Kuhlmann started by ensuring the support of backwards compatibility, Nastran I8 results and an improved Nastran file reader. This new file reader allows a file to be cycled between Patran and Nastran without issues. The release also includes the latest version of InterOps, which supports NX 8.5 and CATIA V5 r23.
Kuhlmann noted that perhaps the biggest news for Patran 2013 is the addition of “contact pairs.” Contact pairs are designed to solve the issues associated with impossible to edit contact tables created when a model has too many contact parts. This is often seen in large assemblies.
The contact pairs can then be grouped or made as individuals and modified accordingly. They can also be modified globally using the global property editor. Contact pairs can be reused, ensuring their geometric/physical property data and LBC data (such as edge contacts) are not re-entered each time.
To save time, Kuhlmann suggests you let Patran create the bodies (using your preferred criteria), then auto create your pairs (using groupings for large models). Users can then explore, modify, or delete the pairs using the model tree and plotted contours for easier navigation.
It is worth noting that a model will not be able to use both contact pairs and the old contact table at the same time. Analysts must choose one or the other. I can see this becoming an issue when multiple analysts work on the same project each preferring a different system.
Kuhlmann also highlighted the addition of support for user defined variables, subroutines and services. The subroutines are for the individual user and are similar to the ones seen on Marc and Abaqus.
However, the services are created for use enterprise wide. Now one analyst in your company can create customization in the system which everyone in the organization can use. This will help to ensure quality control and assurance in your company simulations, as individuals are no longer using their private customizations.
Additionally, the user-defined variables allow for analysts to define state variables for advanced models and additional customizations. These variables are able to interface with e-Xstream’s Digimat. e-Xstream is an MSC Software company, focused on multi-scale modeling of complex, multi-phase composite materials and structures.
Finally, Kuhlmann described the support of Nastran’s award winning embedded fatigue analysis in the Pastran 2013 release. This will allow for fatigue analyses to be done within the simulation software as opposed to being part of a lengthy post processing.
Source: MSC Software