherical coordinate system. This may cause
the results to be improperly displayed.
The configuration of
element # is currently not
supported for STIF number
#.
The topology specified in the ANSYS results file for the

specified element is not supported for the element type
specified.
WARNING: INT Nodes were not

found while adding ...
results.
The specified number of nodes were not found in the model

when trying to add the named results. These results will not
appear in the database.
Error reading the ANSYS

results file. Error
occurred while ....
An error occurred while reading the ANSYS results file

while attempting to perform the named function.
File ... does not exist.

Translation stopped.
The specified file does not exist in the users path.

Translation will not continue.
Error while initializing

ANSYS binary file using
ANSYS BINSET routine.
An error occurred by initializing the ANSYS result file

using the ANSYS BINSET routine. The translation will not
continue.
Error while reading the

ANSYS results file
standard header.
Translation stopped.
An error occurred while reading the standard header from

the ANSYS results file. Translation will not continue.
The selected file, ...,

is not an ANSYS 5 results
file. Translation stopped.
The specified file was not created by ANSYS Revision 5

and can not be translated.
Error while translating

element results for
... data.
An error occurred while translating the element results for

the specified data. Translation will not continue.
MSC.Fatigue Quick Start Guide
Index
Inde A
ACEL, 145
x
Index
BEAM3, 94
BEAM4, 72
BEAM44, 80
BEAM54, 101
BF, 145
CE, 21, 22
CERIG, 21, 24, 25
COMBIN14, 85, 86, 128
COMBIN40, 91, 129
composite
laminated, 63
CONTAC12, 88
CONTAC52, 87
contact, 141
convection, 141, 150
coordinate frames, 16
CP, 21, 26, 28
D, 143, 146, 152

displacement, 143
displacements, 141
DOF List, 26
DOMEGA, 145
EC, 150
element properties, 65
0D, 67
1D, 67
2D, 67
3D, 68
elements, 19
EN, 19
EP, 144
F, 143
files, 220
.db, 220
.dba, 220
.flat, 220
.jba, 220
.jbr, 220
.msg, 220
.prp, 220
.res, 221
.rmg, 220
.rsf, 221
.rst, 220
.rth, 220
12.dat, 220
14.dat, 220
AnsysSubmit, 220
ResultsSubmit, 221
flat file results, 192
force, 141, 143
heat flux, 141, 151

heat source, 141, 152
HFLOW, 152
inertial loads, 145

inertial_load, 141
laminate, 63
LINK1, 83
LINK10, 89
LINK31, 126
LINK32, 127
LINK33, 124
LINK34, 125
LINK8, 84
load cases, 153
loads and boundary conditions, 139, 140
LOCAL, 16
MASS21, 69, 70, 71

MASS71, 123
materials, 29
3D orthotropic, 41, 49
3D orthotropic (thermal), 59, 61
composite, 63
isotropic, 32, 34, 35, 43
isotropic (thermal), 57
MP, 33, 41, 57, 60
MPDATA, 33, 41, 57, 60
MPTEMP, 33, 41, 57, 60
multi-point constraints
CP, 21, 26
degrees-of-freedom, 21
explicit, 21, 22
rigid (fixed), 21, 24
rigid (pinned), 21, 25
multi-point constraints, 20
N, 18
NL, 36, 37, 45, 46
nodes, 18
NROTAT, 16, 18
NT, 146, 150, 152
OMEGA, 145
PLANE2, 109, 110

PLANE35, 131, 133
PLANE42, 109, 110
PLANE55, 131, 133
PLANE77, 131, 133

PLANE82, 109, 110
pressure, 141, 144
read results, 191

results
global variables, 203
table, 195
results files
FILE12, 190
FILE14, 190
model entities translated, 204
rmg, 190
rst, 190
rth, 190
SFE, 144, 150, 151

SHELL28, 114, 115
SHELL41, 111
SHELL43, 105
SHELL51, 92
SHELL57, 131
SHELL63, 103, 108
SHELL91, 64, 107
SHELL93, 105
SHELL99, 64, 105
SOLID45, 118
SOLID46, 64, 120
SOLID7, 119
SOLID70, 136
SOLID72, 119
SOLID87, 136
SOLID90, 136
SOLID92, 118
SOLID95, 118
T, 145
TEMP, 150
temp (thermal), 141, 149
temperature, 141, 144
TREF, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166,
171, 172, 173, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180,
INDEX 231
181, 183, 184, 185, 186, 188
VOLT, 146
voltage, 141, 145
voltage thermal, 141, 152
wavefront optimization, 155

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ANSYS Product Information

What is included with this Product?

Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran

iv Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

Results Created in Patran

Model Entities Created in Patran

Read Input File

Data Translated from the ANSYS Input File

vi Patran Interfaces to ANSYS Preference Guide

ANSYS Product Information

What is included with this Product?

Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran

Configuring the ANSYS Submit File

2 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

ANSYS Product Information

4 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

What is included with this Product?

ANSYS Input File Reader

6 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Patran ANSYS Integration with Patran

8 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Configuring the ANSYS Submit File

10 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Chapter 2: Building A Model

Introduction to Building a Model

Patran Material Library

Loads and Boundary Conditions

12 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Introduction to Building a Model

Chapter 2: Building A Model 13

14 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Supported ANSYS Element Types

Chapter 2: Building A Model 15

16 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Chapter 2: Building A Model 17

18 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Chapter 2: Building A Model 19

20 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Chapter 2: Building A Model 21

Creates the ANSYS CERIG command which constrains all

Creates the ANSYS CERIG command which constrains only

22 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Chapter 2: Building A Model 23

24 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Chapter 2: Building A Model 25

26 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

Chapter 2: Building A Model 27

28 Patran Interface to ANSYS Preference Guide

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Patran Material Library

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