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Patran 2014

Materials
Users Guide

Corporate

MSC Software Corporation


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Disclaimer
This documentation, as well as the software described in it, is furnished under license and may be used only in accordance with the
terms of such license.
MSC Software Corporation reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information contained in this document
without prior notice.
The concepts, methods, and examples presented in this text are for illustrative and educational purposes only, and are not intended
to be exhaustive or to apply to any particular engineering problem or design. MSC Software Corporation assumes no liability or
responsibility to any person or company for direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of any information contained herein.
User Documentation: Copyright 2014 MSC Software Corporation. Printed in U.S.A. All Rights Reserved.
This notice shall be marked on any reproduction of this documentation, in whole or in part. Any reproduction or distribution of this
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and conditions and/or notices may be set forth in documentation and/or at http://www.mscsoftware.com/thirdpartysoftware (or
successor website designated by MSC from time to time).
METIS is copyrighted by the regents of the University of Minnesota. A copy of the METIS product documentation is included with this
installation. Please see "A Fast and High Quality Multilevel Scheme for Partitioning Irregular Graphs". George Karypis and Vipin
Kumar. SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 359-392, 1999.
MSC, MSC Nastran, MD Nastran, MSC Fatigue, Marc, Patran, Dytran, and Laminate Modeler are trademarks or registered trademarks
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P3:V2014:Z:MAT:Z:DC-USR-PDF

Contents
MSC Patran Materials Enterprise

Patran Materials Overview


Purpose

System Description
Definitions

Using Patran Materials


10
Opening an MSC Mvision Database
11
Selecting Materials
12
Performing a Database Query
17
Property Set Selection
20
Material Application Selection Display
28
Properties Mapping
29
Database Mapping Templates
30
Naming Format for Database Mapping Templates
MSC Mvision Database Units
32

31

Patran Materials Forms


Materials Selector

36

Using Materials Selector

37

Open Materials Database Form

38

Materials Selector Form


39
Materials Selector Spreadsheet
Query Command Textbox
40
Column Headers Form
41
Materials Application Form
Query Panel

39

43

44

Property Set Selection

45

Mapping MSC Mvision Attributes to Patran Material Properties


Attribute List
48

47

iv MSC Patran Materials Enterprise

Mapping Templates
50
Open Mapping Templates
50
Save As Mapping Templates
51

Patran Materials Enterprise


Overview of Patran Materials Enterprise GUI
Supported Operating Systems
54

54

Accessing Patran Materials Enterprise from Patran


Logging into Patran Materials Enterprise

58

Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame


Using the Parameters
59
Using the Pick List
61
The Pedigree Frame
62
Using the Material Frame
62
Verifying the Data in Patran
64
Reconnecting to a Material in Subsequent Sessions
Documenting Source of Data

69

56

59

67

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview


Patran Materials Enterprise

Patran Materials Overview

Purpose

System Description

Definitions

Using Patran Materials

4
10

Patran Materials Enterprise


Purpose

Purpose
The Patran Materials provides the Patran analyst with materials data from M S C M v i s i on Materials
Databases. The MSC Mvision Materials Software System was created by MSC Software Corporation
(MSC) for materials selection, visualization, and data integration. The Patran Materials integrates Patran
and MSC Mvision to quickly and accurately provide the analyst with up-to-date, traceable materials data.
Most important to the analyst, several commercial MSC Mvision databases are available. There are
Standards Databanks of U.S. Government provided data; MIL-HDBK-5 (metals), MIL-HDBK-17
(composites), and PMC90 (advanced composites) and the Producers Databanks for Plastics, Metals,
Ceramics, and Composites. The Standards Databanks are electronic renditions of standard,
independently evaluated materials property data sources that are appropriate for all phases of analysis.
The Producers Databanks are comprehensive electronic libraries of materials data from materials
producers worldwide that are appropriate for initial conceptual analysis.
MSC Software maintains these databases and plans to release additional databases in the near future. In
addition, using the MSC Mvision Materials System Builder, engineers can capture, organize and reduce
materials test data to create their own MSC Mvision materials property databases for design and analysis.
Materials information plays an important part in Patran engineering simulations. The material properties
used in mechanical and thermal applications directly affect the accuracy of the solution. The Patran
Materials provides Patran users with a reliable and accurate source of materials information using the
M S C M v i s i on Materials Database System.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 3


System Description

System Description
The Patran Materials provides a simple and easy to use interface for access to M S C Mv i s i o n materials
databases. Patran Materials is integrated into the Materials function as a Method option. Choosing
Materials Selector as the method of creating a Patran material activates the selection process.
The process of reading an M S C M v i si o n database begins by selection of a specific database. Database
are stored in the Patran directory structure when Patran is installed. Selecting a database name opens the
database and presents the materials in a spreadsheet-like display. Selection of materials is simply a matter
of scanning the list for an appropriate material and picking it from the list.
When a material is selected from a database, the key material properties are transferred directly to the
Patran database. The source and background information of the material is also stored in the Patran
database. This maintains a traceable link between the material selected and the material properties used
in the Patran model.
The key to the interface is a special template file which provides an initial mapping of the MS C
Mv i s i o n database to the Patran Materials properties. Each database provided by MSC is shipped with
a set of matching template files that map the material attributes in the database to specific Patran material
properties. A separate template file is required to map each database to a specific Patran material type,
since each material type requires different material properties.
Database query tools within Patran Materials allow the user to search the database for materials that
match specific design criteria. These specialized lists of materials can be recalled by creating new
template files containing the user database criteria. In addition Patran Materials can view any M S C
Mv i s i o n database including those created by the customer using the M S C M v i si o n Materials System
Builder.

Patran Materials Enterprise


Definitions

Definitions
Attribute
A database attribute is an entity within the database, defining a specific property of a material. Attributes
may be material properties such as Youngs Modulus or database organizational entities such as Date Last
Modified. Attributes may be numbers, character strings or curves. Attributes are organized into logical
groups called Relations, 8.
Column Headers
When the database is displayed in the Materials Selector form, several database attributes or attribute
expressions are presented at the top of the spreadsheet columns. These attributes or expressions are the
column headers.
There are two types of column headers: pedigree and property set.
The Pedigree, 7 column headers are used to select materials from the database. Each row in the
spreadsheet represents a unique combination of the pedigree column headers.
The Property Set, 7 column headers display the range of values for the rows pedigree column headers.
If there are no pedigree column headers, then only a single material row appears displaying the entire
range of values for the column headers.
The column headers are saved as part of the template.
Databank
A database provided by MSC Software, such as the Standard Databanks of U.S. Government data or the
Producers Databanks.
Database
A database is an M S C M v i si o n materials database file.The Patran Materials reads M S C M v i si o n
databases and stores selected material properties in the Patran database.
Expressions
Expressions are any mathematical calculation consisting of M S C M v i si o n attributes, values,
Functions, 5, and operators. For example,

777.777
temp
temp/777.777
log( temp )
log( temp ) * e11t/e22t
interp_x( cpvstemp, 72 )
sqrt( log( sin( temp )))
where temp and ctcvstemp are database attributes. These expressions are used in queries, mappings, and
column headers.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 5


Definitions

Figures
Figures are M S C M v i si o n attributes that are composed of graphical elements. A graphical element is
either curve points, scatter points and/or runout points. The Patran Materials uses only the curve points
and displays these as solid lines.
Functions
These are the available functions for Expressions, 4 in the queries, mappings and column headers.

Patran Materials Enterprise


Definitions

Function

Description

Example

abs

Absolute value

abs( -2.7 ) = 2.7, abs( 2.7) = 2.7

acos

Arc cosine

acos( .5 ) (Radians)

asin

Arc sine

asin ( .5 ) (Radians)

atan

Arc tangent

atan( .5 ) (Radians)

ceil

Smallest integer not less


than x

ceil( -2.7) = -2, ceil( 2.7 ) = 3

cos

Cosine

cos( .5 ) (Radians)

cosh

Hyperbolic cosine

cosh( .5 ) (Radians)

degtorad

Degrees to radians

degtorad( 180 ) = 3.14159

erf

Error function

erf( .5 )

exp

e raised to the power of x

exp( 1 ) = 2.71828

floor

Greatest integer not greater ceil( -2.7) = -3, ceil( 2.7 ) = 2


than x

if

Conditional statement.
Returns the value of first
expression if logical
expression is true;
otherwise, returns the
second

if (logical expression, any expression,


any expression)

interp_x

Interpolate on x axis

interp_x( cpvstemp, 100 )

interp_y

Interpolate on y axis

interp_y( cpvstemp, 100 )

log

Natural log

log( 2.71828 ) = 1

log10

Log base 10

log( 100 ) = 2

nvl

Conditional Null, 7
statement.

radtodeg

Radians to degrees

radtodeg( 3.14159 ) = 180

round

Round to nearest integer

round( -2.7 ) = -3, round( 2.7 ) = 3

sin

Sine

sin( .5 ) (Radians)

sinh

Hyperbolic sine

sinh( .5 ) (Radians)

sqrt

Square root

sqrt( 16 ) = 4

if ( e11t ex, e11t, 777 ) Note: any


expression must be of the same types,
reals with reals, curves with curves, etc...

nvl( any expression, any expression )


nvl( interp_x( cpvstemp, temp ), cp ) Use
cps value if interp_x(cpvstemp, temp )
Returns the first expression is null
if its non-null; otherwise,
Note: any expression must be of the
returns the second.
same types, reals with reals, curves with
curves, etc...

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 7


Definitions

Function

Description

Example

tan

Tangent

tan( .5 ) (Radians)

tanh

Hyperbolic tangent

tanh( .5 ) (Radians)

trunc

Truncate real to integer

trunc( -2.7 ) = -2, trunc( 2.7) = 2

Mapping
Mapping is the assignment of M S C Mv i s i o n database attributes to Patran material properties.
Attributes differ from database to database, especially for custom databases created with the M S C
Mv i s i o n System Builder. Mapping is required to make the transfer of data from the MS C Mv i s i o n
database to Patran. The mapping is saved as part of the template.
Null
Null is MS C Mv i s i o n representation of not having any data for an attribute at a given condition. It is
represented on the display as -0-.
Pedigree
Pedigree attributes are attributes which define a material. These are attributes which describe its name,
type, form, etc... All other attributes provide properties of the material such as its elastic modulus,
specific heat, stress/strain curve, etc.
Property Set
Materials databases are divided into several tables. There is at least one pedigree table and at least one
property set table. The pedigree tables contain the attributes which define the material (e.g., name, type,
form, etc...) The property set tables contain attributes which define properties (e.g., elastic modulus,
specific heat, stress/strain curve, etc...) The common material properties are grouped into property set
tables so they can be worked with easily. Typically, linear data is grouped into a property set and each
curve is grouped into its own property set. So, if a material had both linear and nonlinear data, they would
be represented in separate property sets.

Patran Materials Enterprise


Definitions

Query
The query is a set of conditions placed upon the database, limiting the materials shown in the Materials
Selector. A typical query might be to display the materials with a Tensile Modulus of Elasticity greater
than 10 Msi (E_T > 10). A Query Panel is available to assist in the creation of valid query commands.
The Query Panel lists the databank attributes and pertinent information such as attribute units. The query
conditions are stored in the template.
Relations
A database relation is a collection of attributes forming a table, a figure, or a level in the database
hierarchy. These relations determine how their attributes display in the material displays. In the Material
Select Panel, pedigree attributes display as single values and property attributes display as ranges. In
Property Set, 7 select panel, all attributes display as single values.

In this example, cname and temp are pedigree attributes and table and e11t are Property Set, 7 attributes.
Template
A template is a special file associated with a M S C Mv i s i o n database that determines how the user sees
an M S C M v i si o n database. The template saves the mapping of database attributes to Patran properties,
the column headers, and query conditions. Each database has multiple templates, one for each of the
Patran material types (Isotropic, Orthotropic, etc.). The appropriate template is applied automatically
when a database is opened.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 9


Definitions

Uniquing
Uniquing is the process of selecting a unique material from the Materials Selector. The material display
allows a material type to be picked. But it is very likely that the material chosen has several subtypes. So
it is necessary to complete the selection by picking the material from all possible differences. The
Property Set Panel displays all the possible choices that the selected property set can have. This panel
displays only those property sets which have attributes mapped and only those attributes which have
differences. For a complete listing of the attribute values, change the Material Application Selection
Display, 28 option from Mapped Properties to Database Attributes. All non-null attributes with
values display here.

10

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Using Patran Materials


To invoke, activate the Materials function, set the Action to Create and the Object to a suitable material
type (Isotropic, Orthotropic, etc.). Then set the Method to Materials Selector. This activates the Open
Database form.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 11


Using Patran Materials

Opening an MSC Mvision Database


Databases are located in a directory called mvision located in the Patran path. Normally the Open
Database form starts with this directory. To open a database in another directory, use the Directories list
box to navigate to the directory where the databases are located.

12

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Select a database name and choose -Apply-. The Materials Selector opens the database and searches for
a complementary template. The templates are stored in the same directory with the .mvtm suffix and
determines how the database is presented in the Material Selector.

A different database may be chosen at any time by selecting the Select Database button on the main
Materials Selector form. This activates the Open Databases form shown above. There is no need to close
the current database before opening a new database.

Selecting Materials
The Materials Selector form lists the materials in the open database using a spreadsheet-like display. The
top row of the spreadsheet shows the database attributes selected for display. The second row of the

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 13


Using Patran Materials

spreadsheet shows the units for the attributes listed in the first row. The rest of the spreadsheet contains
the material data found in the MSC Mvision database.

MS C Mv i s i o n Databases are organized on a hierarchical scheme. Each database has its own scheme.
The Materials Selector is designed to simplify the presentation of the database by displaying materials
based upon the database attributes shown at the top of the spreadsheet. Each row of the spreadsheet
represents a single material or several materials depending upon the spreadsheet Column Headers, 4.
To pick a material, use the scroll bars on the right and bottom of the spreadsheet to examine the materials.
When you find a material, pick the row with the mouse. This loads the properties for that material into
the material display of the Material Application Selection Display, 28.
Several features on this form help you view and select a material. These features include changing the
Column Headers, 4, limiting the data displayed using a Query, 8 mechanism, viewing the spreadsheet
cells and assisting in moving to the Property Set Selection, 20.

Query Command
The Query Box under the words Query Command displays the current query that controls the displayed
data. The query string entered here is editable and modifies the displayed data. To operate it, enter a valid
query and press carriage return or click on the Apply button. This reloads the Material Spreadsheet with
the reduced data set.

14

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Pressing the Clear button clears the query command. It is necessary to click on the Apply button to
process an empty query. An empty query returns all materials matching the column headers.
The Query Box is provided to display the current query and provide a means to quickly enter or edit the
query command. Use the Performing a Database Query, 17 to create more complex queries because it
provides the tools to help you do so.
Note: Changing units with a numeric query specified does not change the numeric values in the query
string and the system most likely will return zero rows. This is because the database values no longer
match the querys unit system.
Auto Execute
This toggle button is a convenience function that presses the Display Materials Properties, 15 button with
each material selection. Toggling it OFF allows the selected spreadsheet cell to be examined in the
Selected Cell Data, 14.

To display the property sets panel when the toggle button is OFF, press the Display Materials Properties
button.
Selected Cell Data
The Selected Cell Data displays information about the selected attribute or expression cell. The
information displayed is the attribute or expression column header, its description if its an attribute, its
value, units if available and any footnote and metadata.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 15


Using Patran Materials

This is useful because the cells in the spreadsheet are small and often the full contents of the cell are not
visible.
Display Materials Properties
Once a material has been selected, it is necessary to select the individual Property Set, 7 rows. To do this
press the Display Materials Properties button. This displays the Property Set Selection, 20 panel.

Note:

Setting the Auto Execute, 14 toggle button presses this button automatically with each
material selection.

Column Headers
The Column Headers are the words appearing at the top of the spreadsheet columns. These are attributes
or Expressions, 4 used to select unique combinations of materials from the database. These combinations
are based only on the Pedigree, 7 attributes and expressions.
There are two types of column headers: pedigree and property set.
The Pedigree, 7 column headers are used to select materials from the database. Each row in the
spreadsheet represents a unique combination of the pedigree column headers.
The Property Set, 7 column headers display the range of values for the rows pedigree column headers.
If there are no pedigree column headers, then only a single material row appears displaying the entire
range of values for the column headers.
The following figure shows a Material Spreadsheet with column headers CNAME, TEMP/2, TABLE,
E11T. CNAME and TEMP/2 are pedigree headers and TABLE and E11T are property set headers.

16

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Because CNAME and TEMP are pedigree attributes they result in unique combination of their values.
TABLE and E11T are Property Set, 7 attributes and result in ranges. TABLE has only one value for
Epoxy at 35 degrees, that is Table 1. But it has multiple values for E11T, 1.2 to 5.3. On row 2 Graphite
at 100 degrees has more than one TABLE value but the E11T value is 5.7. E11T has either one row with
5.7 or all the rows have 5.7 as the E11T value.
This logic carries into Expressions, 4 too. Any column header expression which contains a Property Set,
7 attribute is a property set column header. A pedigree column header expression contains only pedigree
attributes. For example,
Pedigree expressions:

TEMP/2, TEMP*DENS,LOG(TEMP)

Property set expressions:

E11T/2, E11T*TEMP, INTERP_X (CPvsTEMP, TEMP)

To change the column headers, pick the Column Headers button at the top of the Materials Selector
form.This activates the Column Headers form as shown in the next illustration. The Column Headers
form has one list box and two text boxes. The list box at the top of the form contains a scrolled list of
database attributes. When you pick an attribute from this list, the attributes characteristics are displayed
in the second list box and the attribute is added to the list of attributes in the textbox at the bottom of the
form. Youll notice that only numeric and string attributes are listed in the attribute list, all others are
illegal. Although, you can use Functions, 5 to change a curve attribute into a numeric value (e.g.,
INTERP_X, INTERP_Y).
The textbox at the bottom of the panel lists the column headers for the Material Selector. Attributes are
listed in the order they appear on the spreadsheet. You can modify the items in the textbox using the
mouse to select items and delete them or you can type directly into the textbox by picking an insertion
point with the mouse and typing the new attribute from the keyboard. Attributes and expression must be
separated by commas.
When the column headers are set press the Apply button.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 17


Using Patran Materials

Performing a Database Query


The Query command is a useful tool for finding a specific material or materials with specific properties.
In a large database, the Query can quickly limit the materials to a manageable number by removing from
the display materials that do not meet your requirements.

18

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

When a database is opened, it shows all materials in the database. Often you know specific things about
the material you seek. Using the Query, you can filter the materials in the Materials Selector to show only
those materials that match your criteria.
Query uses a simple syntax based upon a subset of ANSI Structured Query Language (SQL). A Query is
formed by the combination of an attribute, a query operator, and a value. A typical Query command
might be:
CNAME LIKE '*ALUMINUM*'
CNAME

is the attribute for the materials Common Name.

LIKE

is the query operator for comparing string data.

'*ALUMINUM*'

is the comparison string. The asterisks (*) are wild characters and
stand for any number of characters. An asterisk at the beginning and
end of the string causes a match when aluminum appears anywhere
in the common name.

Another Query that limits the materials to only those with Elastic Modulus would be:
E11T EX
E11T

is the attribute for a Elastic Modulus in the longitudinal direction.

EX

is the query operator for existence. Exist is a special query operator that does not
require a value.

The two queries could be combined as follows:


CNAME LIKE '*ALUMINUM*' AND E11T EX

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 19


Using Patran Materials

This would limit the Materials Selector to display only materials with aluminum in the common name
that have Tensile Elastic Modulus data.
In addition, the Materials Selector allows for queries on calculated properties called Expressions, 4. This
allows for a query that requires MSC Mvision to combine materials data to form new properties as the
object of a query. For example, if we wish to view all materials having a specific tensile yield strength
greater than 400 ksi/lbin3. Specific tensile yield strength is not an attribute of the data, but can be
calculated by dividing tensile yield strength (YS11T) by density (DENS). The query command is:
YS11T/DENS > 400
Query operations can become quite complex, permitting customized views of a database. A special
Query panel is available to simplify the creation of a valid query. The Query panel is discussed in the
Query Panel Form, 19.
Query assumes the units of the query are the same as the units set for the current system. If the current
database has been set to use SI units, the query conditions are assumed to also be in SI units. If the
database is set to use Imperial units, then the query assumes Imperial units. Query units are shown in the
Attribute Information scrollbox of the Query Panel Form, 19.
Note:

When a template is saved, it stores the current query and when the template is opened, uses
the query to limit the active database before showing it on the Materials Selector. Query
conditions may be altered at any time but only the current conditions are saved in the
template.

Query Panel Form


The query panel shown below is designed to simplify the creation of valid queries. The form is divided
into three parts.

20

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Attribute

Two list boxes in the upper left part of the form. One box contains a full
listing of all attributes in the database. The second box contains
information about an attribute when it is picked from the first box. Picking
an attribute puts the selection at the end of the query string at the bottom
of the form.

Operators

A set of buttons on the right of the form. Choosing these buttons puts the
selected query operator at the end of the query string at the bottom of the
form.

Query Command

The query string is constructed in this box by selecting from the Attribute
and Operator sections of the form or by typing directly into the textbox.
You must first click with the mouse pointer in the textbox before typing.
To delete part of the query command, click on the string to create an
insertion point and use the keyboard backspace or delete to remove
characters from the string.

Property Set Selection


Clicking on the Display Materials Properties, 15 button in the Materials Display panel activates the
Property Set Selection panel. From this panel, you complete the material selection by picking from the
list of Property Sets (p. 7). The property sets are listed in three possible categories; ones that need a
row selected, ones with only one row (the row is automatically selected), and ones which dont have any
data associated with the material selection so they are empty and no selection is possible.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 21


Using Patran Materials

Select Property Set List


Property Sets (p. 7) with multiple data rows are listed in the Select Property Set list. You must select
an individual property set or row. These property sets need a row selected to complete the material
selection. This is because some of property sets attributes contain more than one possible value for the
selected material.

22

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

When a property set name is selected, it highlights and displays the property set rows in the property set
spreadsheet. Selecting a row from the property set spreadsheet adds it to the Current Property Set
Selections, 25 panel and removes the property set name from the Select Property Set list.
When the Select Property Set list is empty, the material selection is complete. To put the material into
Patran, click on the Create Material, 27 button.
The selected property sets can be redisplayed by reselecting the property set from the Current Property
Set Selections spreadsheet.
A property set row is considered selected until you return to the Selecting Materials, 12 or display the
Properties Mapping, 29. Both of these actions reset all the selected property set rows. Its necessary to
reselect the property sets if you pick that same material from the Material List spreadsheet.
Empty Property Sets List
Property Sets (p. 7) which do not have any data rows but satisfy the material type are listed here.
Mappings containing these property sets attributes have and Null, 7 values put into the Patran database
for their properties.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 23


Using Patran Materials

How to Picking a Property Set with Data


Selecting a material that contains the desired data is sometimes more difficult than just picking a row
from the Material List display. When the data that you desire is Null, 7 you can do one of the following:
Select another material row, change the column headers, or change the query.
Selecting Materials, 12 is an easy method to get your data. Turn OFF the Auto Execute, 14 toggle button
on the Material List form, select a material row and look at the Material Application Selection Display, 28
forms Display window using the Mapped Properties option. If the mapped attributes value is not null
when the material row is selected then the attributes property set contains at least one property set row.
Then, click on the Material List forms Display Materials Properties, 15 button to display the property
sets data rows.
Column Headers, 15 are similar to selecting another material except you display the data in the Selecting
Materials, 12 form. So, change the column headers to include the attributes of the desired property sets.

When the Material List form displays, it is easy to see which material row contains data. There is either
a value, range or null in the spreadsheet cell. Pick any row containing either a value or a range and the
attributes property set will contain at least one data row. This is more difficult with a curve property set.
Since curves can not be column headers, use the interpolate function to convert it to a numeric value.
INTERP_X( SIG11TvsEPS, 70 )
Material rows containing a curve have values displayed, whereas the material rows not having a curve
have a null displayed.
Performing a Database Query, 17 to show only the materials which have a specific condition is fast and

easy. Use an attribute from the property set and have it exist. For example:
E11T exists
This returns all the database rows where E11T exists and since E11T is part of the PROPERTY
Property Set, 7, most of the PROPERTY property set rows exists. Another example is:
SIG11TvsEPS exists

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Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

This returns all the database rows where SIG11TVSEPS exists. Since SIG11TVSEPS is part of the
SIG11TVSEPS property set, all of the SIG11TVSEPS property set rows exist that contain data,
because curve property sets contain only one attribute, itself.
To determine which attributes belong to which property sets, use the attribute list from the Column
Headers, 4, Query Attribute list or Mapping Template Attribute List. Select an attribute and the displayed
attribute information indicates which property set the attribute is from. The property set name is
represented by the name following the header Relation. For example:
Relation:

PROPERTY

Relation:

SIG11TVSEPS11

Relation:

MATERIAL

Property Set Display

The selected Property Set, 7 displays the possible material data choices for the selected material type.
This display is composed of the attributes which have more than one value for the material type. All
attributes which have only a single value or no value are removed from the spreadsheet display so the
material choices are smaller, making a decision is easier. The removed attributes display in the Material
Application Selection Display, 28, display their selected values.

The spreadsheet display is similar to the Material Selection spreadsheet, with respect to the units row,
data displayed, and selected cell data. The attributes display order is determined by their order in the
database. The Pedigree, 7 attributes are listed first, then the source, and then the property sets attributes.
Curve property sets only have one attribute for the property set--the curve attribute. For example:
Property set SIG11TvsEPS11 displays its attribute values as
<Curve>:SIG11TvsEPS11
This curve attribute contains curve data. The curve data is compared to determine if the curves are the
same. If they are, the curve attributes are removed from the spreadsheet just like any other attribute. They
can still be plotted by selecting any of the property set rows and pressing the Curve Options, 25 button.
Selecting a row updates the Material Application Selection Display, 28 window. All Pedigree, 7 values are
overwritten with this selection. This occurs because each property set has a set of pedigree attribute
values, some of which may be shared with the other property sets and some may not. This is because the

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 25


Using Patran Materials

property sets come from a nonspecific material type which has several variations. Using the last selected
property sets pedigree values allows the user to determine which pedigree data to use.
Current Property Set Selections
Property Sets (p. 7) which only have a single data row or have a data row selected from the Property
Set spreadsheet appear as rows in the Current Property Set Selections spreadsheet. The first column
displays the property set name. It is followed by property sets Pedigree, 7 attribute values. The pedigree
attributes that are used are the ones displayed in the property set spreadsheet. This configuration is used
to compare material types so that the property sets can be selected from the most similar material. This
is needed because of the databases structure and data content presents many material type variations.
Not all material types contain the same property sets but it is possible to select a slightly different
property set to complete the Properties Mapping, 29. Use this display when selecting a property set row
so that the materials match as closely as possible.

Selecting a row from this panel redisplays the selected property set in the Property Set Display, 24. This
makes it possible to change a previous property set selection.
The order of the displayed property sets is important because it determines which pedigree attribute
values are used for the material creation. The top row is always used.
A Property Set, 7 is moved to the top row whenever it is currently displayed in the Property Set display
and a row is selected. This indicates which property set the Pedigree, 7 attributes values are coming from.
This is important because some property sets have Null, 7 values when other property sets have valid
values for the pedigree attributes.
WARNING: Make sure the values are correct in the Material Application Selection Display, 28 before you
create the material and fields.
Curve Options
When a curves Property Set, 7 is selected and it has a selected row, either because the user selected one
or because the property set contains only one row, then a curve is selected and it can be displayed using
these functions.

26

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Pressing the Plot button plots the selected rows curve data and hides (unposts) all existing curves. The
axis labels are set to the curves description plus the current unit system labels. It sets the curve name in
the legend using the property sets name, the Material Selection panel first columns attribute value, and
the selected property set row as the name.

Merge plot button adds the plot to the existing xy window. In doing so the system determines if the axis
labels should be removed. It does this by comparing the curve names in the legend. It checks if the
Property Sets (p. 7) name before the colon of all the plots currently displayed are the same as the one
being plotted. If they are different then the system assumes the curves are different and the axis labels are
removed. Also, merging a plot with the same name as another plot adds a suffix to differentiate between
them.

Some curves are logarithmic so the axis display changes from linear to logarithmic scale.
Unpost window button hides the xy window when its been displayed using either plot or merge plot. To
raise the xy window to the top, unpost the window and then plot or merge plot it. This displays the xy
window on the top of the rest of the panels.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 27


Using Patran Materials

Create Material

The Create Material button creates a material with the mapped properties.

The Properties Mapping, 29 display in the Material Application Selection Display, 28 window. The
mapped properties are selected when the material type is selected from Selecting Materials, 12 and when
all the Property Sets (p. 7) have rows selected. If mapped property sets do not have rows selected, then
a warning message is displayed. This is not an error but the mappings containing the attributes in the
unselected property sets might not get values. It is possible though that an unselected property set
attribute has only a single value for a material type. Then it doesnt matter if the property set is selected
or not, this value is used. Verify the data in the Material Application forms display window before the
Create Material button is pressed.
The material name must be provided before pressing Create Material. You enter the material name in the
Materials Panel. It must be less than 32 characters and contain no invalid characters.
When the Create Material button is pressed a warning displays all empty, invalid or Null, 7 mapped
properties. It is possible to cancel the create material process and restart the selection process. Any named
Patran properties in the warning message do not receive values during the material creation process.
When the material and fields are created the Materials Application forms Existing Materials and
Existing Fields lists are updated with the new items.
Fields, which are created from the curve Property Set, 7, are attached to the material. They are created
from the curve points in a MS C M v i si o n figure, as long as the curve points do not overlap on the x
axis. If they do, then only the first set of curve points is used to create the field.
The field name is created from the material name and the mapped M S C M v i si o n attribute name. The
name is built by concatenating the material name with an underscore and the attribute name. If the name
is greater than 31 characters, the material name and attribute name are truncated to fit the limit. For
example:
Material name:

STAINLESS_STEEL

Attribute:

SIG11TvsTEMP

Field name:

STAINLESS_STEEL_SIG11TvsTEMP

When the material is created, a description is created that describes the materials origin. It is composed
of the time, date, database name, any modified mapping values, the pedigree and source attributes and
values used as column headers, the property set attributes found in the displays and their values for the
selection. For example:
Date: 26-Oct-93

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Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Time: 13:39:24
<installation_directory>/mvision/pmc90.des Database values:
DESIG = T300/F178, CNAME = Graphite/Polyimide, FIBER = T300,
MATRIX = F178
PROPERTY: TEMP = 350 deg F, HUMID = 1. 0

Material Application Selection Display


The material selection displays in two formats: Mapped Properties and Database Attributes.

The Mapped Properties option displays the current analysis properties which are mapped to MS C
M v i si o n database attributes and Expressions, 4. This display updates with each selection making it
possible to see the properties and their values as the selections take place. This list contains every mapped
property from all the analysis codes. It consists of the analysis code property label, the database mapping
and underneath it is the value and the attribute units. When the material and the fields are created, these
values are used as the material properties and field names.
The Database Attributes options displays the non-Null, 7 attributes for the current material selection. It
displays the column headers and their values for the current selection when the Materials Selection form
displays. When the Property Set, 7 Selection form is active, this window displays all non-null attribute
values that have a single value for the current selections. This means that when the Property Set
Selection, 20 displays, any attribute which has only one value for the selected material is displayed here.
This is because, no matter what property set selection occurs, the value is still the same. All other values
display when the property sets have rows selected for them.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 29


Using Patran Materials

Properties Mapping
Each material property stored in an MSC Mvision database is identified by an attribute name. These
attribute names are defined at the time the database is built. In order for the Materials Selector to make
these material properties available for Patran to use, it is necessary to define a correspondence between
the Patran material properties needed for analysis and the attributes in each database. This is called
Database Attributes Mapping and the mapping for a database is stored in the Database Template.
To change the database mapping, select the Properties Mapping button on the Materials Application
form. This activates the Mapping Database Attributes form as shown in the next illustration.

The form is dominated by a page scrolled window of Patran analysis code properties. The list of
properties depends upon which material model was selected when the database was opened. The above
form is for an isotropic material. If an orthotropic material was being created, the list of properties would
be different and would include properties in the different directions for that type of material.
The analysis code property labels display according to the option menu setting. It defaults to the current
analysis code but may be changed to view any of the analysis codes or all of them at once. Some analysis
codes could be grayed out because they are not available under the current material model.

30

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Next to each analysis code property label are two boxes. The first box is for the MSC Mvision database
attribute; the second shows the attributes value for the selected material. Depending on the type of
mapping, the value box options change. If the mapping is a scalar mapping then the value box is followed
by two numbers. The numbers are statistics about the database and can be set by the user. At the top of
the column is an option menu which allows you to set the statistic to the minimum/maximum number of
entries or units for that attribute. If the mapping is a curve, then the value box is followed by a
independent variable option menu. You can specify one of five different independent variable types.
These include:
Temperature
Strain
Strain Rate
Time
Frequency
The statistical data is not available for curve mappings.
The scalar mapping can have their values manually entered into the value box, but the curve mappings
value box is read-only because the system generates a Create Material, 27 automatically.
If you have opened a database that has a template, you will see that the Database Attribute column
contains the names of database attributes or expressions. If a material is selected, you will see values in
the Value column. But, if you are viewing a database that does not have a template, these columns will
be empty.
To change the mapping or to create new mappings, pick the Database Attribute box next to any of the
Patran Labels. If you know the corresponding database attribute name, you may type the name.
Typically, you need some assistance with the database attribute names. The Attribute List button at the
top of the form activates a form that lists the database attributes and their definition.The currently
selected Patran Label is listed at the bottom of the form. When you pick from this list, the attribute is
entered in the Attribute textbox at the bottom of the form and the Database Attribute box on the Mapping
Database Attributes form.
Any scalar mapping can be an attribute or an expression. These must be keyed manually into the
Database Attribute box. See Expressions, 4 for a complete listing of valid database expressions.
Note:

Templates are retrieved and saved via the Database Attributes Mapping form. The Mapping
Templates button at the top of the form activates the Database Templates form. See
Database Mapping Templates, 30 for more information.

Database Mapping Templates


The Materials Selector is designed to provide a quick and simple interface for reading MSC Mvision
materials databases. These databases can have a wide range of materials properties and hierarchical
organizations. To provide a simple method of viewing the materials data, the Materials Selector uses a
template to organize the materials data for easy use within Patran. MSC Software Corporation provides
templates for all MSC databanks. You can make new templates or modify existing templates for new
mappings of MSC databanks or user-created databases.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 31


Using Patran Materials

Templates store the following display characteristics for the Materials Selector:
Column Headers

These are the attributes used to select information from the database for
display on the Materials Selector form.

Property Mappings

The assignment of Patran property labels to database attributes. Each


database has its own mappings since each database can use different attribute
names for the same material property.

Query Commands

The query is very useful in trimming a database down to a specific set of


materials.

Unit System

Typical unit system that the user normally works in.

Database templates are stored separately from their associated database. Each is named after the database
with a suffix noting the associated Patran material type. For format of the template names, see Naming
Format for Database Mapping Templates, 31.

Naming Format for Database Mapping Templates


Database Mapping Templates use the following naming convention:
<database>.<Patran_material_type>.mvtm
The parts of the name are defined as follows:
database

Name of the target database.

<P3 Patran_material_type>

Name of the target Patran Material type. The following


abbreviations are employed:

mvtm

iso

Isotropic

ortho2d

Orthotropic in two dimensions

ortho3d

Orthotropic in three dimensions

comp

Composite

aniso2d

Anisotropic in two dimensions

aniso3d

Anisotropic in three dimensions

newtfluid

Newtonian Fluid

Suffix for all MSC Mvision database templates.

When a database is opened, the Materials Selector checks the selected Patran material type and searches
for a template that matches. For example, if you were opening the MIL-HDBK-5 database (mil5f.des)
to find an isotropic material, the Materials Selector would look for a template with the name

32

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

mil5f.iso.mvtm. No error message is issued if the Materials Selector does not find a template with that
name. The Materials Selector opens the database and displays the highest relations attributes from the
MSC Mvision database hierarchy.
If you are creating templates for your own MSC Mvision databases, you will need to follow this same
naming convention.

MSC Mvision Database Units


The properties in MSC Mvision Databanks are stored in a particular system of units. The creator of the
databank selects this default system of units at the time the databank is initially constructed.1 It is possible
to view the databank in a different system of unit via the Materials Application Form, 43 button on the
Materials form. This button uses a special file called MVISION.UNT to make the conversion.
The MVISION.UNT file contains information required to convert the database from one system of units
to another. Specifically, the file contains conversion factors to change specified real number attributes
from the default database units to those of an alternate unit system.
A sample units file is given in Figure 1-1. This example is taken from the MVISION.UNT file supplied
with the MSC Mvision databanks.

Figure 1-1
1

Sample MVISION.UNT Units File

All of the MSC supplied databanks use English units of pound, foot, and seconds.

Chapter 1: Patran Materials Overview 33


Using Patran Materials

The first entry is the name of the alternate units system. The entry has the following format:
DB Other_name
Where DB marks the line as a new system of units and Other_name is the name of the system of units.
In the figure above, there are two systems of units defined, SI and Patran.
The conversions follow on succeeding lines. The format of the conversion is:
Property New_units multiplier[,offset]
Where Property is the name database attribute. Partial names are allowed which provides for
simplification of the units file. Partial names are discussed in more detail below. New_units is the name
units. Multiplier and offset are numbers used in the following equation to obtain the new value:
New_value = Database_value * multiplier + offset
The conversion line in Figure 1-1 starting with YS means that YS (yield strengths) are to be changed from
the default database units of ksi to MPa (MegaPascals) by multiplying the numbers on the database by
6.8947572. This example uses a non-unique name to apply the conversion to all database attributes
that begin with YS.
There is no format for the file. The rules are:
1. The Property name cannot have embedded blanks.
2. Non-unique abbreviated Property names are allowed. Place abbreviations after longer more
unique names (e.g., E for several different types of modulus with the same units and EPS for
strain), place the longer string first, as above.
3. Abbreviations match attribute names only if the character following the abbreviation is a nonletter. For example, if the abbreviation is E, it would match E_T and E11T but not EPS.
4. The New_units name must start with an alphabetic character. It can have embedded blanks.
5. The multiplier and offset cannot have embedded blanks.
6. The offset is optional (default = 0.0) and is separated from the multiplier by a comma.
7. Up to five different systems can be defined in a single MVISION.UNT file.
8. Comment lines start with a $ in column 1 and can be put anywhere.
Include unitless items such as SIG_RATIO with - for units and 1.0 for multiplier to prevent
inadvertent conversion by the entry for stress terms specified by the substring SIG. See Figure 1-1.

34

Patran Materials Enterprise


Using Patran Materials

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms


Patran Materials Enterprise

Patran Materials Forms

Materials Selector

36

Using Materials Selector

Open Materials Database Form

Materials Selector Form

Materials Application Form

Query Panel

Property Set Selection

Mapping MSC Mvision Attributes to Patran Material Properties

Mapping Templates

37
38

39
43

44
45

50

47

36

Patran Materials Enterprise


Materials Selector

Materials Selector
The Patran Materials provides a convenient environment for materials selection and a traceable
electronic link between M S C M v i s i o n materials databanks and Patran. The Patran Materials is
specially designed to forge a link between analysis and materials specialists.
M S C M v i s i on is MSCs materials database system. M S C M v i si o n databases can store materials
information such as physical properties, processing parameters, usage notes, and test conditions. Patran
Materials is designed to provide the analyst with access to materials properties defined and stored in
M S C M v i s i on databases by materials specialists.
The Patran analyst can choose the material attributes of interest (i.e., name, strength, heat treatment,
stiffness, etc.) and is presented with a list of available choices from the materials database. If selecting
from this list identifies a unique material in the database, then the properties from the selected material
are transferred to the Materials form. If the selection is not unique, the Materials Selector presents you
with a list of all materials that match the selection criteria. Pick from this list to load the material
properties of a single material into the Materials form.
The Patran Materials forms are outlined in the selection below.
Form Name

Description

Materials Selector
Databases

Database file selection to open MS C M v i si o n Databases.

Materials Selector

Main material selection form. Provides first view of the materials in a


database based upon the default selected attributes.

Materials

Displays the current materials and fields. Changes units and shows the
selected materials properties in both Patran and MS C Mv i s i o n formats.

Query Panel

Construction form for creating valid database query commands.

Column Headers

Selects attributes displayed on the Material form.

Property Sets

Completes the initial material selection so that a a single material is


selected. Also allows plotting of curve data.

Database Attribute
Mapping

Sets the database attribute mapping between the M S C Mv i s i o n database


and Patran.

Attribute List

Lists the database attributes and definitions for use in completing the
Database Attributes Mapping form.

Mapping Templates

Used to recall and save Database Mapping Templates.

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 37


Using Materials Selector

Using Materials Selector


The Materials Selector is designed to simplify materials selection. The following flow chart shows the
options available in selecting materials from an MSC Mvision database.

38

Patran Materials Enterprise


Open Materials Database Form

Open Materials Database Form


The Materials Selector Database form shown below provides the following options for opening an MSC
Mvision Materials Database.

Note:

In this illustration, the directory /mvision has no subdirectories. The /. and /.. are special
directory pointers. /. is a pointer to the current directory and /.. is a pointer to the previous
directory (jones). To move up to the /jones directory click on /.. and pick Filter or click
twice on the /.. directory.

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 39


Materials Selector Form

Materials Selector Form


The Materials Selector form, shown below, displays materials information from the current MSC
Mvision database and provides the following functions for accessing the materials information.

Materials Selector Spreadsheet


The main part of the Materials Selector form is the spreadsheet-like area dominating its middle. This is
your first look at the MSC Mvision database and is called the Materials List. Its features are described
below.

40

Patran Materials Enterprise


Materials Selector Form

Query Command Textbox


The Query is a database command that limits the materials used by the Materials Selector. Queries can
be typed in the Query Command textbox or you can pick the Query button to get a special form that will
assist in the creation of a valid query.

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 41


Materials Selector Form

Note:

If you wish to clear the query condition on the database, first clear the Query Command
textbox and then pick Apply.

Column Headers Form


The Select Attributes List is placed on the Materials form and assigns M S C M v i si o n database
attributes to the columns of the Materials List. The Materials List extracts these selected attributes from
the current database.

42

Patran Materials Enterprise


Materials Selector Form

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 43


Materials Application Form

Materials Application Form


The Materials form as shown below has the following functions.

44

Patran Materials Enterprise


Query Panel

Query Panel
The Query Panel is a special form for constructing a database Query. It has the following features.

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 45


Property Set Selection

Property Set Selection


The Property Set form is used to select the individual property set data for the selected material type. This
data is the primary source for the mapped properties.

46

Patran Materials Enterprise


Property Set Selection

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 47


Mapping MSC Mvision Attributes to Patran Material Properties

Mapping MSC Mvision Attributes to Patran Material


Properties
The Database Attributes Mapping form displays the assignments of MS C M v i si o n attributes to Patran
material properties and allows modification to those assignments. The following example shows the
mapping for an isotropic material using the Patran FEA property labels.

48

Patran Materials Enterprise

Mapping MSC Mvision Attributes to Patran Material Properties

Attribute List
The Attribute List is placed on the Materials form and is used in conjunction with the Database Attributes
Mapping form as an aid for matching Patran property names with M S C M v i s i o n database attributes.

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 49


Mapping MSC Mvision Attributes to Patran Material Properties

50

Patran Materials Enterprise


Mapping Templates

Mapping Templates
Mapping Templates contain display and attribute mapping for specific M S C M v i si o n databases. When
you open an M S C M vi s i o n database, the Materials Selector opens a corresponding database template.
The template contains the attribute information used on the Select Attributes form and the Mapping
Attributes form. You may modify the template and save it or call a new template by picking Mapping
Template from the Mapping MSC Mvision Attributes to Patran Material Properties, 47 form. The Mapping
Template File Option form is shown below.

Open Mapping Templates


The Open Mapping Template form reads in a new database template. These templates are associated with
specific M S C M v i si o n databases and establish default mappings between the M S C M v i s i o n
database and Patran.

Chapter 2: Patran Materials Forms 51


Mapping Templates

Note:

In this illustration, the directory /mvision has no subdirectories. The /. and /.. are special
directory pointers. /. is a pointer to the current directory and /.. is a pointer to the previous
directory (jones). To move up to the /patran3 directory click on /.. and pick Filter or click
twice on the /.. directory.

Save As Mapping Templates


The Save As Mapping Templates form saves the current database mapping templates with a new name.

52

Patran Materials Enterprise


Mapping Templates

Note:

In this illustration, the directory /mvision has no subdirectories. The /. and /.. are special
directory pointers. /. is a pointer to the current directory and /.. is a pointer to the previous
directory (/patran3). To move up to the /jones directory click on /.. and pick Filter or click
twice on the /.. directory.

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise


Patran Materials Enterprise

Patran Materials Enterprise

Overview of Patran Materials Enterprise GUI

Accessing Patran Materials Enterprise from Patran

Logging into Patran Materials Enterprise

Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

Reconnecting to a Material in Subsequent Sessions

Documenting Source of Data

69

54
56

58
59
67

54

Patran Materials Enterprise

Overview of Patran Materials Enterprise GUI

Overview of Patran Materials Enterprise GUI


Patran Materials Enterprise lets you select a material and return the materials mapped export data and
reference back to Patran. Patran Materials Enterprise only shows Databanks that contain a mapping to
Patran.
Note:

Databanks that support Patran Materials Enterprise have an associated file called
<databank_name>.mapping in the directory from which MSC Enterprise Mvision accesses
MSC Mvision Databanks. The location this directory is defined in the GlobalProperties.txt
file in the MSC Enterprise Mvision config directory.

Supported Operating Systems


For a list of operating systems that Patran supports, please see Required Hardware & Software
Configurations (p. 71) in the Patran Installation and Operations Guide.
Note:

If you would like to install the EMV Integrated client, it is delivered on the Patran
installation CD. MSC Enterprise Mvision 2004 r3.2.1 or higher and Patran 2005 r2 or
higher must be installed to use the client. For more information about installing Patran, see
the Introduction & Overview (p. 1) in the Patran Installation and Operations Guide.

Required Software
Patran Materials Enterprise assumes that MSC Enterprise Mvision 2004 r3.2.1 or higher and Patran
2005r2 or higher is installed at your location. It requires that two software components be installed on
the client prior to installation. These include:
Sun Microsystems Java software versions 1.3.1 and higher.

See the table below for the locations to download Java for your operating system. It is necessary
to install all operating system patches that Java requires.
Table 3-1
Where to Download Java
For the platform:

Download Java from:

Windows

http://www.java.sun.com

IBM RS/6000

http://www6.software.ibm.com/dl/dka/dka-p

HP-UX

http://www.hp.com/products1/unix/java

Sun Solaris

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html

SGI IRIX

http://www.sgi.com/products/evaluation/6.5_java2_1.4.1/

Redhat Linux

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html

The Patran Materials Enterprise installation process on Windows detects the latest version of
Java that is installed on your machine; while the installation process on UNIX platforms requests
that you enter the location of the Java installation.

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 55


Overview of Patran Materials Enterprise GUI

MSC Enterprise Mvision Integrated Java Client 2004 or higher (available from the MSC

Enterprise Mvision CD-ROM). It is recommended that the version of the MSC Enterprise
Mvision Integrated Java Client be the same as the MSC Enterprise Mvision installation.
The Patran Materials Enterprise GUI is a Java-based program that is launched as a separate process
within Patran. This process is not persistent. When the interface is launched, it performs one function,
returns any obtained information, returns a status and textual comment, and then exits.
Patran Materials Enterprise provides two basic functions for the Patran user:
The initial selection and import of a material and its mapped properties from MSC Enterprise

Mvision
Reconnection to MSC Enterprise Mvision for the purpose of retrieving additional data or

updating the existing mapped data for a material stored in the Patran database which originated
in MSC Enterprise Mvision. This process is facilitated by the storage of material identifiers in
the Patran database for each material whose properties are imported.
The following sections discuss the use of Patran Materials Enterprise to perform these two functions.
EMV Integrated Client Environment Variable

The following variable must be set prior to accessing the Integrated Client from Patran. It specifies the
configuration file for the integrated client. For further information see the MSC Enterprise Mvision
Integrated Client Installation and Implementation Guide.
setenv MSC_SDM_IC_PROPERTIES_FILE
<ic_install_dir>/config/MscSdmIC.properties

56

Patran Materials Enterprise

Accessing Patran Materials Enterprise from Patran

Accessing Patran Materials Enterprise from Patran


The following instructions assume that an Patran session has been started and a valid database has been
opened. A model preference has been selected in the New Model Preference form and the user wishes to
access materials property data stored in MSC Enterprise Mvision for use in his analysis.
In the figure that follows, the user has opened an Patran database called emv_test.db and has selected
MSC Nastran as his Analysis Code.

Figure 3-1

Model Preference Form

Pressing OK dismisses this form.


To access materials data from MSC Enterprise Mvision, pick the Select Material... dialog from the
EMV menu in the top tool bar. This activates the EMV-Patran Integration form.

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 57


Accessing Patran Materials Enterprise from Patran

Figure 3-2

EMV Integration Form

In this dialog, select Create from the Action menu. Type a name into the Material Name text field
by which the material can be identified within Patran. Using the Symmetry and Template menus,
select the materials model to which properties should be mapped, once selected from MSC Enterprise
Mvision.
Note:

The materials models available in these menus are interdependent. Selecting Isotropic
from the Symmetry menu results in a different set of Templates than selecting
Orthotropic. For the current release, only Isotropic and Orthotropic symmetries are
supported. Composites are mapped to Orthotropic materials models.

Once the material name has been identified and the material model selected, click OK to launch Patran
Materials Enterprise.

58

Patran Materials Enterprise

Logging into Patran Materials Enterprise

Logging into Patran Materials Enterprise


Patran Materials Enterprise uses a login procedure which provides controlled access to the data stored in
MSC Enterprise Mvision. Upon successful login, the application stores your login name and password
for continued use within the current Patran session. If a launch is accompanied with valid login data, the
interface will automatically log in without displaying a Login Frame.
To login to Patran Materials Enterprise, type a valid user name into the EMV User Name field and
password into EMV User Password field of the Login screen and press OK. Pressing Cancel closes
the Login screen.
Upon successful login, the Login screen closes and the disclaimer for the default databank is displayed.
In the following figure, the disclaimer is displayed for the default databank, Demo Metals. Click OK to
dismiss the disclaimer and access the Materials Browser frame to begin the material selection process.

Figure 3-3

Login Frame

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 59


Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame


Once logged in, the Materials Browser frame appears, as shown in the next figure. The Materials Browser
frame allows the user to select his browser settings and to pick through the pedigree to select a unique
material for import to Patran.

Figure 3-4

Material Browser Frame

The Material Browser GUI has three main sections, which are labeled as follows:
Parameters - Provides functionality to change Databanks, change units systems, or select from

pre-set views of the current Databank.


Pedigree - Records the value of hierarchy attributes (the "Pedigree") for the current material

selection.
Unlabeled (on the lefthand side) - This is the Pick List, which is used for picking through the

hierarchy of the current databank to isolate a single material for import to Patran. The heading in
the Pick List identifies the attribute definition for the values listed below it.

Using the Parameters


You control the selection and viewing of data stored in databanks on the MSC Enterprise Mvision server
using a set of parameters in the Java interface. These parameters are listed in their order of dependency
on each other:
1. Databank - a list of MSC Mvision databanks accessible via Patran Materials Enterprise.

60

Patran Materials Enterprise

Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

2. Navigation View - a list of Views of the current Databank, each of which displays a subset of
the Databank which meets certain criteria.

3. Category - a list of material categories available for the current Navigation View and Databank.
Categories are similar to Navigation Views in that they further limit the display of data in the
Databank. However, Categories filter the list of materials displayed by the Navigation View,
while Navigation Views filter the list of materials in the entire Databank.

4. Units - a list of the unit systems available for the current Datasource.

The interdependency between these Parameters means that if the Datasource selection is changed,
the dependent parameters, Navigation View, Category, and Units are automatically set to a default
valid value. When the settings are modified, Patran Materials Enterprise stores the values for re-use
within a single Patran session. Therefore, each time you access Patran Materials Enterprise, the
application passes to the GUI the user-selected settings for the Datasource, Navigation View,
Category, and Units.
The default settings for the various Parameters in the Java GUI are controlled by two files:
The GroupConfiguration.txt file on the MSC Enterprise Mvision server, which controls

the Picking algorithm, the default Navigation View, the Datasource list, and the Category
definitions.

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 61


Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

The MscIntegratedClient.properties file in the MSC Enterprise Mvision

Integrated Client config directory, which controls the default Category.


To change the values of settings in the Parameters section, make a selection from the corresponding
combo boxes.

Using the Pick List


When the desired settings are established, begin to browse the current Datasource by making selections
from the Pick List. Each item in the Pick List represents a query (typically an existence query) on
the Datasource. The attribute definition associated with that query is used as the heading for the Pick List.
For example, if the heading is Alloy Type, the list of values in the Pick List represents the types of
metal alloys which exist in the Databank.
First Pick in Demo Metals Databank.

When an item is selected from this list, the Pedigree frame is updated to reflect this change. Then the
attribute definition for the next query is displayed. A value for this attribute is selected from the list, the
Pedigree updated, and so on and so forth until a single material has been chosen.
Second Pick in the Demo Metals Databank.

Third Pick in the Demo Metals Databank.

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Patran Materials Enterprise

Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

Fourth Pick in the Demo Metals Databank.

For the Demo Metals Databank, the fourth pick results in selection of a unique material from the
Databank.
Note:

You can change Parameter settings at any time, which will cause the browsing to reposition at the root of the Criteria List as determined by the settings.

Once a unique material has been selected, a Material Frame appears representing the selected material
and displaying related information.

The Pedigree Frame


The Pedigree frame provides a complete reference to the values of all the attributes required to define
the current material selection to the current level in the Pick List. Its values are continually updated
during the material selection process. Use the values in the Pedigree frame to verify that the material
being selected is appropriate for the analysis.

Using the Material Frame


A material selection causes the Material Frame to appear showing the material parameters mapped to the
desired data structure. If a parameter has a value, it will be grayed out to prevent editing. If a parameter
has no value, it can be edited.
The Material Frame has three sections, which record the state of the selected material object:

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 63


Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

Settings - Lists the version of the MSC Enterprise Mvision server, the source of the data, the

Export Target, the name of the Mapping Template, and the Export Form, and the name of the
MSC Mvision Databank.
Pedigree - Lists the values of all hierarchy attributes (the "Pedigree") for the current material

object.
Parameters - Lists the values for Mapped Parameters for the selected material object.

Figure 3-5

Material Frame with Parameters

64

Patran Materials Enterprise

Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

When OK is selected in the Material Frame, a warning is issued if the export consists of an

inconsistent units system. Press OK on the warning message to dismiss it. The interface then
closes and the reference to the selected material is passed back to Patran along with the mapped
data structure.
When Cancel is selected in the Material Frame, the Material Frame is dismissed leaving the

Material Browser available for further browsing. Selecting Cancel in the Material Browser,
closes the Patran Materials Enterprise Java GUI.

Verifying the Data in Patran


To view the materials created and stored in Patran, click the Materials icon in the main toolbar. This
invokes the Materials form. Select a material from the Existing Materials listbox.

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 65


Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

Click on the material of interest to view the Input Options form.

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Patran Materials Enterprise

Selecting Materials in the Material Browser Frame

This form displays the Constitutive model to which the material properties were mapped from the MSC
Enterprise Mvision Databank and the mapped properties. Multiple Constitutive models may have been
created in the Patran material depending on the properties available.

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 67


Reconnecting to a Material in Subsequent Sessions

Reconnecting to a Material in Subsequent Sessions


A reference to each material imported to Patran is stored in the Patran database, which is useful in the
following situations:
To re-import data at a later date, as when the MSC Mvision Materials Databases are updated.

This ensures providing the most up-to-date material property data from the MSC Mvision
Databank.
To review additional properties associated with the material for use in other applications, reports,

etc.
The name-value pairs associated with a material and stored in the Patran database for the purpose of
reconnection, are those identified in the MSC EMV IC global configuration file
(MscIntegratedClient.properties). They can be modified by the MSC EMV IC
Administrator.
To reconnect to an existing material during a later session, activate the EMV-Patran Integration form by
picking Select Materials...: from the EMV menu in the main toolbar. Select Update from the Action
menu to display a list of existing materials in the Patran database.

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Patran Materials Enterprise

Reconnecting to a Material in Subsequent Sessions

Select a material to be updated from the Existing Materials list box and click OK. If the material is
located, the reconnect proceeds. Login as required (see Logging into Patran Materials Enterprise, 58).
Dismiss the Disclaimer by pressing OK. The selected material and all current associated property data is
displayed in the Material Frame.Click OK to import the updated property data to Patran. Click Cancel
to return to the Material Browser and select another material. See Selecting Materials in the Material
Browser Frame, 59.
If no material was found, it usually indicates that the material has changed or was removed from the MSC
Mvision Databank.

Chapter 3: Patran Materials Enterprise 69


Documenting Source of Data

Documenting Source of Data


It is important to document the source of the material data stored in Patran. To facilitate this, Patran
Materials Enterprise has a method to write a formatted set of textural comments to an application defined
location.
For integration with Pro/ENGINEER, for example, this results in comments in the trail file. The
comments include:
Date/time
Data source
Units
Material reference
Identifiers
Any parameters to the mapping functions (such as expanded search selections)
Mapped values w/ mapping expressions, units, and footnotes

70

Patran Materials Enterprise


Documenting Source of Data

MSC.Fatigue Quick Start Guide

IND
EX
Index

Index
MSC Patran Materials Enterprise

attribute, 4
attribute list, 48
auto execute, 14

column headers, 4, 15, 16, 31


change, 16
create material button, 27
current property set selections, 25
curves, 25
logarithmic, 26

Data, documenting source of material, 69


databank, 4
database, 3, 4
opening, 31
statistics, 30
units, 32
database attributes, 28
database attributes mapping, 29, 47
database mapping template, 30, 31
changing, 30
naming convention, 31
saving, 30
suffix, 31
database template, 29
Documenting source of data, 69

Environment variables, 55

expression
abs, 6
acos, 6
asin, 6
atan, 6
ceil, 6
cos, 6
cosh, 6
degtorad, 6
erf, 6
exp, 6
floor, 6
if, 6
interp_x, 6
interp_y, 6
log, 6
log10, 6
nvl, 6
radtodeg, 6
round, 6
sin, 6
sinh, 6
sqrt, 6
tan, 7
tanh, 7
trunc, 7
expressions, 4

figures, 5

GUI
overview of, 55

Integrated Client
GUI, overview of, 55

MSC.Fatigue Quick Start Guide

Index
MSC Patran Materials Enterprise

mapped properties, 28
mapping, 7
mapping templates, 50
Material
documenting source of, 69
Material browser frame, about, 59
Material frame, about, 62
materials application form, 43
materials selector, 12
materials selector database form, 38
materials selector form, 39
merge button, 26
MIL_HDBK-17, 2
MIL_HDBK-5, 2
MSC_SDM_IC_PROPERTIES_FILE
environment variable, 55

null, 7

open database, 11
open mapping template, 50

pedigree, 4
pedigree attributes, 7
plot button, 26
PMC90, 2
Points
curve points, 5
runout points, 5
scatter points, 5
producers databanks, 2
property set, 4, 7
property set form, 45
property set selection, 20

query, 3, 8, 17, 31, 40


query box, 13
query command, 13, 40
query panel, 19, 44

relation, 8

save as mapping templates, 51


scheme, 13
selected cell data, 14
SQL, 18
standard databanks, 2
Structural Query Language (SQL), 18

template, 8
template files, 3

uniquing, 9
unit, 31
units, 14
unpost window, 26

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