MSC - Explore Version 2006 User's Guide

MSC.
Explore
MSC.Explore User’s Guide
Version 2006
Main Index
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Main Index
C O N T E N T S
MSC.Explore User’s Guide,
1
Introduction ■ Overview, 2
❑ Benefits, 2
■ Architecture and Capabilities, 3

■ Integration of MSC.Explore with MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran, 5
■ About This Guide, 7
- Critical Load Determination, 7
- Loads Summation, 7
- Convenience Tools, 7
- Results Database Management, 7
2
Getting Started ■ Overview, 10
■ Prerequisites, 14
❑ Software Requirements, 14
❑ Hardware Requirements, 14
❑ Audience, 14
■ Invoking MSC.Explore, 15
■ Settings.pcl Entries, 16
■ Graphical User Interface, 18
❑ MSC.Explore Forms, 18
❑ MSC.Explore Output, 20
- Text Output Example, 20
- HTML Output Example, 22
- Graphics Output Example, 23
3
General ■ Introduction, 26
Information - Max/Min Sorting, 26
- Ranking, 26
- Envelope, 26
- Ranked Envelope, 27
Main Index
- Free Body, 27
- XY Plot, 27
- Report, 28
- Extract Subcases, 28
- Information, 28
- Load Combination, 28
■ Limitations, 29
■ Using MSC.Explore Forms, 30
❑ Critical Load Determination, 30
- Max/Min Sorting, 30
- Ranking, 32
❑ Ranked Envelope, 34
- Envelope, 36
❑ Loads Summation, 38
- Free Body, 38
- Report, 39
❑ Convenience Tools, 42
- XY Plot, 42
❑ Results Database Management, 44
- Information, 44
- Extract Subcases, 45
❑ Load Combination, 45
4
Using ■ Using MSC.Explore Functions, 48
MSC.Explore ■ Critical Load Determination, 49
❑ Max/Min Sorting, 49
- Max/Min Main Form, 50
- Max/Min Target Entity, 51
- Max/Min Target Entity (Elements or Nodes), 52
- Max/Min Target Entity (Properties or Groups), 53
- Max/Min Export, 54
- Max/Min Output Results, 55
❑ Rank, 56
- Rank Main Form, 57
- Rank Target Entity (Current Viewport, All Properties, All
Elements, or All Nodes), 59
- Rank Target Entity (Elements or Nodes), 60
- Rank Target Entity (Properties or Groups), 61
- Rank Export, 62
- Rank Output Results, 63
❑ Ranked Envelope, 64
❑ Creating Ranked Envelopes, 66
Main Index
❑ Plotting Envelopes, 70
- Single Envelope Plots, 70
- Envelope Comparison Plots, 70
❑ Fringe Plots, 71
- Envelope Selection, 71
- Target Entities, 73
- Display Attributes, 74
- Plot Options, 75
❑ Label Plots, 76
- Plot Options, 83
❑ Reports, 84
- Plot Options, 86
- Export, 87
❑ Sample Reports, 88
❑ Deleting Envelopes, 91
❑ Importing and Exporting Envelopes, 92
- Importing Envelopes, 92
- Exporting Envelopes, 93
❑ pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_EXPORT_EXT”,
“exp”), 94
❑ Envelope, 95
- Envelope Main Form, 96
- Envelope Target Entity - Current Viewport, All Properties, All
Elements, or All Nodes), 98
- Envelope Target Entity - (Elements or Nodes), 99
- Envelope Target Entity - (Properties or Groups), 100
- Envelope Attributes, 101
- Envelope Export, 102
- Envelope Output Results, 103
■ Loads Summation, 104
❑ Free Body, 104
- Free Body Main Form, 105
- Free Body Target Entity (Select by Entities), 106
- Free Body Target Entity (Select by Groups), 107
- Free Body Display Attribute, 108
- Free Body Spreadsheet, 108
- Free Body Export, 109
- Free Body Spreadsheet Output, 110
❑ Report, 111
Main Index
- Report Main Form, 112
- Report Target Entity, 113
- Report Export, 114
- Report Output, 115
■ Convenience Tools, 117
❑ XY Plot, 117
- XY Plot Main Menu, 118
- XY Plot Post/Unpost, 119
- XY Plot Target Entity, 120
- XY Plot Curve Display Attributes, 121
- XY Plot Graph Display, 122
- XY Plot Axis Format Subform, 123
- XY Plot Legend Format Subform, 124
- XY Plot Grid Lines Format Subform, 125
- XY Plot Tick Marks Format, 126
- XY Plot Export, 127
- XY Plot Output, 128
■ Results Database Management, 129
❑ Extract Subcases, 129
- Extract Subcases Main Form, 130
- Extract Subcases Subform, 131
❑ Information, 132
- Information Main Form, 133
- Information Output, 134
❑ Load Combination, 135
- Load Combination Main Form, 135
❑ Load Combination (*.lcf) File Format and Restrictions., 137
A
Using ■ MSC.Explore PCL Functions, 140
MSC.Explore PCL ❑ PCL Functions, 140
Functions - Session File Functions, 140
- User Functions, 149
- Envelope Data Functions, 151
INDEX MSC.Explore User’s Guide, 157
Main Index
CHAPTER
Introduction
1
■ Overview
■ Architecture and Capabilities
■ Integration of MSC.Explore with MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran
■ About This Guide
Main Index
2
1.1 Overview
MSC.Explore is a complementary module of MSC.Patran to enable rapid
identification and visualization of critical design results from MSC.Nastran analyses.
This is a single program with many capabilities. MSC.Explore provides a new way of
looking at MSC.Nastran results across multiple load cases and multiple result files
instead of the traditional one-load-case at a time approach. MSC.Explore uses an
efficient GUI interface for selecting and viewing results. This single tool processes
Static, Transient and Frequency Response Analyses and produces web-based HTML
and ASCII text output in addition to graphical output.
Benefits
Using MSC.Explore has many advantages because it:
• Comprises a single program with many capabilities that incorporates
industry-wide methods and expertise.
• Processes Static, Transient, and Frequency Response Analyses with one tool
and gives faster and more reliable critical design information.
• Efficiently processes MSC.Nastran results from a large number of load cases.
• Substantially reduces the time spent analyzing MSC.Nastran results.
• Manages large volumes of data better than any other commercial
preprocessor or postprocessor and facilitates large-scale analyses by
MSC.Software.
• Automates the results-synthesis by incorporating large amounts of results
data among multiple results files.
• Provides a low-cost, low-maintenance tool that avoids high-cost
maintenance and development of in-house code.
• Analyzes larger FEA model results using current hardware resources.
• Requires neither an additional translator program nor additional
intermediate files which save disk space.
• Produces output that is web-based HTML as well as ASCII report output.
This User’s Guide documents the current release of MSC.Explore.
Main Index
CHAPTER 1 3
Introduction
1.2 Architecture and Capabilities

MSC.Explore is a module to MSC.Patran that extends its capabilities to better support
critical loads survey. As shown in Figure 1-1, the module can accept as inputs any
number of MSC.Nastran results databases (ResultsDB) and operates on them under
user control to identify and filter the critical loads. Static, transient and frequency
response results are all supported. The results obtained by the user on filtering these
data can be presented in HTML form (on a user-selected browser), at text files (again,
optionally displayed on a user-selected editor). User's can elect to save these files
(either HTML or text) to use later in reports or as input files to downstream processes.
Finally, MSC.Explore can create a new ResultsDB that contains only the filtered subset
of data that the user has defined. These may be "critical" cases for further study or can
simply be for archival collections. Again, these (potentially much smaller) collections
may be used again in MSC.Explore, in MSC.Patran or in downstream processes.
Figure 1-1 MSC.Explore Architecture Overview
Main Index
4
Figure 1-1 provides a simplistic overview of the MSC.Explore architecture.
MSC.Explore can examine both nodal results (displacements, velocities, accelerations

and grid point forces) and element results (stresses, strains, etc.). These results (for a
common FE model) are logically combined by MSC.Explore into a single pool of
results across which surveys can be performed. In most cases, the results are reports
which can be written as text files, HTML files or both. Further, either form of output
can be displayed immediately (in the user-defined browser/editor) or simply saved
for later use. In some cases, (e.g., Envelope), the results can also include graphical
display on the FE mode. Again, the form of output can be controlled by the users.
Another set of features in MSC.Explore allows you to manage the collections of results
databases. MSC.Explore allows you to visualize the contents of one or more results
databases and, if desired, to merge a subset of these result cases into a new (single)
results database. Thus, you can see what you have and also partition/merge the cases
into more easily managed collections.
Finally, MSC.Explore supplies convenience tools to simplify the creation of xy plot
data (either graphically or textual). These data are possible to create in standard
Patran, but MSC.Explore is faster and simpler to use and is tailored to provide the data
that are useful in critical loads survey.
Main Index
CHAPTER 1 5
Introduction
1.3 Integration of MSC.Explore with MSC.Nastran and

MSC.Patran
MSC.Explore represents an integration of MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran products, as
shown in Figure 1-1.
MSC.Explore is comprised of a Patran PCL library (PLB) and an executable program
(msc-explore) as well as a number of icon files, menu definition files and other small
components. These files are installed onto an installation of MSC.Patran to allow the
MSC.Explore program to function. You should refer to the installation notes with the
delivery for details, but, as a general overview, there are two different kinds of
installations that are supported: a system wide installation and a local user
installation. In the system wide installation, the MSC.Patran install directory is
modified to contain the MSC.Explore files. All user's of that MSC.Patran installation
will then have access to MSC.Explore for their use in all MSC.Patran sessions. In the
local install, a single user's local MSC.Patran configuration files (e.g., p3midilog.pcl) is
used to point to a local installation. Only that user will see the installation. Details on
these two installation forms are included in the installation guide.
MSC.Explore depends upon standard MSC.Patran for handling the model data. All
modeling, job creation, FE visualization, etc. is done using standard MSC.Patran
functions. MSC.Explore, however, enables one to simultaneously attach numerous
"Results Databases." From these attachments, MSC.Explore then operates to perform
critical load determination and other actions. A presumption of MSC.Explore is that
the model(s) in the MSC.Patran database are the same (by external identification) as
those in the set of results databases. In addition, for certain actions in MSC.Explore,
one must have certain results on the ResultsDB. For example, the "Free Body Tool"
requires Grid Point Force data. The user must ensure that these data are requested for
output and stored on the MSC.Nastran Results Database(s).
Currently, the Results Databases that are supported by MSC.Explore are the XDB
(PARAM, POST, 0) outputs from MSC.Nastran. And, these databases must be of the
statics or dynamics analysis classes. MSC.Explore is restricted to operating on either
statics results or dynamics results in a single session--it cannot operate on combined
results. Note that the MSC.Patran XDB attachment is independent from that of the
MSC.Explore results database attachment--so if you want to have both attachments,
you must (and can) separately attach the files.
MSC.Explore contains several user-defined selections for output options. Among
these are optional selections to display text reports and HTML reports. Associated
with these options are the names of executable programs that you want to use to view
these results (a text editor, for the text files and a web browser for the HTML files).
These options (along with other MSC.Explore options) are saved between sessions in
your local "settings.pcl" file.
Main Index
6
For example:
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_html_export_flag", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_text", FALSE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_html", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_import_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_write_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_string( "msc_explore_cmd_disp_html", "netscape" )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_display_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_auto_sprd_flag", TRUE )
pref_env_set_string( "msc_explore_cmd_disp_text", "C:\Programs\emacs-20.7\bin\emacs.exe" )
pref_env_set_logical(“AutoExecuteRankedEnvelope”, TRUE)
pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_IMPORT_EXT”, “in”)
pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_EXPORT_EXT”, “exp”
pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_REPORT_EXT”, “rpt”)
pref_env_set_real(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_TITLE_OFFSET, 2.5)
Default values are set upon first use and your settings are then retained from session
to session.
Main Index
CHAPTER 1 7
Introduction
1.4 About This Guide

This MSC.Explore User’s Guide describes in detail the features of MSC.Explore. The
guide is organized to emphasize the graphical nature of MSC.Explore.
Chapter 1
Introduction - Supplies an overview and includes the architecture
and capabilities as well as the Integration of MSC.Nastran and
MSC.Patran.
Chapter 2
Getting Started - Gives prerequisites, starting MSC.Explore and
common GUI information.
Chapter 3
General Information - Outlines the MSC.Explore functions and gives
the limitations of the program.
Chapter 4
Using MSC.Explore - Details all MSC.Explore functions and options
including menus and example output.
The following lists how this manual has been divided into subsections within Chapter
4 to explain each function of MSC.Explore.
Critical Load Determination

• Max/Min Sorting
• Ranking
• Envelope
• Ranked Envelopes
Loads Summation
• Free Body
• Report
Convenience Tools
• XY Plot
Results Database Management

• Info
Main Index
8
• Extract Subcases
• Load Combination
This document is intended to provide a thorough introduction to MSC.Explore, but it
can address only a small fraction of the topics that are involved with the system. MSC
has many other related documents and the user is advised to search out these relevant
publications. Four especially important ones are:
• MSC.Nastran Linear Static Analysis
• MSC.Nastran Basic Dynamics Analysis
• MSC.Nastran Aeroelastic Analysis User’s Guide
• MSC.Patran User’s Guide
The MSC Bookstore is on the World Wide Web at www.mscsoftware.com; select the
engineering-e.com tab and the BooksMart button to display a comprehensive list of
publications available from MSC.Software.
Main Index
CHAPTER
Getting Started
2
■ Overview
■ Prerequisites
■ Invoking MSC.Explore
■ Settings.pcl Entries
■ Graphical User Interface
Main Index
10
2.1 Overview
The following table lists the functions available in MSC.Explore including a
description, use, input and output that are available.
Function Description/Purpose/Input/Output
Load Combination Description: Derive new Statics results as linear combinations of

existing Statics results and save these new results to a new
Results DB. The new Results DB can then be used in other
MSC.Explore survey functions like max/min, ranked envelope,
etc.
Purpose: Provides a rapid means to generate critical cases for
survey from a base set of "unit" cases.
Input: Any set of results database(s) and a set of combination
data; either from a "load combination file" or from interactive
definition in the GUI.
Output: Produces a new Results DB
Max/Min Sorting Description: Finds Maximum and Minimum results for every
result component across all loading conditions, time steps and
frequencies. Max/Min identifies critical load cases based on
selected criteria and identifies the location and the Element IDs
and lists corresponding other results components.
Max/Min shows the corresponding subcase, Results Database
File, Time and Frequency values.
Purpose: Enables the user to look at the overall response of a
structure across all load cases for all response components. This
helps identify the max/min response for all variables under all
loading conditions. This is a quick way of looking into overall
behavior of the structure.
Input: Any set of results database(s).
Output: Produces HTML and ASCII documentation.
Main Index
CHAPTER 2 11
Getting Started
Ranking Description: Find the top “n” Element and Grid result quantities
across all selected results components. Identifies critical load
cases based on selected criteria. Reports Max and Min top “n”
results. Lists all associated results corresponding to selected com-
ponents Results Database file for each case.
Purpose: Max/Min identifies only one single max/min response
whereas ranking provides "n" highest/lowest response of a
selected component. If a badly shaped element or improper use of
a rigid element causes high stresses, then this option provides the
response level of up to the next "n" highly stressed elements.
Also helps identify high stress concentration areas.
Input: Any set of results database(s).
Output: Produces HTML and ASCII report documentation.
Envelope Description: Finds critical results for each individual Element

and Grid across all load cases. Allows user to see “worst-case”
scenario from all loading conditions. Chooses Absolute Maxi-
mum, Algebraic Maximum or Algebraic Minimum. Displays
graphic results in MSC.Patran. Applies the “threshold value” fil-
ter on the resulting fringe plot. Identify critical load cases based
on the selected component.
Purpose: Provides the maximum response of all or groups of ele-
ments/grids. This helps understand the optimum design of struc-
ture. It also helps study the relative conservative/nonconservative
design area under all loading conditions. It also helps choose crit-
ical loads by component.
Input: Any set of results database(s), subsection of Absolute
Max, Algebraic Max or Algebraic Min.
Output: Produces HTML and ASCII documentation and fringe
displays on FE models.
Main Index
12
Ranked Envelope Description: Create a set of Envelopes as in "Envelope" of the

"n" worst cases. These cases can then be compared to one another
as the rankings are persistent after creation. Also, there are fea-
tures in plotting, printing, labeling. Finally one can import/export
envelopes from/to other programs for graphical comparison.
Purpose: Provides the maximum response of all or groups of ele-
ments/grids. This helps understand the optimum design of struc-
ture. It also helps study the relative conservative/nonconservative
design area under all loading conditions. It also helps choose crit-
ical loads by component.
Input: Any set of results database(s), subsection of Absolute
Max, Algebraic Max or Algebraic Min.
Output: Produces HTML and ASCII documentation and fringe
displays on FE models. In addition, fringes of comparisons of
envelopes can be created to allow "what-if" studies of envelopes
across other data (e.g., material choices, load sets, etc.).
Free Body Tool Description: Obtains and displays Free-Body Resultant about
any location across any section of model based on Grid Point
Force data. Includes or excludes SPC, MPC and Applied Load
contribution. Transforms results to any coordinate system.
Obtains Max/Min resultant across all selected load cases.
Purpose: Helps the analyst understand the load path and the
accumulation of load at different sections of the structure.
Input: Any set of results database(s) with Grid Point Force
results.
Output: Produces HTML and ASCII documentation and associ-
ated graphical display of resultant free body loads.
XY Plot Description: Plots how responses vary with Subcase, Time or

Frequency. Customizes axes, scales, legends, and etc. Easy and
convenient way of selecting result quantity.
Purpose: Helps visualize the response with respect to time/fre-
quencies and helps identify fundamental frequency or critical
time under dynamic loads. You can also see variations across
subcases in xy plots.
Input: Any set of results databases.
Output: ASCII (.xy) file to import into a spreadsheet.
Main Index
CHAPTER 2 13
Getting Started
Report Description: Extracts results from Results Database files for

selected Elements and Grids.
Purpose: Gives detailed results of selected Grids/Elements for
detailed investigation or for a report without rerunning the Nas-
tran analysis.
Output: Produces HTML and ASCII documentation.
Extract Subcases Description: Extracts selected Load Cases from multiple Results
Database files and creates a new single Results Database file con-
taining only the selected data.
Purpose: Eliminates the need to store results produced by insig-
nificant loading conditions. Also helps the user keep and distrib-
ute only critical data to other users or subcontractors.
Output: Creates Results Database files containing only critical
load cases.
Information Description: Displays the table of contents for the types of

results available in all the Results Database files.
(Tables of Con- Purpose: Provides users with a quick look at what kind of results
are available in various result databases.
tents)
Output: Provides summary of the results archived on Results
Database files by subcase and results type.
Main Index
14
2.2 Prerequisites
Software Requirements
• MSC.Explore is based on MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran and supports:
• MSC.Patran Version 8.5 or higher
• MSC.Nastran Version 68.2 or higher
Hardware Requirements
• Windows NT
• Hewlett-Packard
• IBM/RISC
• Silicon Graphics
• Sun/Solaris
• Windows NT
• Dec-Alpha
• LINUX
Audience
This manual assumes that the reader is somewhat familiar with both MSC.Patran and
MSC.Nastran in their general usage and concepts. It also presumes that the reader
understands the notions and methods of critical loads determination and has had
some exposure to the nomenclature of that engineering activity. The particular
processes that are performed by MSC.Explore are defined in general ways and should
be sufficient for the intended audience to apply the MSC.Explore tools to assist in
critical loads determination.
Main Index
CHAPTER 2 15
Getting Started
2.3 Invoking MSC.Explore

After installation, MSC.Explore is added to your MSC.Patran Tools menu via the
commands contained in the "mscexplore_init.pcl" file that is, in turn, invoked by the
installation's additions to p3midilog.pcl or p3_init.pcl. (Under the Tools menu,
appears as "MSC.Explore...".) To invoke MSC.Explore, select the Tools function from
the MSC.Patran main menu bar and then select the MSC.Explore option as in the
following example menu.
After the main menu for MSC.Explore displays, you can move around within
MSC.Explore by selecting the Action that defines the function that you want and, in
general, selecting options using the options icons and eventually choosing the Apply
button invoking the Action with the specified options (refer to section 2.4 for more
details). A general description of each of the MSC.Explore main options can be found
in Chapter 3.
Main Index
16
2.4 Settings.pcl Entries

MSC.Explore represents an integration of MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran products, as
shown in Figure 1-1.
MSC.Explore is comprised of a Patran PCL library (PLB) and an executable program
(msc-explore) as well as a number of icon files, menu definition files and other small
components. These files are installed onto an installation of MSC.Patran to allow the
MSC.Explore program to function. You should refer to the installation notes with the
delivery for details, but, as a general overview, there are two different kinds of
installations that are supported: a system wide installation and a local user
installation. In the system wide installation, the MSC.Patran install directory is
modified to contain the MSC.Explore files. All user's of that MSC.Patran installation
will then have access to MSC.Explore for their use in all MSC.Patran sessions. In the
local install, a single user's local MSC.Patran configuration files (e.g., p3midilog.pcl) is
used to point to a local installation. Only that user will see the installation. Details on
these two installation forms are included in the installation guide.
MSC.Explore depends upon standard MSC.Patran for handling the model data. All
modeling, job creation, FE visualization, etc. is done using standard MSC.Patran
functions. MSC.Explore, however, enables one to simultaneously attach numerous
"Results Databases." From these attachments, MSC.Explore then operates to perform
critical load determination and other actions. A presumption of MSC.Explore is that
the model(s) in the MSC.Patran database are the same (by external identification) as
those in the set of results databases. In addition, for certain actions in MSC.Explore,
one must have certain results on the ResultsDB. For example, the "Free Body Tool"
requires Grid Point Force data. The user must ensure that these data are requested for
output and stored on the MSC.Nastran Results Database(s).
Currently, the Results Databases that are supported by MSC.Explore are the XDB
(PARAM, POST, 0) outputs from MSC.Nastran. And, these databases must be of the
statics or dynamics analysis classes. MSC.Explore is restricted to operating on either
statics results or dynamics results in a single session--it cannot operate on combined
results. Note that the MSC.Patran XDB attachment is independent from that of the
MSC.Explore results database attachment--so if you want to have both attachments,
you must (and can) separately attach the files.
MSC.Explore contains several user-defined selections for output options. Among
these are optional selections to display text reports and HTML reports. Associated
with these options are the names of executable programs that you want to use to view
these results (a text editor, for the text files and a web browser for the HTML files).
These options (along with other MSC.Explore options) are saved between sessions in
your local "settings.pcl" file.
Main Index
CHAPTER 2 17
Getting Started
For example:
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_html_export_flag", TRUE )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_text", FALSE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_html", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_import_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_write_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_string( "msc_explore_cmd_disp_html", "netscape" )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_display_res", TRUE )
pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_auto_sprd_flag", TRUE )
pref_env_set_string( "msc_explore_cmd_disp_text",
"C:\Programs\emacs-20.7\bin\emacs.exe" )
Can be used to change the behavior of the fringe and label Display Attributes form.
By default, this form follows the MSC.Patran convention where choices are made but
not executed until the Apply button is selected. Setting this variable to TRUE causes
MSC.Patran to create the plot immediately after a display attribute is changed, i.e.,
edge width, etc.
Sets the default file extension for a user-defined envelope import file.
pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_EXPORT_EXT”, “exp”)
Sets the default file extension for a user-defined envelope export file
pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_REPORT_EXT”, “rpt”)
Sets the default file extension for a user-defined envelope report file.
pref_env_set_real(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_TITLE_OFFSET, 2.5)
Sets the vertical spacing between result case names (XDB Id:Subcase Id) for a single
envelope plot when the Print Cases toggle is selected.
Main Index
18
2.5 Graphical User Interface

The previous section introduced the high level MSC.Explore menus. This section
provides a brief general description of the use of forms in the system. The conventions
discussed here are those of MSC.Patran.
MSC.Explore Forms
All MSC.Explore forms contain an Action option at the top of the menu. Under this
option menu there are a set of icons. The number of icons displayed as well as which
icons are displayed vary depending on the Action that was selected. It is the selected
or highlighted icon that determines the purpose and look of the rest of the form.
Selected
Icon
Icons used to determine
what the rest of the form
looks like and which class
of data to enter. These
include:
- Select subcase
- Target Entity selection
- Target Entity attributes
- Spreadsheet layout
- Output File layout
The user selects the Action and the appropriate icon and then fills out the form from
top to bottom. The MSC.Explore forms are similar to the Result forms in MSC.Patran
in that there are no OK buttons on the form to save the data you just entered. There is
only an Apply button which is used to process all data entered for the selected Action.
After all the data is defined, by values in each form across all the forms for which there
are icons, you can choose the Apply and the Action is performed. Therefore, you must
wait until you have traversed all the subforms by selecting the icons associated with
the action.
Note: When an icon is highlighted (dark), it is activated and is usable. When an icon
is not highlighted (light), it has not been activated and is not usable until
chosen.
Main Index
CHAPTER 2 19
Getting Started
To complete the fields in the lower portion of the form, the user may either click on
toggle buttons, select from pulldown menus, select group names or IDs or other
numerical data, depending on the requested information. Special selection menus also
display to help select entities in the viewport; this displays their numeric IDs in the
currently selected form field. After all the fields on the form are completed, go to the
next form for the selected Action or click on Apply to execute the desired operation.
Note: You need to remember NOT to select the Apply button until you have gone
through and entered the desired data on ALL the forms associated with the
selected Action. After you are done entering data on the Select Subcase form
you must go to the other forms via the icons before selecting the Apply
button.
Main Index
20
MSC.Explore Output
MSC.Explore is very versatile in that you are allowed to create output in many
different formats. There are two main types of output:
• Text or HTML Output
• Graphics Output
The text output allows you to choose either text or HTML format or both and the
graphics output allows you to visualize the results on the FE model within the
MSC.Patran viewport.
The text file output can be used as the basis for reports or as inputs to other
computational processes that can parse the data that are produced (e.g., spreadsheet
programs or Perl scripts). The HTML files can be used to distribute summary data or
can form the basis of web or paper reports.
The HTML output is hyperlinked to allow you (using various options) to move among
the output selecting by property ID, element ID, subcase or other high-level identifier.
This allows you to create a small document that simplifies the quick examination of
the right key information needed to determine critical loads. In this manual the HTML
documents are often shown as examples but the real value of flexibility of this output
format cannot be shown in the manual--you must create these reports and follow the
hyperlinks! The following gives examples of these types of output.
Text Output Example

THIS PROGRAM IS CONFIDENTIAL AND A TRADE SECRET OF THE MSC.SOFTWARE CORPORATION. THE RECEIPT OR
POSSESSION OF THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT CONVEY ANY RIGHTS TO REPRODUCE OR DISCLOSE ITS CONTENTS, OR TO
MANUFACTURE, USE, OR SELL ANYTHING HEREIN, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC WRITTEN CONSENT
OF THE MSC.Software CORPORATION.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * *
* * THE * *
* * MSC.Software Corporation * *
* * * *
* * M S C / E x p l o r e * *
* * * *
* * VERSION - 200x (Sep 01 200x) * *
* * * *
* * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MSC/Explore
-----------------------------------------------------
Date (Run-Date) : 12/19/0x

Directory : D:\p3_test
User Input File Name : a101a.inp
xdb:D:\p3_test/a101a.xdb
title:
opt:Rank
html:YES
resp:Stress
flag:PID
List:ALL
howmany:5,4
Main Index
CHAPTER 2 21
Getting Started
xdb # File Name

----- ----------------------------
1 D:\p3_test/a101a.xdb
*** Maximum/Minimum for Pid : 11 - PBAR ***

============================================================================
*** Element Ranking Based on Stress : Sf -A
Results for Maximum

-----------------------
Elem_ID Sub_Case xdb Sc -A Sd -A Se -A Sf -A

Sc -B Sd -B Se -B Sf -B Axial
101 113 1 -7.50915E+01 6.82678E-02 -6.82678E-02 7.50915E+01
-5.40697E+01 3.65986E-01 -3.65986E-01 5.40697E+01 7.63247E+01
101 112 1 -7.44172E+01 -7.44172E+01 7.44172E+01 7.44172E+01
-5.32018E+01 -5.32018E+01 5.32018E+01 5.32018E+01 1.45427E+02
102 113 1 -5.43258E+01 6.22147E-01 -6.22147E-01 5.43258E+01
-3.79273E+01 6.75251E-01 -6.75251E-01 3.79273E+01 6.17480E+01
102 112 1 -5.32018E+01 -5.32018E+01 5.32018E+01 5.32018E+01
-3.68472E+01 -3.68472E+01 3.68472E+01 3.68472E+01 1.17235E+02
103 113 1 -3.81977E+01 9.45614E-01 -9.45614E-01 3.81977E+01
-2.66946E+01 -3.04918E-02 3.04918E-02 2.66946E+01 6.25054E+01
Results for Minimum

-----------------------
Elem_ID Sub_Case xdb Sc -A Sd -A Se -A Sf -A

Sc -B Sd -B Se -B Sf -B Axial
101 111 1 8.29049E+01 -8.41168E+01 8.41168E+01 -8.29049E+01
5.99822E+01 -6.09859E+01 6.09859E+01 -5.99822E+01 7.22220E+00
102 111 1 6.05515E+01 -6.15552E+01 6.15552E+01 -6.05515E+01
4.24868E+01 -4.32967E+01 4.32967E+01 -4.24868E+01 6.26137E+00
103 111 1 4.30876E+01 -4.38975E+01 4.38975E+01 -4.30876E+01
2.92357E+01 -3.00177E+01 3.00177E+01 -2.92357E+01 6.63471E+00
104 111 1 2.98416E+01 -3.06236E+01 3.06236E+01 -2.98416E+01
1.98579E+01 -2.05868E+01 2.05868E+01 -1.98579E+01 5.52526E+00
105 111 1 2.04437E+01 -2.11726E+01 2.11726E+01 -2.04437E+01
1.37785E+01 -1.44551E+01 1.44551E+01 -1.37785E+01 4.51663E+00
...
... <Lines deleted for clarity>
...
Critical Subcase Summary

========================
Following table shows how many times each subcase appeared

based on selected sort-criteria and entities.
SubCase ID xdb # No of times Percentage

========== ===== =========== ==========
113 1 26 34.21 % ===========================================================
112 1 25 32.89 % =========================================================
111 1 25 32.89 % =========================================================
SubCase ID : 113 XDB : 1 File Name : D:\p3_test/a101a.xdb

Title : CANTILEVERED BEAM MADE OF PLATES
SubTitle : A101A COMBINED - LOAD CASE 3
Label :

SubTitle : A101A DUMMY TITLE FOR LOAD CASE 2
Label :

SubTitle : A101A GRAV IN Y LOAD CASE 1
Label :
* * * End of Job * * *
Main Index
22
HTML Output Example
Hyperlink to specific results. In this case, a

property-based ranking summary.
Main Index
CHAPTER 2 23
Getting Started
Graphics Output Example
Main Index
24
Main Index
CHAPTER
General Information
3
■ Introduction
■ Limitations
■ Using MSC.Explore Forms
Main Index
26
3.1 Introduction
This is a single program with many capabilities. MSC.Explore provides a new way of
looking at MSC.Nastran results across multiple load cases and multiple result files
instead of the traditional one-load-case at a time approach. MSC.Explore uses an
efficient GUI interface for selecting and viewing results. This single tool processes
Static, Transient and Frequency Response Analyses and produces web-based HTML
and ASCII text output in addition to graphical output.
MSC.Explore has eight separate functions that it can perform. Each of these has
numerous features that are briefly summarized in the following:
Max/Min Sorting
• Finds maximum and minimum results for every result component across all
loading conditions/time steps/frequencies.
• Identifies the critical few loading conditions from large quantities of results
data.
• Extracts relevant data for subcomponent of overall structure.
• Evaluates which loading conditions are causing the most concern.
• Reduces time spent analyzing MSC.Nastran results.
• Produces HTML or text documentation.
Ranking
• Finds top “n” Elements/Grids result quantities across all selected results
cases based on the selected results component.
• Reports Max and Min top “n” results.
• Lists associated results corresponding to selected components.
• Identifies subcase number, Time/Frequency and Results Database files for
each case.
• Identifies critical load cases based on selected criteria.
• Evaluates and identifies problem areas.
Envelope
• Finds critical results for each individual Element/Grid across all load cases.
• Displays worst-case scenario from all loading conditions.
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 27
General Information
• Chooses Absolute Maximum, Algebraic Maximum or Algebraic Minimum.

• Identifies subcase number and Results Database file.
• Displays graphics results in MSC.Patran.
• Applies threshold value filter on fringe plot.
• Identifies critical load cases based on the selected component.
Ranked Envelope
As in "Ranking", Ranked Envelope finds the top “n” Elements/Grids result quantities
across all selected results cases based on the selected results component. It then creates
graphical Envelopes of each rank index that can be browsed, saved and compared.
• Finds "n" most critical results for each individual Element/Grid across all
load cases.
• Displays "n" ranked scenarios from all loading conditions.
• Allows import and export of ranked envelopes
• Supports comparison among ranked envelopes of like quantities
Free Body
• Obtains and displays Free-Body Resultant about any location across any
section of a model.
• Includes or excludes SPC, MPC and Applied Load contributions.
• Transforms results to any coordinate system.
• Obtains Max/Min resultant across all selected load cases.
• Gives results evaluation on sections, not just elements and grids.
• Generates HTML or text documentation.
XY Plot
• Plots how responses vary with Subcase, Time and Frequency.
• Customizes axes, scales, legends, and etc.
Main Index
28
• Improves performance by using logical organization for plotting responses.

• Selects result quantity easily and conveniently.
• Exports an ASCII .xy output file to an Excel spreadsheet.
Report
• Extracts results from Results Database files for selected elements and grids.
• Provides HTML or text documentation.
Extract Subcases
• Extracts selected Load Cases from multiple Results Database files and
creates a single Results Database file.
• Creates Results Database files containing only critical load cases.
Information
• Lists the types of results available in Results Database files.
• Provides a summary of the results saved on Results Database files for each
Subcase.
Load Combination
• Combines subcases from multiple XDB files into any number of “load
combinations” in a new XDB file.
• Each subcase can have its own scale factor and the new combination subcase
can have its own overall scale factor.
• Load combination files can be imported and exported into MSC.Explore
using a documented text file. This enables large numbers of combinations to
be defined in another program.
• Large numbers of XDB files can also be attached to MSC.Explore through the
use of this text interface file.
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 29
General Information
3.2 Limitations
MSC.Explore supports Static, Transient and Frequency Response Analysis. All
selected Results Database files must be of the same analysis type and same model.
• Maximum Number of Elements or Grids: 1,000,000
• Number of Load Cases per Results Database file: 10,000
• Maximum Number of Time Step/Frequency output: 32,000
• Maximum Number of Super Elements: 200
• Number of Result Files (XDB): Unlimited
• Solution sequence Supported: Static Analysis (Sol 101, 144), Transient
Analysis (Sol 109, Sol 112, and Sol 146), Frequency Response Analysis (Sol
108, Sol 111, and Sol 146).
Statics Analyses
SOL 101 Linear Statics
SOL 144 Static Aeroelastic
Transient Response
SOL 109 Direct
SOL 112 Modal
SOL 146 Modal Discrete Gust/Aeroelastic Response
Frequency Response
SOL 108 Direct
SOL 111 Modal
SOL 146 Modal Harmonic Gust/Aeroelastic Response
For the Aeroelastic analysis, MSC.Explore operates on any structural FE results for the
subcase(s).
Main Index
30
3.3 Using MSC.Explore Forms

These forms are divided into four different functional areas depending on their
function within MSC.Explore.
• Critical Load Determination
• Loads Summation
• Convenience Tools
• Results Database Management

Max/Min Sorting
This section lists the options within the Max/Min Sorting function, displays the main
form for this option and outlines directions for using the form.
The following is a list of the options for this function:
• Finds maximum and minimum results for every result component across all
loading conditions/time steps/frequencies.
• Identifies the critical few loading conditions from large quantities of results
data.
• Extracts relevant data for subcomponent of overall structure.
• Evaluates which loading conditions are causing the most concern.
• Reduces time spent analyzing MSC.Nastran results.
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 31
General Information
Output Results
For static analysis, typical output for Max/Min Sorting is as follows:
Critical Load Cases - Subcase Summary

MSC.Explore also identifies Critical Load Cases. This is based on the number of times
a particular load case appeared in the report for the Max/Min Sorting option. It is
based on selected criteria and on the area of interest.
In addition to displaying the critical load cases, it also provides details about each
subcase appearing on the Critical Load Case list.
Main Index
32
Ranking
This section lists the options within the Ranking function, displays the main form for
this option and outlines directions for using the form.
• Finds top “n” Elements/Grids result quantities across all selected results
cases based on the selected results component.
• Reports Max and Min top “n” results.
• Lists associated results corresponding to selected components.
• Identifies subcase number, Time/Frequency and Results Database files for
each case.
• Identifies critical load cases based on selected criteria.
• Evaluates and identifies problem areas.
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 33
General Information
Output Results
For static analysis, typical output for Ranking is as follows:
Critical Load Cases

MSC.Explore also identifies Critical Load Cases. This is based on the number of times
a particular load cases appeared in the report for the Ranking option. It is based on
selected criteria and on the area of interest.
Main Index
34
Ranked Envelope
The MSC.Explore ranked envelope has been implemented as an additional
MSC.Explore plot type or Object. A ranked envelope is a series of envelopes where the
first envelope is the worst case; the second is the next worse case and so on. In this
sense, the previously implemented MSC.Explore envelope is simply a ranked
envelope with a rank equal to one.
Creating a ranked envelope differs very little from creating the previous MSC.Explore
envelope. The only difference is the specification of the rank. The rank represents how
many envelopes or envelope levels to create. Obviously the lower limit for the rank is
one and the upper limit is the number of subcases used to create the ranked envelope
(However, the upper limit for MSC.Explore is 50).
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 35
General Information
Once created, ranked envelopes are stored in the MSC.Patran database and can be
plotted as either fringe or label plots. Plots may be of either a single envelope or a
comparison between two envelopes. Additionally, reports for either single envelopes
or envelope comparisons may be generated.
Envelope comparisons calculate and display either the difference between the
envelopes, the ratio between the envelopes, the percentage difference between the
envelopes, or simply the maximum between the envelopes.
Main Index
36
Envelope
This section lists the options within the Envelope function, displays the main form for
• Finds critical results for each individual Element/Grid across all load cases.
• Displays worst-case scenario from all loading conditions.
Output Results
Typical fringe plot of selected component is displayed as follows:
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 37
General Information
In this case, the worst case Von Mises Stresses are shown as an element fill plot across
all quad/tria elements. You can choose to use the subcase as the fill quantity or you
can create a fringe plot.
Critical Load Cases

MSC.Explore also identifies Critical Load Cases in the report output. This is based on
the number of times particular load cases appeared in the report for the Envelope
option and is based on selected criteria and area of interest.
Main Index
38
Loads Summation
Free Body
This section lists the options within the Free Body function, displays the main form for
• Obtains and displays Free-Body Resultant about any location across any
section of a model.
• Includes or excludes SPC, MPC and Applied Load contributions.
• Transforms results to any coordinate system.
• Obtains Max/Min resultant across all selected load cases.
• Gives results evaluation on sections, not just elements and grids.
• Generates HTML or text documentation.
Note: Grid Point Force output is required for this calculation.
Output Results
The Free Body Resultant Forces are displayed as follows:
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 39
General Information
Report
This section lists the options within the Report function, displays the main form for
• Extracts results from Results Database files for selected elements and grids.
• Provides HTML or text documentation.
Main Index
40
Output Results
Typical Report Output is displayed as follows:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * *
* * THE * *
* * * *
* * M S C / E x p l o r e * *
* * * *
* * VERSION - 200x.00 * *
* * * *
* * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MSC/Explore
-----------------------------------------------------
Date (Run-Date) : 01/15/02

Directory : E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran
xdb:E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101a.xdb
xdb:E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101b.xdb
title:
opt:Report
html:YES
resp:Stress
flag: EID
List:4,3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * *
* * CQUAD4 : Stresses * *
* * Elem_Id : 3 * *
* * ------------------- * *
* * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
XDB File : E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101a.xdb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subcase Loc Sx Sy Sxy Prin-1 Prin-2 Von-Mises
111 Cen -Z -8.91471E-01 -5.19012E-01 2.34039E+00 1.64254E+00 -3.05303E+00 4.12718E+00

Cen +Z 4.39675E+00 5.90845E-01 -2.86107E+00 5.92992E+00 -9.42328E-01 6.45290E+00
112 Cen -Z 9.51534E+00 -1.73665E+00 1.61085E+01 2.09520E+01 -1.31733E+01 2.98083E+01

Cen +Z 9.51534E+00 -1.73665E+00 1.61085E+01 2.09520E+01 -1.31733E+01 2.98083E+01
113 Cen -Z 6.82384E+00 -6.00650E-01 6.75374E+00 1.08183E+01 -4.59514E+00 1.37063E+01

Cen +Z 4.44414E+00 -1.10009E+00 9.09440E+00 1.11795E+01 -7.83548E+00 1.65522E+01
XDB File : E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101b.xdb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
211 Cen -Z -1.86784E+00 -7.32185E-01 4.23761E+00 2.97547E+00 -5.57550E+00 7.51860E+00
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 41
General Information
Cen +Z 3.42038E+00 3.77672E-01 -9.63847E-01 3.70000E+00 9.80483E-02 3.65197E+00
212 Cen -Z 8.02711E+00 -1.71708E+00 1.61087E+01 1.99844E+01 -1.36744E+01 2.93196E+01

Cen +Z 7.49829E+00 -1.82806E+00 1.66289E+01 2.01055E+01 -1.44352E+01 3.00472E+01
213 Cen -Z 5.20341E+00 -6.08820E-01 6.88405E+00 9.76961E+00 -5.17503E+00 1.31447E+01

Cen +Z 2.55930E+00 -1.16375E+00 9.48478E+00 1.03635E+01 -8.96795E+00 1.67561E+01
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * *
* * Elem_Id : 4 * *
* * ------------------- * *
* * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
111 Cen -Z -3.57346E-01 -2.11357E-01 2.65153E+00 2.36819E+00 -2.93689E+00 4.60312E+00

Cen +Z 3.35096E+00 2.29735E-01 -3.36365E+00 5.49840E+00 -1.91770E+00 6.66741E+00
112 Cen -Z 6.89150E+00 -3.76449E+00 1.31963E+01 1.57948E+01 -1.26678E+01 2.46989E+01

Cen +Z 6.89150E+00 -3.76449E+00 1.31963E+01 1.57948E+01 -1.26678E+01 2.46989E+01
113 Cen -Z 5.02852E+00 -1.77840E+00 5.06671E+00 7.72875E+00 -4.47863E+00 1.06961E+01

Cen +Z 3.35978E+00 -1.97690E+00 7.77354E+00 8.91020E+00 -7.52731E+00 1.42521E+01

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
211 Cen -Z -1.31469E+00 -5.97914E-01 4.36283E+00 3.42122E+00 -5.33382E+00 7.64216E+00

Cen +Z 2.39362E+00 -1.56822E-01 -1.65235E+00 3.20562E+00 -9.68814E-01 3.78421E+00
212 Cen -Z 5.58011E+00 -3.75162E+00 1.32516E+01 1.49633E+01 -1.31348E+01 2.43508E+01

Cen +Z 5.20927E+00 -3.79573E+00 1.38531E+01 1.52732E+01 -1.38597E+01 2.52397E+01
213 Cen -Z 3.62442E+00 -1.77657E+00 5.27239E+00 6.84767E+00 -4.99981E+00 1.03017E+01

Cen +Z 1.77027E+00 -1.99711E+00 8.27998E+00 8.37812E+00 -8.60496E+00 1.47082E+01
* * * End of Job * * *
Main Index
42
Convenience Tools
XY Plot
This section lists the options within the XY Plot function, displays the main form for
• Plots how responses vary with Subcase, Time and Frequency.
• Customizes axes, scales, legends, and etc.
• Improves performance by using logical organization for plotting responses.
• Selects result quantity easily and conveniently.
• Exports an ASCII .xy output file to an Excel spreadsheet.
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 43
General Information
Output Results
An XY Plot is displayed as follows:
Main Index
44

Information
This section lists the options within the Information function, displays the main form
for this option and outlines directions for using the form.
The following is a list of the options in this function:
• Lists the types of results available in Results Database files.
• Provides a summary of the results saved on Results Database files for each
Subcase.
The information function allows you to see a Table of Contents of any set of results
databases.
Output Results
Typical output for option INFO is displayed as follows:
Main Index
CHAPTER 3 45
General Information
Extract Subcases
This section lists the options within the Extract Subcases function, displays the main
form for this option and outlines directions for using the form.
• Extracts selected Load Cases from multiple Results Database files and
creates a single Results Database file.
• Creates Results Database files containing only critical load cases.
Output Results
The following is an example of the output.
Repeated subcase ID’s are resolved to unique values

automatically (with user override, if desired).
Load Combination
Load Combination provides a means to define linear combinations of Statics results,
either through a file format or via a spreadsheet interface. These combined results
cases are then written to a new Results Database that itself can then be used in Critical
Main Index
46
Loads Survey. The ability to create loads combinations enables a rapid critical loads
survey to occur \under the common scenario of combining "unit" cases to form the
cases for survey. Of course, the "unit" cases can be comprised of any Statics load case.
This section lists the options with Load Combination function, displays the main form
for this option and outlines directions for using the form. The following is a list of the
options for this function:
• Extracts selected Load Cases from multiple Results Databases and creates a
single new Results Database file containing multiple scaled combinations of
any number of the subcases.
• Stores results combination definitions in text files for use elsewhere.
• Supports the use of the stored results combination definitions files to rapidly
"import" existing combination(s).Spreadsheet Interface.
The following is an example of the results combination form.
All available subcases with user modified

scale factors.
User created load/subcase combinations.
Main Index
CHAPTER
Using MSC.Explore
4
■ Using MSC.Explore Functions
■ Critical Load Determination
■ Loads Summation
■ Convenience Tools
■ Results Database Management
Main Index
48
4.1 Using MSC.Explore Functions

This section of the documentation details all of the functions in MSC.Explore. All of
these functions can be reached by selecting a different function from the Action option
menu.
This chapter is divided into four sections as follows:

Max/Min Sorting
Ranking
Envelope
Loads Summation
Free Body
Report
Convenience Tools
XY Plot

Info
Extract Subcases
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4.2 Critical Load Determination

Max/Min Sorting
Max/Min Sorting finds Maximum and Minimum results for every result component
across all loading conditions/time steps/frequencies.
Enables the user to look at the overall response of a structure across all load cases for
all response components. This helps identify max/min response for all variables
under all loading conditions. This is a quick way of looking into overall behavior of
the structure.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select Max/Min as the Action from
the main MSC.Explore form.
The following displays the top portion of the form and gives usage instructions.
Select this icon to view the Select

Subcase form for Max/Min.
Select this icon to view the Target
Entity selection form for Max/Min.
Select this icon to view the Export
options form for Max/Min.
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Max/Min Main Form

The following form shows the default state of the Max/Min Select Subcase form.
Select the XDB files to read.
Select the appropriate Subcases.

OR
Select All to highlight all
subcases in the Select Subcases
listbox.
Select the type of Results to be

processed.
Enter Results Title and Result File

Name. (Optional)
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Max/Min Target Entity

The following form shows the default setting of the Max/Min Target Entity form.
Note that the form is similar when the Target Entity option is set to All Properties, All
Elements, or All Nodes.
The list of Target Entity options varies

based on the model and content of the
selected XDB files.
Note: Choosing All Properties or All Elements will result in hyperlinks by property
ID or element ID in the HTML output.
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Max/Min Target Entity (Elements or Nodes)

The following form shows the change to the Max/Min Target Entity form when the
Target Entity option menu is set to Elements. Note that the form for Nodes is similar.
Use this select Databox to select

the desired elements.
Note: The title of this select

databox changes depending on
whether Nodes or Elements is
selected.
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Max/Min Target Entity (Properties or Groups)

Target Entity option menu is set to Properties. Note that the form for Groups is
similar.
Use this listbox to select the

desired properties.
Note: The title of this listbox

changes depending on whether
Properties or Groups is selected.
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Max/Min Export
The following form shows the Max/Min Export form. You can use this form to define
how the Max/Min output results will be reported.
Write output to the Select file types.
Select to display the output text file

immediately.
Enter the name of the editor to be

used to view the text file.
Select to display the output HTML

file immediately.
Enter the browser to view the

HTML file.
Note: The files can be written or written and viewed immediately. Saving the files
requires that the user enter unique file names in the main form or else
subsequent uses may overwrite this file.
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Max/Min Output Results

For static analysis, typical output for Max/Min Sorting is as follows:
* Frame containing hyperlink collections

(properties and elements as directed in the
Target Entity form).
Hyperlink to filter hyperlink in frame *.
Hyperlink to Critical Subcase Summary
(not shown).
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Rank
Finds the top “n” Element or Grid result quantities across all selected result cases.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select Rank as the Action from the
main MSC.Explore form.

Subcase form for Rank.
Entity selection form for Rank.
options form for Rank
.
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Rank Main Form

Max/Min Sorting identifies only one single max/min response where as ranking
provides "n" highest/lowest response of a selected component. If a badly shaped
element or improper use of rigid element causes high stresses, then this option
provides the response level of up to the next "n" highly stressed elements. Also helps
identify high stress concentration areas.
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The following form shows the main form for Rank. Use this form to select the subcases
for processing. Note that not all widgets shown on this form are available for every
selected Result Type and Entity Type combination.

Select the desired result type.
Select the Entity Type. Note: This

option menu is only displayed for
certain types of Results.
Select the component. Note: the
list of items displayed for this
option menu varies based on the
selected result.
Enter the layer number. Note: This
databox is only available when the
Entity Type option menu is set to
composite
Select number of rankings (top 5,
top 10, etc.).
Enter Result Title and Result File
Name. (Optional)
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Rank Target Entity (Current Viewport, All Properties, All Elements,

or All Nodes)
The following form shows the default state of the Target Entity form for Rank. Note
that this form is the same whether the Target Entity option menu is set to Current
Viewport, All Properties, All Elements, or All Nodes.
The list of Target Entity

options varies based on the
model and content of the
selected XDB files.
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Rank Target Entity (Elements or Nodes)

Use this select Databox to select

Note: For Elements, the title also

includes the Selected Entity
Type from the Rank Select
Subcase form.
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Rank Target Entity (Properties or Groups)

similar.

desired properties within which
ranking will be performed.

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Rank Export
The following form shows the Rank Export form. You can use this form to define how
the Rank output results will be reported.
Write output to the Select file types.

immediately.

Select to display the output in an
HTML file immediately.
Enter the browser to use in order to
view the HTML file.
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Rank Output Results

For static analysis, typical output for Ranking is as follows:
* Frame containing hyperlink collections

(properties and elements as directed in the
Target Entity form).
Hyperlink to filter hyperlink in frame *.
Hyperlink to Critical Subcase Summary
(not shown).
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Ranked Envelope
The MSC.Explore ranked envelope has been implemented as an additional
MSC.Explore plot type or Object. A ranked envelope is a series of envelopes where the
first envelope is the worst case; the second is the next worse case and so on. In this
sense, the previously implemented MSC.Explore envelope is simply a ranked
envelope with a rank equal to one.
Creating a ranked envelope differs very little from creating the previous MSC.Explore
envelope. The only difference is the specification of the rank. The rank represents how
many envelopes or envelope levels to create. Obviously the lower limit for the rank is
one and the upper limit is the number of subcases used to create the ranked envelope
(However, the upper limit for MSC.Explore is 50).
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Once created, ranked envelopes are stored in the MSC.Patran database and can be
plotted as either fringe or label plots. Plots may be of either a single envelope or a
comparison between two envelopes. Additionally, reports for either single envelopes
or envelope comparisons may be generated.
Envelope comparisons calculate and display either the difference between the
envelopes, the ratio between the envelopes, the percentage difference between the
envelopes, or simply the maximum between the envelopes.
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Creating Ranked Envelopes

Ranked envelopes are created in 2 steps. In the first step, the appropriate subcases
from selected XDB files are selected along with the desired result, entity type, and
component. Additionally, the rank must be specified. The rank represents how many
envelopes will be created, i.e., “ranked.” The maximum rank level is 50. Result values
can be sorted based on 3 comparison criteria: Absolute Maximum, Algebraic
Maximum, or Algebraic Minimum.
Select .xdb files (any .xdb files that are currently

attached to the MSC.Patran database will be
automatically selected).
Filter the contents of the Subcase Listbox.
Select subcases to include in the ranked envelope.
The Select All button selects all subcases in the

Subcase Listbox.
Select the Result quantity.
Select the Entity Type.
Select the Component.
Select the desired Rank. Maximum rank level is 50.
Results can be sorted based on the Absolute Maximum,

Algebraic Maximum, or Algebraic Minimum.
Envelope name (40 characters max).
Optionally save the MSC.Explore intermediate results

files (*.inp, *.log, *.pat, *.res_tmpl, and *.out).
Results file name if intermediate results are to be saved.

If set to BLANK, the envelope name is used.
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The second step in creating a ranked envelope is to select the target entities to include
in the ranking. Target entity candidates depend on the selection of the result, i.e.,
nodes will not be target entity candidates if stress results are requested nor will
elements be target entity candidates if displacement results are requested.
Depending on the requested result, targets may include the Current Viewport,
Elements, Nodes, Groups, All Elements, or All Nodes. Current viewport and group
selections are also dependent on the result selection. If stresses are requested then
elements will be extracted from the current viewport or selected groups. However, if
displacement results are requested then nodes will be extracted from the current
viewport or selected groups.
When a ranked envelope is created in MSC.Patran, the data is stored as an MSC.Patran

result case. The load case name will be either “Element_Envelope” or
“Grid_Envelope” depending on the entity type associated with the result.
The results for each rank will be stored as different result types for the envelope result
case. There are up to 4 result types for each envelope within the ranked envelope.
These result types are:
1. <entity>, R-<#>, <result>:<component> for the result values
2. <entity>, R-<#>, Sub_ID for the subcase Ids
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3. <entity>, R-<#>, XDB # for the XDB Ids

4. <entity>, R-<#>, Time/Freq for the time or frequency
where the <#> is the rank number.
As an example, stress results for CQUAD/CTRIA elements would have the following
result types for rank equal to 3.
PLATES, R-01, Stress:Sx PLATES, R-02, Stress:Sx PLATES, R-03, Stress:Sx

PLATES, R-01, Sub_ID PLATES, R-02, Sub_ID PLATES, R-03, Sub_ID
PLATES, R-01, XDB # PLATES, R-02, XDB # PLATES, R-03, XDB #
The Time/Freq result type will only be created if there is time/frequency data
associated with the results. Additionally, deleting the result case will delete the
envelope. Envelopes can also be deleted via the Ranked Envelope Delete option.
Ranked envelopes can also be created via Import. Three import file formats are
supported:
1. Patran 2.5 element neutral file
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2. Patran 2.5 nodal neutral file

3. User defined
Both the Patran 2.5 neutral files require an appropriate result template file. The result
template file must have the same base filename as the input file with a .res_tmpl
extension. The primary and secondary names given in the result template file are not
arbitrary but must follow a rigid convention. This is because MSC.Explore uses the
result type names as keys for determining the rank, entity type, result, and component
for the envelope.
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Plotting Envelopes
Once an envelope or envelopes have been created, envelope data can be plotted as
either a fringe plot or a label plot. There are two basic plot types: single envelope plots
or envelope comparison plots.
Single Envelope Plots

When only a single envelope is selected, the envelope results, XDB Ids, subcase Ids, or
time/frequency values can be plotted. This data can be plotted as either a fringe or
label plot. Various options for creating single envelope fringe or label plots are
discussed subsequently.
Envelope Comparison Plots

When 2 or more envelopes are selected, an envelope comparison plot is assumed. Both
of the selected envelopes must consistent, i.e., they must be for the same result, entity
type, and component. Additionally, if more than 2 envelopes are selected, only the
first 2 selected envelopes in the listbox are considered.
Generally, the plot options are different for fringe and label plots. However, the
comparison calculations are the same between these plot types. Envelope comparison
plots can:
1. Compare the Difference between the 2 envelopes
2. Determine the Extremum between the 2 envelopes
3. Calculate the Ratio between the 2 envelopes
4. Calculate the Percentage difference between the 2 envelopes
Note that these calculations are performed on the envelope result values (never the
XDB Ids or subcase Ids or time/frequency values). The comparisons are calculated as:
1. Difference = envelope 1 – envelope 2
2. Extremum = absolute maximum or algebraic maximum or algebraic
minimum between the 2 envelopes.
3. Ratio = envelope 1/envelope 2. The Ratio is equal to zero if envelope 2 equals
zero.
4. Percentage = 100.0*(envelope 1 – envelope 2)/envelope 1
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Fringe Plots
Envelope Selection
When creating an envelope fringe plot, either 1 or 2 envelopes can be selected. If more
than 2 envelopes are selected, only the first 2 are considered.
The envelope selection form for a single envelope fringe plot is shown below.
Filter the contents of the Envelope Listbox.
Select envelope
Select rank to display. The maximum rank depends on the

selected envelope(s).
Toggle to switch envelope order is unavailable when a

single envelope is selected.
Data echo about the selected envelope. Data includes the

Envelope name, maximum Rank, Result, Entity, and
Component.
Plot quantity. Valid choices are the Result Value, the XDB
ID, the Subcase ID, or the Time/Frequency value.
Display option. “As Is” is the only available choice

for a single envelope fringe plot.
Reset Graphics button resets the display, i.e., erases

the plot.
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When 2 envelopes are selected, the envelope selection form updates itself as shown
below. Comparison plots between 2 envelopes can display the Difference, Extremum,
Percentage, or Ratio between the two envelopes.
Select envelopes. If more than 2 are selected, then

only the first 2 listbox selections will be considered.
Select the rank to display. The maximum rank is the

lower maximum rank between the 2 selected
envelopes.
Switches the comparison order between the 2 selected

envelopes. Envelopes are selected in the order listed in the
envelope listbox, i.e., the upper envelope is the first
envelope and the lower envelope is the second. Selecting
this toggle reverses this order.
Data echo about the selected envelopes. Data includes the

Component. In order to be compared, envelopes must have
the same Result, Entity Type, and Component.
Plot quantity. The only valid choice is the Result Value.
Display option. Valid choices are Difference, Extremum,

Percentage, and Ratio.
Reset Graphics button resets the display, i.e., erases the

plot.
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Target Entities
After selecting envelopes, the Target Entities icon allows for the selection of entities to
display the plot on. Note that the entities used to create the envelope and the entities
selected for the plot may or may not overlap. The plotting tool automatically creates
the plot on only those entities that are selected and that are included as part of the
envelope.
Depending on the requested Result, targets may include the Current Viewport,
displacements are requested then nodes will be extracted from the current viewport
or selected groups.
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Display Attributes
Display Attributes for both the single and comparison envelope plots are shown
below. By default, this form follows the MSC.Patran convention where choices are
made but not executed until the Apply button is selected. Adding the following line
to the settings.pcl file changes this behavior.
Minimum and maximum range values.
Fringe Style. Choices include Discrete/Smooth,

Continuous, Element Fill, Discrete/Flat.
Element shrink factor. Zero for no shrink and one for
full shrink.
Element edge width.
Plot Max/Min fringe value labels.
Plot labels for values used in the fringe plot.
Only valid for Extremum comparison plots. Choices

include Absolute Max, Algebraic Max, or Algebraic Min.
Label color
Label format. Choices include Exponential, Fixed, and

Integer.
Significant figures to be used for labels.
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Plot Options
Plot Options for both the single and comparison envelope plots are shown below. The
threshold value is used to filter the envelope values used in the comparison
calculations. It is not used on the result of the calculation. Threshold calculations are
based on the absolute values of the threshold and the envelope values.
Threshold value used to filter the envelope values.
Averaging Domain. Choices include All Entities and

None.
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Label Plots
Envelope Selection
When creating an envelope label plot, either 1 or 2 envelopes can be selected. If more
than 2 envelopes are selected, only the first 2 are considered.
The envelope selection form for a single envelope label plot is shown below.
Select envelope
Select rank to display. The maximum rank depends on

the selected envelope.
Toggle to switch envelope order is unavailable when a

single envelope is selected.
Data echo about the selected envelope. Data includes

the Envelope name, maximum Rank, Result, Entity,
and Component.
Plot quantity. Valid choices are the Result Value, the

XDB ID, the Subcase ID, or the Time/Frequency value.
Display option. “As Is” is the only available choice for a

single envelope label plot.

the plot.
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When 2 envelopes are selected, the envelope selection form updates itself as shown
below. Comparison label plots can display side-by-side comparisons of the envelope
result values, XDB Ids, subcase Ids, or time/frequency values. Simply selecting the
appropriate Quantity and leaving the Display option set to As Is creates side-by-side
plots. Additionally, comparison label plots of calculated quantities such as the
Difference, Extremum, Percentage, or Ratio can also be created.
Select envelopes. If more than 2 are selected, then

only the first 2 listbox selections will be considered.
Select the rank to display. The maximum rank is the lower

maximum rank between the 2 selected envelopes.
Switches the comparison order between the 2 selected
envelopes. Envelopes are selected in the order listed in the
envelope listbox, i.e., the upper envelope is the first
envelope and the lower envelope is the second. Selecting
this toggle reverses this order.
Data echo about the selected envelopes. Data includes the

Component. In order to be compared, envelopes must have
the same Result, Entity Type, and Component.
Plot quantity. Choices include Result Value, XDB Ids,

Subcase Ids, or Time/Frequency values.
Plot quantity. Choices include Result Value, XDB Ids,

Subcase Ids, or Time/Frequency values.

the plot.
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Valid choices for Quantity/Display option are given in the table below.
Quantity Valid Display options

Result Value As Is, Difference, Extremum, Percentage, Ratio
Subcase ID As Is
XDB ID As Is
Time/Frequency As Is
Target Entities
After selecting envelopes, the Target Entities icon allows for the selection of entities to
display the plot on. Note that the entities used to create the envelope and the entities
selected for the plot may or may not overlap. The plotting tool automatically creates
the plot on only those entities that are selected and that are included as part of the
envelope.
Depending on the requested Result, targets may include the Current Viewport,
displacements are requested then nodes will be extracted from the current viewport
or selected groups.
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Display Attributes
Display attributes for a single envelope label plot are show below. By default, this
form follows the MSC.Patran convention where choices are made but not executed
until the Apply button is selected. Adding the following line to the settings.pcl file
changes this behavior.
List of subcases included in the envelope. Result case

names will be listed if defined. Otherwise, XDB IDs and
Subcase Ids will be shown. Label colors will correspond
the subcase colors shown if the Use Assigned Result
Case Color toggle is ON.
If the Use Assigned Result Case Color toggle is ON, then

the label colors will correspond the subcase color
assignments. If the toggle is OFF, then all labels use the
same color.
Print Cases in Viewport will list the subcase Ids as

MSC.Patran titles in the viewport.
Label options allows for additional data to be appended to the

displayed label. Choices include: None, Case Name, XDB
ID:Subcase ID, Subcase ID, XDB ID, and Time/Frequency.
Note that some data doesn’t make sense to be appended in
some cases, i.e., if the Quantity displayed is Subcase Ids
then Subcase Ids can’t be appended.
Toggles to label entities with no results for the selected

envelope or that fail to pass the threshold.
Label format. Options include Exponential, Fixed, and

Integer.
Significant figures
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If the Use Assigned Result Case Color toggle is OFF, the form updates as shown
below. Changing the color for any result case will change all the colors. This will be
the color used in the label plot.
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Display attributes for a comparison envelope label plot are show below.
Label color if the envelope 1 results are from the same

result case as the envelope 2 results.
Label color if the envelope 1 results are from a different
result case than the envelope 2 results.
String to be attached as a prefix to a label if the envelope 1

results are from a different result case than the envelope 2
results. This is useful for black and white plots.
Display As option menu controls optional label formats. See

discussion below.
Toggles to label entities with no results for the selected

envelope or that fail to pass the threshold.
Label format. Options include Exponential, Fixed, and

Integer.
Significant figures
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The following table lists the possible choices for the Display As option menu.
Select Options Display Attributes

Quantity Display Display As Label Produced
Result Value As Is As Is Env1 result value, Env2 result value
Result Value Difference As Is Difference
Result Value Difference Env1, Difference Env1 result value
Result Value Extremum Absolute Max Max(Abs(Env1 result val), Abs(Env2
result val)
Result Value Extremum Algebraic Max Max(Env1 result val, Env2 result val)
Result Value Extremum Algebraic Min Min(Env1 result val, Env2 result val)
Result Value Percentage As Is Percentage
Result Value Percentage Difference, Percentage Difference, Percentage
Result Value Ratio As Is Ratio
Result Value Ratio Difference, Ratio Difference, Ratio
Subcase Id As Is As Is Env1 Subcase ID, Env2 Subcase Id
XDB ID As Is As Is Env1 XDB ID, Env2 XDB ID
Time/Frequency As Is As Is Env1 Time/Freq, Env2 Time/Freq
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Plot Options
Plot Options for both the single and comparison envelope plots are shown below. The
threshold value is used to filter the envelope values used in the comparison
calculations. It is not used on the result of the calculation. Threshold calculations are
based on the absolute values of the threshold and the envelope values.
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Reports
Creating a report is very similar to creating either a fringe or a label plot. Reports can
be created for either single or double envelopes.
Envelope Selection
Envelope selection is exactly like selecting envelopes for a single or double envelope
label plot.
Target Entities
Selecting target entities is exactly like selecting entities for a single or double envelope
label plot.
Display Attributes
The display attributes form for a single envelope report is shown below. The file
format can be either the default or user-defined. Use of the user-defined format
requires the creation of a PCL function called report in the mscexplore_renv_user PCL
class. If MSC.Explore finds this function then the user-defined option is added to the
option menu and made to be the default. Refer to the User Functions section for more
information about the mscexplore_renv_user.report(…) function.
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If the Print Entities with no Results toggle is ON, entities with no envelope data will
be denoted by the text: No Results. If the toggle is OFF, then output for the entity is
skipped. Similarly if the Print Entities that fail Threshold toggle is ON, entities with
result values that fail the threshold will be denoted by the text: Threshold. If the toggle
is OFF, then output for the entity is skipped.
The display attributes form for an envelope comparison report is shown below. The
file format can be either the default or user defined. Use of the user-defined format
requires the creation of a PCL function called report in the mscexplore_renv_user PCL
class. Refer to the User Functions section for more information about the
mscexplore_renv_user.report(…) function.
The default extension for a user-defined report file can be set via the following entry
in the settings.pcl file:
pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_REPORT_EXT”, “out”)
If the Print Entities with no Results toggle is ON, entities with no envelope data will
be denoted by the text: No Results. If the toggle is OFF, then output for the entity is
skipped. Similarly if the Print Entities that fail Threshold toggle is ON, entities with
result values that fail the threshold will be denoted by the text: Threshold. If the toggle
is OFF, then output for the entity is skipped.
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The Print As option menu controls the output format. Choices are similar to the
Display As option menu for creating an envelope comparison label plot.
Plot Options
The only plot option for both single and double envelope plots is the threshold value.
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Export
The name of the export file is selected via the report export icon. This file can be either
overwritten or appended.
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Sample Reports
Included here are some excerpts of reports. Not all options are covered.
1. Single envelope report (Quantity: Result Value, Display: As Is).
** Ranked Envelope Report **
MSC.Explore v200x
Date: 17-Mar-0x
Time: 09:10:04
Database: D:\zall.db
Envelope: test
Entity: PLATES
Result: Stress
Component: Sx
Rank: 1
Quantity: Result Value
Threshold: 0.
Element ID ResVal XDB ID Subcase ID

43 1.94593E+4 1 502
44 5.97903E+3 1 302
45 4.98952E+4 1 301
46 1.10369E+4 1 401
47 2.77200E+4 1 302
48 8.17091E+3 1 302
49 6.17897E+4 1 301
2. Double envelope comparison report (Quantity: Report Value, Display: As

Is).
MSC.Explore v200x
Date: 17-Mar-03
Time: 09:13:49
Envelope1: test
Envelope2: test3
Entity: PLATES
Result: Stress
Component: Sx
Rank: 1
Display: AsIs
Threshold: 0.
Element ID ResVal-1 XDB ID-1 Subcase ID-1 ResVal-2 XDB ID-2 Subcase ID-2
43 1.94593E+4 1 502 No Results 0 0
44 5.97903E+3 1 302 No Results 0 0
45 4.98952E+4 1 301 1.48509E+4 3 2001
46 1.10369E+4 1 401 4.96392E+3 3 2001
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47 2.77200E+4 1 302 8.29852E+3 3 2001

48 8.17091E+3 1 302 2.94256E+3 3 2001
49 6.17897E+4 1 301 2.48143E+4 3 2001
50 1.80478E+4 1 301 7.28890E+3 3 2001
3. Double envelope comparison report (Quantity: Report Value, Display: As Is,

Print As: Env1, Difference).
MSC.Explore v200x
Date: 17-Mar-0x
Time: 09:16:36
Envelope1: test
Envelope2: test3
Entity: PLATES
Result: Stress
Component: Sx
Rank: 1
Display: Difference
Print As: Airbus
Threshold: 0.
Element ID ResVal-1 XDB ID-1 Subcase-1 Difference XDB ID-2 Subcase-2

43 No Results
44 No Results
1 4.98952E+4 301 3 3.50443E+4 2001 9
1 1.10369E+4 401 3 6.07298E+3 2001 9
1 2.77200E+4 302 3 1.94215E+4 2001 9
1 8.17091E+3 302 3 5.22835E+3 2001 9
1 6.17897E+4 301 3 3.69754E+4 2001 9
1 1.80478E+4 301 3 1.07589E+4 2001 9
4. Double envelope comparison report (Quantity: Report Value, Display: As Is,

Print As: As Is).
MSC.Explore v200x
Date: 17-Mar-0x
Time: 09:36:20
Envelope1: test
Envelope2: test3
Entity: PLATES
Result: Stress
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Component: Sx
Rank: 1
Display: Difference
Print As: AsIs
Threshold: 0.
Element ID Difference XDB ID-1 Subcase-1 XDB ID-2 Subcase-2

43 No Results
44 No Results
45 3.50443E+4 1 301 3 2001
46 6.07298E+3 1 401 3 2001
47 1.94215E+4 1 302 3 2001
48 5.22835E+3 1 302 3 2001
49 3.69754E+4 1 301 3 2001
50 1.07589E+4 1 301 3 2001
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Deleting Envelopes
Envelopes can be deleted from the MSC.Patran database. Optionally, the associated
result case can also be deleted. Deleted envelopes cannot be undone. They can only be
re-created.
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Importing and Exporting Envelopes

Importing Envelopes
Ranked envelopes can be imported from external applications. There are 3 import file
formats. Two of these formats are Patran 2.5 neutral file based. These formats can be
used to import either element or nodal result envelopes. Both of these file formats
require the use of an appropriate result template file. The result template file must
have the same base filename as the input file with a .res_tmpl extension. The primary
and secondary names given in the result template file are not arbitrary but must
follow a rigid convention. This is because MSC.Explore uses the result type names as
keys for determining the rank, entity type, result, and component for the envelope.
Additionally, a user defined import file format is supported. Use of this format
requires the creation of a PCL function called import in the mscexplore_renv_user
PCL class. The default extension for a user-defined file can be set via the following
entry in the settings.pcl file:
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CHAPTER 4 93
Using MSC.Explore
Exporting Envelopes
Envelopes in the MSC.Patran database can be exported to other MSC.Patran databases
or other applications via the Export option. Two file formats are supported: Default
and User. The Default format uses either Patran 2.5 element or nodal neutral file
depending on the entity association of the result. An appropriate result template file
is also created.
The user defined format requires the creation of a PCL function called export in the
mscexplore_renv_user PCL class. The default extension for a user-defined file can be
set via the following entry in the settings.pcl file:
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94
pref_env_set_string(“MSCEXPLORE_RENV_EXPORT_EXT”, “exp”)
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CHAPTER 4 95
Using MSC.Explore
Envelope
Finds the worst-case results for each Element or Grid across all load cases and creates
a fringe plot of these results.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select Envelope as the Action from

Subcase form for Envelope.
Select this icon to view the Target Entity
selection form for Envelope.

options form for Envelope.
Select this icon to view the Target Entity

Attribute selection form for Envelope.
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96
Envelope Main Form

Provides maximum response of all elements/grids. This helps understand the
optimum design of structure. It also helps study the relative
conservative/nonconservative design area under all loading conditions.
The following form shows the main form for Envelope. Use this form to select the
subcases for processing. Note that not all widgets shown on this form are available for
every selected Result Type and Entity Type combination.
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CHAPTER 4 97
Using MSC.Explore

OR
Select All to highlight all subcases
from the Select Subcases list box.
Select the desired type of Results.
Select the Entity

Type. Note: This option menu is
only displayed for certain types of
Results. Result types not available
on the DB(s) will be greyed out.
Select the component. Note: the
list items displayed for this option
may vary based on the selected
result.
Enter the layer number. Note: The
databox is only available when
the Entity type option menu is set
to composite.
Set Criteria (select Absolute Max,
Algebraic Max, Algebraic Min.).
Enter Results Title Enter the desired Threshold
and Result File value.
Name (Optional).
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98
Envelope Target Entity - Current Viewport, All Properties, All

Elements, or All Nodes)
The following form shows the default setting of the Envelope Target Entity form. Note
that the form is similar when the Target Entity option is set to All Properties, All
Elements, or All Nodes.
The list of Target Entity options

varies based on the model and
content of the selected XDB files.
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CHAPTER 4 99
Using MSC.Explore
Envelope Target Entity - (Elements or Nodes)

The following form shows the change to the Envelope Target Entity form when the
Use this select Databox to select the

desired elements.
Note: The title of this select databox

Nodes or Elements is selected.
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100
Envelope Target Entity - (Properties or Groups)

The following form shows the change to the Envelope Target Entity form when the
similar.

desired properties.

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CHAPTER 4 101
Using MSC.Explore
Envelope Attributes
The following form shows the display attributes for Envelope.
Select Result Values

for plot.
Select the display

type.
Select whether or not

the label should be
displayed.
Select the Below

Threshold color.
Note: When the Result Value is Result, the Fringe or Fill option will display based
on the value of the result type being enveloped. For the other two options
(Subcase, XDB ID) the Fill option is preferred and the display will now show
which subcase number or XDB results DB contains the extreme value, the
value will not be in the display, it will be in the reports.
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102
Envelope Export
The following form shows the Max/Min Export form. You can use this form to define
how the Envelope output results will be reported.
Write output to the Select file

types.

immediately.

Select to display the output HTML

file immediately.
Enter the browser to use in order

to view the HTML file.
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CHAPTER 4 103
Using MSC.Explore
Envelope Output Results

For the Envelope option, the typical output for static analysis is as follows:
Note that the display is showing the combination of Result and Fill options under
Attributes.
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104
4.3 Loads Summation

Free Body
Helps understand the load path and accumulation of load at different sections of the
structure. Displays the Free Body Load Resultant from grid point force data about any
location across any arbitrary cross-section of a model in any coordinate system.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select Free Body as the Action
from the main MSC.Explore form.

Subcase form for Free Body.
Entity selection form for Free Body.
Entity Attribute selection form for
Free Body.
options form for Free Body.
Select this icon to create a spreadshee
for Free Body.
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CHAPTER 4 105
Using MSC.Explore
Free Body Main Form

The following form shows the main form for Free Body. Use this form to select the
subcases for processing.

OR
Select All to highlight all subcases in
the Select Subcases listbox.
Choose whether to include MPC

Forces, SPC Forces and Applied
Loads.
Select the point about which the
summation is required.
Select the corresponding coordinate

system.
Enter Results Title and Result File

Name. (Optional)
Main Index
106
Free Body Target Entity (Select by Entities)
Select nodes to be included in

the summation.
Select Elements on either side

of the selected nodes.
Placeholder for selected

nodes/elements. (Add
button moves the selected
node/element list here.)
Verify nodes/elements
selection.
Note that, because this summation is based on grid point force data, both nodes and
elements are required. Nodal force summaries will occur only for the elements
selected that are attached to the nodes selected. This allows you to measure transfer
loads resultants across components of your model.
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CHAPTER 4 107
Using MSC.Explore
Free Body Target Entity (Select by Groups)
Select the group or groups to be

included in the summation.
Placeholder for selected

nodes/elements from the above
selected groups. (Add button
moves the nodes/elements
from the selected groups to
here.)
Verify nodes/elements
selection.
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108
Free Body Display Attribute
Select components and

colors.
Select format for

numeric display.
Free Body Spreadsheet

This icon does not display anything on the main form, but re-displays the previously
calculated free body (interface) forces.
Main Index
CHAPTER 4 109
Using MSC.Explore
Free Body Export

The following form shows the Free Body Export form. You can use this form to define
how the Free Body output results will be reported.

types.
Select to display the output

text file immediately.
Enter the name of the editor

to be used to view the text
file.

Enter the browser to view
the HTML file.
Main Index
110
Free Body Spreadsheet Output

For the Free Body function, the following is typical output.
The spreadsheet icon hides/un-

hides the spreadsheet after
computation.
The spreadsheet has selectable features including sorting

by ascending/descending by column. And the extreme
values are enclosed in brackets.
Note: Select Subcase ID to display resultant vectors. Select the column heading to
sort the resultant in ascending or descending order.
Main Index
CHAPTER 4 111
Using MSC.Explore
Report
Gives detailed results of selected Grids/Elements for detailed investigation or for a
report without rerunning the Nastran. Report extracts and prints text results for
selected Elements or Grids.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select Report as the Action from
Select this icon to view the

Select Subcase form for Report.
Target Entity selection form for
Report.
Export options form for Report.
Main Index
112
Report Main Form

The following form shows the main form for Report. Use this form to select the

OR
subcases in the Select Subcases
listbox.
Select the type of Results to be

processed.
Enter Results Title and Result

File Name. (Optional)
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CHAPTER 4 113
Using MSC.Explore
Report Target Entity

The following form displays the Target Entity form for Report.
Select the list of nodes or elements

to process
Note: The select databox label

changes based on target entity
option menu setting.
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114
Report Export
The following form shows the Report Export form. You can use this form to define
how the Report output results will be reported.

types.
Select to display the output text

file immediately.
Enter the name of the editor to

be used to view the text file.

Enter the browser to view the

HTML file.
Main Index
CHAPTER 4 115
Using MSC.Explore
Report Output
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * *
* * THE * *
* * * *
* * M S C / E x p l o r e * *
* * * *
* * VERSION - 200x.00 * *
* * * *
* * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MSC/Explore
-----------------------------------------------------
Date (Run-Date) : 01/15/0x

Directory : E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran
xdb:E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101a.xdb
xdb:E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101b.xdb
title:
opt:Report
html:YES
resp:Stress
flag: EID
List:4,3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * *
* * Elem_Id : 3 * *
* * ------------------- * *
* * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
111 Cen -Z -8.91471E-01 -5.19012E-01 2.34039E+00 1.64254E+00 -3.05303E+00 4.12718E+00

Cen +Z 4.39675E+00 5.90845E-01 -2.86107E+00 5.92992E+00 -9.42328E-01 6.45290E+00
112 Cen -Z 9.51534E+00 -1.73665E+00 1.61085E+01 2.09520E+01 -1.31733E+01 2.98083E+01

Cen +Z 9.51534E+00 -1.73665E+00 1.61085E+01 2.09520E+01 -1.31733E+01 2.98083E+01
113 Cen -Z 6.82384E+00 -6.00650E-01 6.75374E+00 1.08183E+01 -4.59514E+00 1.37063E+01

Cen +Z 4.44414E+00 -1.10009E+00 9.09440E+00 1.11795E+01 -7.83548E+00 1.65522E+01

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
211 Cen -Z -1.86784E+00 -7.32185E-01 4.23761E+00 2.97547E+00 -5.57550E+00 7.51860E+00

Cen +Z 3.42038E+00 3.77672E-01 -9.63847E-01 3.70000E+00 9.80483E-02 3.65197E+00
212 Cen -Z 8.02711E+00 -1.71708E+00 1.61087E+01 1.99844E+01 -1.36744E+01 2.93196E+01

Cen +Z 7.49829E+00 -1.82806E+00 1.66289E+01 2.01055E+01 -1.44352E+01 3.00472E+01
Main Index
116
213 Cen -Z 5.20341E+00 -6.08820E-01 6.88405E+00 9.76961E+00 -5.17503E+00 1.31447E+01

Cen +Z 2.55930E+00 -1.16375E+00 9.48478E+00 1.03635E+01 -8.96795E+00 1.67561E+01
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * *
* * Elem_Id : 4 * *
* * ------------------- * *
* * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
111 Cen -Z -3.57346E-01 -2.11357E-01 2.65153E+00 2.36819E+00 -2.93689E+00 4.60312E+00

Cen +Z 3.35096E+00 2.29735E-01 -3.36365E+00 5.49840E+00 -1.91770E+00 6.66741E+00
112 Cen -Z 6.89150E+00 -3.76449E+00 1.31963E+01 1.57948E+01 -1.26678E+01 2.46989E+01

Cen +Z 6.89150E+00 -3.76449E+00 1.31963E+01 1.57948E+01 -1.26678E+01 2.46989E+01
113 Cen -Z 5.02852E+00 -1.77840E+00 5.06671E+00 7.72875E+00 -4.47863E+00 1.06961E+01

Cen +Z 3.35978E+00 -1.97690E+00 7.77354E+00 8.91020E+00 -7.52731E+00 1.42521E+01

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
211 Cen -Z -1.31469E+00 -5.97914E-01 4.36283E+00 3.42122E+00 -5.33382E+00 7.64216E+00

Cen +Z 2.39362E+00 -1.56822E-01 -1.65235E+00 3.20562E+00 -9.68814E-01 3.78421E+00
212 Cen -Z 5.58011E+00 -3.75162E+00 1.32516E+01 1.49633E+01 -1.31348E+01 2.43508E+01

Cen +Z 5.20927E+00 -3.79573E+00 1.38531E+01 1.52732E+01 -1.38597E+01 2.52397E+01
213 Cen -Z 3.62442E+00 -1.77657E+00 5.27239E+00 6.84767E+00 -4.99981E+00 1.03017E+01

Cen +Z 1.77027E+00 -1.99711E+00 8.27998E+00 8.37812E+00 -8.60496E+00 1.47082E+01
* * * End of Job * * *
Main Index
CHAPTER 4 117
Using MSC.Explore
4.4 Convenience Tools

XY Plot
Helps visualize the response with respect to time/frequencies and helps identify
fundamental frequency or critical time under dynamic loads.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select XY Plot as the Action from

Subcase form for XY Plot.
Entity selection form for XY Plot.
Select this icon to view the Curve
Display Attribute form for XY Plot.

options form for XY Plot.
Select this icon to view the Graph
Display Attribute form for XY Plot.
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118
XY Plot Main Menu

The following form shows the default state of the XY Plot Select Subcase form.

Select the appropriate
Subcases.
OR
subcases in the Select
Subcases listbox.
Select the type of Results to

be processed.
Select the Entity Type.
Select the Component.
Enter the Layer Number.
Select Case Index, Time, or
Frequency.
Enter Plot Title. (Optional)
Plot window management.
Displays the Post/Unpost
Graph Subform.
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CHAPTER 4 119
Using MSC.Explore
XY Plot Post/Unpost
The following subform is displayed when the user selects the Post/Unpost Graph
button on the XY Plot Main form.
Select the Graphs to post.
Select to Post All, Unpost All, or

Delete Selected Graphs.
Select to Delete Curves with
Graph.
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120
XY Plot Target Entity
Use this select box to select

Note: The select databox
label changes based on
target entity option menu
setting. For elements the
title also includes the
selected entity type from
the XY Plot Select Subcase
form.
This option menu is only
visible for some types of
elements. It is used to
determine if the results are
at the element’s centroid or
at the nodes only.
This select databox is only
visible when Res. Location
is set to corner. It is used to
enter the corner names for
the list of elements.
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CHAPTER 4 121
Using MSC.Explore
XY Plot Curve Display Attributes

The following form displays the Curve Display Attributes form for XY Plot.
Select the line style for the curve.

Select the color of the curve.
Select the thickness for the curve.
Select the symbol for the curve.

Select the color of the curve
symbol.
Select the size of the curve symbol.
Enter the X and Y Scale Factors for
the curve.
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122
XY Plot Graph Display
Determines if a graph border

should be displayed or not.
Select the color of the graph
border.
Select the thickness for the
graph border.
Enter the title for the X Axis
and is only visible when the
Show X Axis Title toggle is
selected.
Enter the Max/Min values for
the X Axis scale.
Enter the title for the Y Axis

and is only visible when the
Show Y Axis Title toggle is
selected.
Enter the Max/Min values for
the Y Axis scale.
Enter the name of the XY
window.
Displays the selected subform
for the XY Plot Graph Display.
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Using MSC.Explore
XY Plot Axis Format Subform

The following subform is displayed when the user selects the Axis Format button the
XY Plot Graph Display form.
Select the XY Label and Axis

Color.
Select the thickness of the XY
axis.
Select the style and number of
significant digits for the X axis
labels.
Select the style and number of

significant digits for the Y axis
labels.
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124
XY Plot Legend Format Subform

The following subform is displayed when the user selects the Legend Format button
on the XY Plot Graph Display form.
Select the Legend, Border, and

Title for display.
Select the X and Y location

percentages.
Select the background color for
the legend.
Select the color for the title.

Enter the legend title.
Select the color for the border.
Select the line style for the

border.
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CHAPTER 4 125
Using MSC.Explore
XY Plot Grid Lines Format Subform

The following subform is displayed when the user selects the Grid Lines Format
button on the XY Plot Graph Display form.
Select if the X and/or Y

Primary grid is to be
displayed.
Select the primary grid color.
Select the desired style for the
primary grids X and Y axis.
Select the line thickness for
the primary grid. Select
number of primary grids to
display.
Select if the X and/or Y

secondary grid is to be
displayed.
Select the desired style for the
secondary grids X and Y axis.
Select the line thickness for
the secondary grid.
Select the number of
secondary grids to display.
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126
XY Plot Tick Marks Format

The following subform is displayed when the user selects the Tick Marks Forms
button on the XY Plot Graph display form.
Select if the X or Y primary tick

marks is to be displayed.
Select for the color of the primary

tick mark.
Select the line thickness for the
primary tickmarks.
Select if the X or Y secondary tick
marks are to be displayed.
Select the color for the secondary
tick marks.
Select the line thickness for the
secondary tick marks.
Select the number of the
secondary tick marks to display.
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Using MSC.Explore
XY Plot Export
The following displays the Export form for XY Plot.
Select the curves that are to be

exported from the list of
existing curves. An ASCII file
will be created for the selected
curves.
Enter the name of the ASCII file.
Select the curves that are to be

posted from the list of existing
curves. Selected curves will be
posted on the existing XY
window.
Select to delete selected curves.
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128
XY Plot Output
An XY Plot is displayed as follows:
Main Index
CHAPTER 4 129
Using MSC.Explore
4.5 Results Database Management

Extract Subcases
Eliminates the need to store results produced by insignificant loading conditions. Also
helps the user keep and distribute only critical data to other users or subcontractors.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select Extract Subcases as the
Action from the main MSC.Explore form.
Select this icon to view the main

form for Extract Subcases.
Main Index
130
Extract Subcases Main Form

The following form is the main Extract Subcases form.
Displays the Select Subcases

subform so the user can
select the subcases to be
extracted.
Enter the name of the new

XDB file that is to be created.
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CHAPTER 4 131
Using MSC.Explore
Extract Subcases Subform

The following subform is displayed when the Select Subcases button is selected on the
main Extract Subcases form.
To select a subcase, select the subcase row.
Manual or Automatic Resolution of duplicate

Subcase ID.
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132
Information
Provides users with a quick look at what kind of results are available in various result
databases.
After you have accessed MSC.Explore, you need to select Info as the action from the
main MSC.Explore form.
Select this icon to view the main form

for Information.
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CHAPTER 4 133
Using MSC.Explore
Information Main Form

The following form shows the main form for Information. Use this form to select the

OR
Select All to highlight all subcases
in the Select Subcases listbox.
Enter Result File Name. (Optional)
Main Index
134
Information Output
Typical output is displayed as follows:
Yes denotes that some instances of the Result Type are in the select results DB. This
summary shows the presence on at least one DB.
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CHAPTER 4 135
Using MSC.Explore
Load Combination
Load Combination eliminates the need to create analysis results databases with all
desired combinations and scale factors of load cases. With this tool, a results database
can be generated with subcases for each unit load. Load Combination can then be used
to combine and scale load cases to generate as many combinations as desired. These
new results databases can then be processed as any other results database in Patran or
Explore.
Load Combination Main Form

The following form is the main Load Combination form.
XDB file that is to be created.
Brings up the Load Combination generation

form.
Apply generates the new results database file

as defined in the Load Combination sub-form.
Main Index
136
Load Combination Sub-form

The following sub-form is displayed when the Load Combinations… button is selected
on the main Load Combinations form.
“*” Indicates that subcase is

New loads combination subcase title. selected for load combination.
New Subcase ID.
Subcase IDs from original
results database.
Select cell to
edit Scale
factor.
Adds a new load

combination.
Delete load
combination
Open an
Existing load
combination file,
*.lcf.
List of all created load combinations. Load combination name includes Save to load
new unique subcase id and subcase title. These can be created in this combination file, *.lcf.
form or imported from a Load Combination file or “*.lcf” file.
By pushing the New Load Combination button, a new default load combination will be
placed in the list. This title will default to –NULL- and the subcase id will be
incremented up one from the highest one already generated. To change the Overall
Scale Factor, New Subcase Title or New Subcase ID, Select the load combination subcase
you want edit, then hit Enter in any of the three data boxes. The Add New Load
Combination and Save Load Combination File buttons will also save any newly entered
data before proceeding with their tasks.
Main Index
CHAPTER 4 137
Using MSC.Explore
Load Combination (*.lcf) File Format and Restrictions.

This example .lcf file was imported to show the use of the Load Combination Subform
above. All blank lines and lines beginning with a $ are ignored.
{ This file is read by keys. The keys must be listed in the

xdb:c:\user_home\41441_sub.xdb
1 xdb:c:\user_home\a1011_sub.xdb order shown here. The file is also separated into blocks.
newxdb:41441_sub_sub.xdb
Block 1 is required, but Block 2 is not required. The keys
Option: Comb
will be defined in their required order.
{
Sub_Title: my_new great title 1
2 Sub_Data:114,1.23 BLOCK 1: Block 1 is required
1,1,4.125
xdb: This line contains the full path and file name of
Sub_Title: my_new great title 2MSC.Nastran XDB file. Patran’s current working
Sub_Data:115,1.45 directory will be assumed if no path is specified. There
1,1,5.125 can be any number of “xdb:” keys.
1,2,2.
2,113,1. newxdb:. This line should contain the file name of a new
Sub_Title: my_new great title 3xdb name to create for the load combinations. This key
Sub_Data:116,1.67 is optional
1,1,6.125
2,113,1. Option: This will contain the text “Comb” or
“Combination”. This key is optional.
$Eof
Block 2: is optional if the load combination data will be
created manually. There can be any number of these
blocks.
Sub_Title: This key will be followed by a title for this
Load Combination.
Sub_Data: This key is followed by a unique subcase id
and the overall Load combination scale factor. A comma
must separate them. This is followed by the load
combination records and contains two integers and a
real number separated by commas. The first number is
the xdb id. This number specifies which xdb this subcase
is in. The number is the order of the xdb in Block 1. The
second number is the subcase id within that xdb. The last
number is the scale factor applied to that subcase. If zero,
this record will be ignored. The number of load
combination records is related to the total number of
subcases in all listed xdb files, but any number of them
can be specified.
Note: This file can be used by any MSC.Explore option that needs xdb files to be selected. This file
can include just the XDB: records and be imported using the Open Load Combination button.
Once opened, you can go to any of the other MSC.Explore features and these xdb files will be
available if their contents are supported.
Main Index
138
Main Index
Using MSC.Explore PCL Functions

A
■ MSC.Explore PCL Functions
Main Index
140
A.1 MSC.Explore PCL Functions

PCL Functions
This section documents the user-callable PCL functions for the ranked envelope.
These PCL functions can be broken into three categories: session file, user functions,
and envelope data functions.
The session file functions are those functions that are written to the session file when
the Apply button is depressed. The user functions can be used to define a user-
specified file format for envelope import, export, or report. Finally, the envelope data
functions can be used to interact with the client data table that stores the envelope
definition.
Session File Functions
mscexplore_renv_plot. (env_names, rank_id, quantity, display_opt, target,

plot_envelope_fringe num_groups, groups, ent_list, num_attribs, attribs)
Description:
Displays a fringe plot of either a single envelope or an envelope comparison between 2
envelopes.
Input:
env_names STRING[40](2) Array of envelope names.
rank_id INTEGER Rank level to plot.
quantity STRING[32] Quantity to display. Can be the Result Value, Subcase ID, XDB
ID, or Time/Freq.
display_opt STRING[32] Display option. Can be As Is, Difference, Extremum,
Percentage, or Ratio. Not all Quantity/Display Option
combinations are valid. See table below for valid choices.
target STRING[32] Target entities to display the plot on. This keyword indicates how
the target entities are supplied. Valid choices are: Current Viewport
(“CURR”), Groups (“GRP”), Element list (“EID”), Node list
(“Node”), All Elements (“All Elms”), and All Nodes (“All Nodes”).
num_groups INTEGER Number of groups selected for target equal to “GRP” (select
groups).
groups STRING[32](num_groups)
Array of group names for target equal to “GRP” (select
groups).
ent_list STRING[VIRTUAL]
Entity list for target equal to “Node” or “EID”.
num_attribs INTEGER Number of display attributes (10 for single envelope plot and
11 for an envelope comparison plot).
Main Index
CHAPTER A 141
attribs STRING[64](num_attribs)
Attributes. See table below for attribute descriptions.
Output:
<Return Value> INTEGER Zero for success.
Valid Quantity/Display Option Combinations

Number of Number of
Quantity Display Quantity Display
Envelopes Envelopes
1 Result As Is 2 Result Difference
Value Value
1 Subcase ID As Is 2 Result Extremum

Value
1 XDB ID As Is 2 Result Percentage
Value
1 Time/Freq As Is 2 Result Ratio
Value
Envelope Fringe Plot Attributes

Plot
Attribute Datatype Description
Type(s)
Attribute Datatype Description Plot Type(s)
FringeStyle String Choices: Discrete/Smooth, Continuous, Both
Element Fill, Discrete/Flat
ElmShrink Real Element shrink. 0.0 for no shrink, 1.0 for 100% Both
shrink, or 0.1 for 10% shrink, etc.
EdgeWidth Integer Element edge width. Choices are 1 (thin) Both
through 10 (thick)
ShowMaxMin Logical TRUE to label max/min values Both
FringeLabel Logical TRUE to display the values used to draw the Both
fringe plot
Main Index
142
Envelope Fringe Plot Attributes

Plot
Type(s)
LabelFormat String, Numeric label format and color. Format, color Both
Integer, id, number of digits. Valid choices for format
Integer are Fixed, Exponential, or Integer.
AvgDomain String Averaging domain. Valid choices are All or Both
Element (no averaging)
Threshold Real Threshold value Both
MinRange Real Minimum range value Both
MaxRange Real Maximum range value Both
DisplayAs String Choices depend on Display Option: Envelope
Comparison
Difference – As Is or Env1, Difference only
Extremum – Absolute Max, Algebraic Max or
Min
Percentage – As Is or Difference, Percentage
Ratio – As Is or Difference, Ratio
mscexplore_renv_plot. (env_names, rank_id, quantity, display_opt, target,

plot_envelope_label num_groups, groups, ent_list, num_attribs, attribs,
num_cases, case_labels, case_colors)
Description:
Displays a label plot of either a single envelope or an envelope comparison between 2
envelopes.
Input:
env_names STRING[40](2) Array of envelope names
rank_id INTEGER Rank level to plot
quantity STRING[32] Quantity to display. Can be the Result Value, Subcase ID, XDB
ID, or Time/Freq.
Percentage, or Ratio. Not all Quantity/Display option
Main Index
CHAPTER A 143
target STRING[32] Target entities to display the plot on. This keyword indicates
how the target entities are supplied. Valid choices are: Current
Viewport (“CURR”), Groups (“GRP”), Element list (“EID”),
Node list (“Node”), All Elements (“All Elms”), and All Nodes
(“All Nodes”)
groups)
groups STRING[32](num_groups)
Array of group names for target equal to “GRP” (select groups)
num_attribs INTEGER Number of display attributes (5 for single envelope plot and 6
for an envelope comparison plot)
num_cases INTEGER Number of subcases associated to the envelope.
case_labels STRING[64](num_cases)
Case labels for the subcases associated to the envelope. Labels
consist of the XDB Id and Subcase Id.
case_colors INTEGER(num_cases)
Color assigned to each subcase associated to the envelope.
Output:

Number of Number of
Envelopes Envelopes
Number of Quantity Display Number of Quantity Display
Envelopes Envelopes
1 or 2 Result Value As Is 2 Result Value Difference
1 or 2 Subcase ID As Is 2 Result Value Extremum
1 or 2 XDB ID As Is 2 Result Value Percentage
1 or 2 Time/Freq As Is 2 Result Value Ratio
Main Index
144
Envelope Label Plot Attributes

LabelFormat String, Numeric label format and color. Format, Both
Integer, color id, number of digits. Valid choices for
Integer format are Fixed, Exponential, or Integer.
PlotNoResults Logical If TRUE, entities with no envelope data will Both
be labeled, No Results. If FALSE, no label
will be plotted.
PlotNoThreshold Logical If TRUE, entities that fail the threshold will Both
be labeled, Threshold. If FALSE, no label
will be plotted.
UseCaseColor Logical If TRUE, then the label colors will Single
correspond to the subcase color
assignments. If FALSE, all labels will use
the same color.
PrintCaseList Logical If TRUE, print the case labels in the Single
viewport.
LabelOpt String Allows for additional data to be appended Single
to the displayed label. Choices include:
None, XDB ID/Subcase ID, Subcase ID,
XDB ID, or Time/Freq.
SameColor Integer Label color if the envelope 1 results are Envelope
from the same result case as the envelope 2 Comparison
results.
DiffColor Integer Label color if the envelope 1 results are Envelope
from a different result case than the Comparison
envelope 2 results.
DiffPrefix String String to be attached as a prefix to a label if Envelope
the envelope 1 results are from a different Comparison
result case than the envelope 2 results.
DisplayAs String Valid choices depend on the selected Envelope
Quantity and Display option. Choose from Comparison
As Is, Absolute Max, Algebraic Max,
Algebraic Min, Airbus.
Main Index
CHAPTER A 145
mscexplore_renv_report. (env_names, rank_id, quantity, display_opt, target,

main num_groups, groups, ent_list, num_attribs,
report_format, append_report, fname)
Description:
Input:
env_names STRING[40](2) Array of envelope names.
rank_id INTEGER Rank level to write to report
quantity STRING[32] Quantity to be reported. Can be Result Value, Subcase ID,
XDB ID, or Time/Freq.
Percentage, or Ratio. No all Quantity/Display option
target STRING[32] Target entities to display the plot on. This keyword indicates
how the target entities are supplied. Valid choices are:
Current Viewport (“CURR”), Groups (“GRP”), Element list
(“EID”), Node list (“Node”), All Elements (“All Elms”), and
All Nodes (“All Nodes”)
groups)
groups STRING[32](mum_groups)
Array of group names for target equal to “GRP” (select
groups)
ent_list STRING[VIRTUAL]
Entity list for target equal to “Node” or “EID”.
num_attribs INTEGER Number of display attributes (4 for single envelope plot and
for an envelope comparison plot)
report_format STRING[32] Report format. Valid choices are: Default or User. Default
writes the report in the “default” format. User writes the
report in a user-defined format. The User format option
requires the existence of a PCL function called report in the
mscexplore_renv_user class. See more about user functions
later.
append_report LOGICAL TRUE to append the report to an existing file.
Output:
Main Index
146

Number of Number of
Envelopes Envelopes
1 or 2 Result As Is 2 Result Difference
Value Value
1 or 2 Subcase ID As Is 2 Result Extremum
Value
1 or 2 XDB ID As Is 2 Result Percentage
Value
1 or 2 Time/Freq As Is 2 Result Ratio
Value
Envelope Report Attributes

Plot
Type(s)
PrintNoResults Logical If TRUE, entities with no envelope Both
data will be labeled, No Results. If
FALSE, no label will be plotted.
PrintNoThresh Logical If TRUE, entities that fail the Both
old threshold will be labeled, Threshold.
If FALSE, no label will be plotted.
PrintAs String Both
Main Index
CHAPTER A 147
mscexplore_renv_utils.delete_ (num_env, env_names, delete_results)

envelopes
Description:
Deletes selected envelopes. Optionally, deletes the associated result case.
Input:
num_env INTEGER Number of envelopes to delete
env_names STRING[40](num_env)
Envelope names to be deleted
delete_results LOGICAL TRUE to delete the result case associated to the selected
envelopes
Output:
mscexplore_renv_export.main (env_name, file_format, fname)
Description:
Exports the selected envelope from an MSC.Patran database.
Input:
env_name INTEGER Name of envelope to be exported.
file_format STRING[32]
fname STRING[VIRTUAL] Name of file to create during export.
Output:
mscexplore_renv_import.read (env_name, file_format, fname)

_envelope
Description:
Exports the selected envelope from an MSC.Patran database.
Input:
env_name STRING[40] Envelope name to be created.
format_opt STRING[32]
fname STRING[VIRTUAL] Filename containing envelope to be imported.
Output:
Main Index
148
mscexplore_renv_create_select. (env_name, is_node, fname, save_res_file)

create_ranked_envelope
Description:
Creates a ranked envelope
Input:
env_name STRING[40] Envelope name to be created.
is_node LOGICAL TRUE if envelope is for nodal results. FALSE if envelope is
for element results.
fname STRING[VIRTUAL] Base filename of Patran 2.5 results neutral file to be
imported. Also, the base filename of the results template
file.
save_res_file LOGICAL TRUE to save result files.
Output:
Main Index
CHAPTER A 149
User Functions
MSC.Explore offers the capability to import envelopes, export envelopes, or create
envelope reports based on user-defined file formats. This capability requires that the
user create special functions to achieve these tasks. These functions are defined in a
user-created PCL class called, mscexplore_renv_user. The special functions are called:
import, export, and report.
mscexplore_renv_user.import (envelope_name, filename)
Description:
Function used to import a user-defined ranked envelope file.
Input:
envelope_name STRING[40] Name of the ranked envelope to be created
filename STRING Name of file to be imported
Output:
<Return Value> INTEGER Zero for success. Nonzero for failure.
mscexplore_renv_user.export (envelope_name, filename)
Description:
Function used to export a user-defined ranked envelope file.
Input:
envelope_name STRING[40] Name of the ranked envelope to be exported
filename STRING Name of file to be created during export
Output:
Main Index
150
mscexplore_renv_user.report filename, append, num_envelopes,

envelope_names, rank_id, target, num_groups,
groups, entity_list, quantity, display_option,
print_no_results, print_no_threshold, print_as,
threshold)
Description:
Function used to create a user-defined report.
Input:
filename STRING Name of report file to be created or appended
append LOGICAL TRUE to append report to an existing report file
num_envelopes INTEGER Number of envelopes written to report
envelope_names STRING[40]() Envelope names
rank_id INTEGER Selected rank level
target STRING “CURR” for the current viewport, “Node” for picklist
of nodes, “EID” for picklist of elements, “GRP” for
group names, “All Elms” for all elements, and “All
Nodes” for all nodes
num_groups INTEGER Number of selected groups if target set to “GRP”
groups STRING[32]() Names of selected groups
entity_list STRING[VIRTUAL]
Picklist of entities if target set to “EID” or “Node”
quantity STRING “Result Value”, “Subcase ID”, XDB ID”, “Time/Freq”
display_option STRING “AsIs”, “Difference”, “Extremum”, “Percentage”,
“Ratio”
print_no_results LOGICAL TRUE if report rows with no results should be
suppressed
print_no_threshold LOGICAL TRUE if report rows that do not pass the threshold
should be suppressed
print_as STRING[32] Only used if more than one envelope selected.
Controls format for report. Valid choices include:
“AsIs”, “Absolute Max”, “Algebraic Max”, “Algebraic
Min”, “Env1, Difference”, “Difference, Ratio”, or
“Difference Percentage”
Threshold REAL Threshold value
Output:
Main Index
CHAPTER A 151
Envelope Data Functions
mscexplore_renv_utils.get (envelope_name, loadcase_id, subcase_id)

_rescase_for_envelope
Description:
Retrieves the load case and subcase Ids for the result case associated to the ranked envelope.
Input:
envelope_name STRING[40] Envelope name
Output:
loadcase_id INTEGER Load case Id
subcase_id INTEGER Subcase Id
mscexplore_renv_utils.get_info_for (envelope_name, result, entity, component,

_envelope max_rank, is_element)
Description:
Description: Retrieves information about the envelope. In particular, retrieves the envelope’s
result quantity, entity type, result component, and maximum rank.
Input:
Output:
result STRING Result quantity name
entity STRING Entity type name
component STRING Result component
max_rank INTEGER Envelope rank
is_element LOGICAL TRUE if envelope is for elements. FALSE if envelope is
for nodes.
Main Index
152
mscexplore_renv_utils.get_restype_ids (envelope_name, rank, type,

primary_id, secondary_id)
Description:
Retrieves the primary and secondary result type Ids for the envelope.
Input:
rank INTEGER Required rank level. Must be less than the maximum
rank of the envelope.
type INTEGER Result type to extract. 1 for result values, 2 for subcase
Ids, 3 for XDB Id, and 4 for time/frequency values
Output:
primary_id INTEGER Primary result type Id
secondary_id INTEGER Secondary result type Id
mscexplore_renv_utils.add_envelope (envelope_name, loadcase_name,

subcase_name)
Description:
Associate an MSC.Patran result case to a ranked envelope.
Input:
loadcase_name STRING[] Load case name
subcase_name STRING[] Subcase name
Output:
mscexplore_renv_utils.get_envelope_ (num_envelopes, envelope_names)

names
Description:
Get a list of existing ranked envelopes.
Input:
None
Output:
Main Index
CHAPTER A 153
num_envelopes INTEGER Number of ranked envelopes

envelope_names STRING[40]() Envelope names
mscexplore_renv_utils.delete_envelope (envelope_name, delete_results)
Description:
Delete a ranked envelope. Optionally delete the associated result case.
Input:
envelope_name STRING[40] Name of envelope to delete.
delete_results LOGICAL TRUE to delete the associated result case.
Output:
mscexplore_renv_utils.add_envelope_rc (envelope_name, num_rc, rc_names)

_names
Description:
Associates result case names with an envelope to be used for plots and reports instead of XDB
Ids and Subcase Ids.
Input:
envelope_name STRING[40] Existing envelope name
num_rc INTEGER Number of result cases represented by the envelope
rc_names STRING[40](num_rc) Result case names
Output:
mscexplore_renv_utils.get_envelope_rc (envelope_label, num_rc, rc_names)

_names
Description:
Gets result case names associated with an envelope.
Input:
envelope_label INTEGER Existing envelope client data label
Output:
Main Index
154

mscexplore_renv_utils. (env_name, num_rc, xdb_ids, sc_ids,

add_envelope_rc_names_by_assoc rc_names)
Description:
Associates result case names with an envelope to be used for plots and reports instead of XDB
Ids and Subcase Ids.
Input:
envelope_name STRING[40] Existing envelope name
xdb_ids INTEGER(num_rc) List of XDB Ids that correspond to the result case
names
sc_ids INTEGER(num_rc) List of Subcase Ids that correspond to the result case
names
Output:
mscexplore_renv_user_results.init_results (num_ids, num_rank)
Description:
This function initializes classwide arrays, etc. prior to adding results. This functions should be
called first, then results should be added via mscexplore_renv_user_results.add_results(…).
After all results have been added, the envelope and associated results are created in the
MSC.Patran database via the mscexplore_renv_user_results.create_results(…) function.
Input:
num_ids INTEGER Number of entities (nodes or elements)
num_rank INTEGER Rank level
Output:
None
Main Index
CHAPTER A 155
mscexplore_renv_user_results.add_results (id, vals, labels)
Description:
Adds results for all rank levels for an entity. This function should be called once for each entity
after first initializing the result arrays with mscexplore_renv_user_results.init_results(..).
Input:
id INTEGER Entity ID
vals REAL(num_rank) Result values for each rank level
labels STRING[40](num_rank) Names associated to the results for each rank level
Output:
mscexplore_renv_user_results. envelope_name, is_elm, entity, result, comp)

create_results
Description:
Input:
envelope_name STRING[40] Entity ID
is_elm LOGICAL TRUE if results are associated to elements
entity STRING[32] Entity name
result STRING[32] Result type
comp STRING[32] Result component
Output:
Main Index
156
Main Index
I N D E X
I N D E X
MSC.Explore
User’s Guide
A Free Body Spreadsheet Output, 110
Free Body Target Entity, 106
architecture and capabilities, 3 fringe plots, 71
audience, 14
G
C General Information, 25
Contents and Results File Partition and Getting Started, 9
Merge, 7 graphical user interface, 18
Convenience Tools, 7, 42, 117 Graphics Output Example, 23
creating ranked envelopes, 66
Critical Load Determination, 30, 49
H
E Hardware, 14
HTML Output Example, 22
Envelope, 26, 36, 95
envelope comparison plots, 70
Envelope Main Form, 96
Envelope Output Results, 103
I
Envelope Target Entity - Current Viewport, Information, 28, 44, 132
Information Main Form, 133
98
Envelope Target Entity - Groups, 100 Information Output, 134
Integration of MSC.Explore with
Envelope Target Entity - Nodes, 99
Extract Subcases, 28, 45, 129 MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran, 5
Introduction, 1, 26
Extract Subcases Main Form, 130
Extract Subcases Output, 131 invoking MSC.Explore, 15
F L
Free Body, 27, 38, 104 Limitations, 29
Loads Summation, 7, 38, 104
Free Body Display Attribute, 105
Free Body Export, 108
Free Body Groups, 107
Free Body Main Form, 105
Main Index
158 INDEX
M U
Max/Min Export, 54 Using MSC.Explore, 47, 139
Max/Min Main Form, 50 Using MSC.Explore Forms, 30
Max/Min Output Results, 55 Using MSC.Explore Functions, 48, 140
Max/Min Sorting, 26, 30, 49
Max/Min Target Entity, 51
MSC.Explore Forms, 18
MSC.Explore Output, 20
X
XY Plot, 27, 42, 117
XY Plot Axis Format, 122
XY Plot Export, 127
O XY Plot Grid Lines Format, 125
Overview, 10 XY Plot Legend Format, 124
XY Plot Main Menu, 118
XY Plot Output, 128
P XY Plot Target Entity, 120
XY Plot Tick Marks Format, 126
plotting envelopes, 70
XY Post/Unpost, 119
prerequisites, 14
hardware, 14
software, 14
R
Rank, 56
Rank Export, 62
Rank Output Results, 63
Rank Target Entity, 59
ranked envelope, 34, 64
Ranking, 26, 32
Report, 28, 39, 111
Report Export, 114
Report Main Form, 112
Report Output, 115
Report Target Entity, 113
Results Database Management, 44, 129
S
single envelope plots, 70
Software, 14
T
Text Output Example, 20
Main Index

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MSC.

■ Architecture and Capabilities, 3

INDEX MSC.Explore User’s Guide, 157

1.2 Architecture and Capabilities

Figure 1-1 MSC.Explore Architecture Overview

Figure 1-1 provides a simplistic overview of the MSC.Explore architecture.

MSC.Explore can examine both nodal results (displacements, velocities, accelerations

1.3 Integration of MSC.Explore with MSC.Nastran and

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_html_export_flag", TRUE )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_text", FALSE )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_html", TRUE )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_import_res", TRUE )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_disp_res", TRUE )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_write_res", TRUE )

pref_env_set_string( "msc_explore_cmd_disp_html", "netscape" )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_display_res", TRUE )

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_auto_sprd_flag", TRUE )

pref_env_set_string( "msc_explore_cmd_disp_text", "C:\Programs\emacs-20.7\bin\emacs.exe" )

1.4 About This Guide

Critical Load Determination

Results Database Management

Load Combination Description: Derive new Statics results as linear combinations of

Envelope Description: Finds critical results for each individual Element

Ranked Envelope Description: Create a set of Envelopes as in "Envelope" of the

XY Plot Description: Plots how responses vary with Subcase, Time or

Report Description: Extracts results from Results Database files for

Information Description: Displays the table of contents for the types of

2.3 Invoking MSC.Explore

2.4 Settings.pcl Entries

pref_env_set_logical( "msc_explore_html_export_flag", TRUE )

2.5 Graphical User Interface

Text Output Example

Date (Run-Date) : 12/19/0x

xdb # File Name

*** Maximum/Minimum for Pid : 11 - PBAR ***

*** Element Ranking Based on Stress : Sf -A

Results for Maximum

Elem_ID Sub_Case xdb Sc -A Sd -A Se -A Sf -A

Results for Minimum

Elem_ID Sub_Case xdb Sc -A Sd -A Se -A Sf -A

Critical Subcase Summary

Following table shows how many times each subcase appeared

SubCase ID xdb # No of times Percentage

SubCase ID : 113 XDB : 1 File Name : D:\p3_test/a101a.xdb

SubCase ID : 112 XDB : 1 File Name : D:\p3_test/a101a.xdb

SubCase ID : 111 XDB : 1 File Name : D:\p3_test/a101a.xdb

HTML Output Example

Hyperlink to specific results. In this case, a

Graphics Output Example

• Chooses Absolute Maximum, Algebraic Maximum or Algebraic Minimum.

• Improves performance by using logical organization for plotting responses.

3.3 Using MSC.Explore Forms

Critical Load Determination

Critical Load Cases - Subcase Summary

Critical Load Cases

Critical Load Cases

Date (Run-Date) : 01/15/02

XDB File : E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101a.xdb

Subcase Loc Sx Sy Sxy Prin-1 Prin-2 Von-Mises

111 Cen -Z -8.91471E-01 -5.19012E-01 2.34039E+00 1.64254E+00 -3.05303E+00 4.12718E+00

112 Cen -Z 9.51534E+00 -1.73665E+00 1.61085E+01 2.09520E+01 -1.31733E+01 2.98083E+01

113 Cen -Z 6.82384E+00 -6.00650E-01 6.75374E+00 1.08183E+01 -4.59514E+00 1.37063E+01

XDB File : E:\barbela\Explore\xdb_Sort\patran/a101b.xdb

* Maximum/Minimum for Pid : 11 - PBAR *