Patran

Patran is the companion pre/post-processor for MSC Nastran and Marc, providing a complete environment for building, analyzing, and visualizing finite element models. As part of the Cadence portfolio, Patran handles the full FEA workflow: geometry import from all major CAD systems (CATIA, NX, STEP, IGES, Parasolid, Creo), meshing (tetrahedral, hexahedral, mixed, shell, beam elements), load and boundary condition application, solver submission, and results visualization with fringe plots, animations, XY graphs, and automated report generation. Patran’s direct interface to MSC Nastran and Marc eliminates format translation issues and provides access to all solver-specific features through guided input forms.

For teams running production Nastran workflows, Patran remains the most integrated and full-featured pre/post-processing environment. Every Nastran solution sequence (SOL 101 through SOL 700) has dedicated input forms in Patran, ensuring that solver capabilities are accessible without manual BDF editing. Patran’s PCL (Patran Command Language) scripting enables automation of repetitive modeling tasks — model parameterization, automated meshing workflows, and batch post-processing. The results visualization capabilities support all Nastran and Marc output quantities including stress, displacement, strain, temperature, acoustic pressure, and fatigue results.

GSAS provides Patran licensing in India alongside MSC Nastran and Marc, with training workshops covering model building best practices, meshing techniques, and PCL automation for production simulation workflows. Available as individual licenses or through the MSC One token pool.

Capability Overview

Capability	Detail
Geometry Import	CATIA V5/V6, NX, STEP, IGES, Parasolid, Creo, SolidWorks
Meshing	Tet, hex, paver, shell, beam with quality checking
Loads & BCs	Force, pressure, temperature, enforced displacement, contact
Solver Interface	MSC Nastran (all SOLs), Marc, Dytran, LS-DYNA, Abaqus
Results Visualization	Fringe plots, deformed shapes, animations, XY plots
Report Generation	Automated report templates with images and data tables
Scripting	PCL (Patran Command Language) for workflow automation
LPT (Laminate Modeler)	Composite layup definition and ply-by-ply visualization
Pricing	Request Quote

Key Applications

• Production FEA: High-volume model building and post-processing for MSC Nastran analysis teams
• Aerospace: Nastran aeroelasticity model setup, composite laminate definition, certification report generation
• Automotive: Full-vehicle NVH model preparation, crash model post-processing, durability results extraction
• Workflow Automation: PCL scripting for batch model creation, parametric studies, automated reporting
• Workflow Standardization: Consistent model-building practices across Nastran analysis teams