MSC.

Patran Reference Manual

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C O N T E N T S
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Part 3: Finite Element Modeling MSC.Patran Reference Manual,
Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

1
Introduction to ■ General Definitions, 2
Finite Element ■ How to Access Finite Element Modeling, 5
Modeling
■ Building a Finite Element Model for Analysis, 6
■ Helpful Hints, 7
■ Features in MSC.Patran for Creating the Finite Element Model, 8

2
The Create Action ■ Introduction, 12
(Mesh) ❑ Element Topology, 13
❑ Meshing Curves, 14
❑ Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver, 15
❑ Meshing Solids, 17
❑ Mesh Seeding, 19
❑ Surface Mesh Control, 20
❑ Remeshing and Reseeding, 21

■ Mesh Seed and Mesh Forms, 29

❑ Creating a Mesh Seed, 30
- Uniform Mesh Seed, 30
- One Way Bias Mesh Seed, 31
- Two Way Bias Mesh Seed, 32
- Curvature Based Mesh Seed, 33
- Tabular Mesh Seed, 34
- PCL Function Mesh Seed, 36
■ Creating a Mesh, 38
❑ IsoMesh Curve, 38
❑ IsoMesh 2 Curves, 39
❑ IsoMesh Surface, 40
- Paver Parameters, 41
❑ Solid, 42
- IsoMesh, 42
- TetMesh, 45
- Node Coordinate Frames, 48
■ Mesh Control, 49
❑ Auto Hard Points Form, 50
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Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

3
The Create Action ■ Introduction, 54
(FEM Entities) ■ Creating Nodes, 54
■ Creating Elements, 55
■ Creating MPCs, 56
❑ Create MPC Form (for all MPC Types Except Cyclic Symmetry and Sliding
Surface), 60
- Define Terms Form, 61
❑ Create MPC Cyclic Symmetry Form, 62
❑ Create MPC Sliding Surface Form, 63

■ Creating Superelements, 65
❑ Select Boundary Nodes, 66

■ Creating DOF List, 67

❑ Define Terms, 68

4
The Transform ■ Overview of Finite Element Modeling Transform Actions, 70
Action ■ Transforming Nodes, 71
❑ Create Nodes by Translating Nodes, 71
❑ Create Nodes by Rotating Nodes, 72
❑ Create Nodes by Mirroring Nodes, 74

■ Transforming Elements, 76
❑ Create Elements by Translating Elements, 76
❑ Create Elements by Rotating Elements, 77
❑ Create Elements by Mirroring Elements, 78

5
The Sweep Action ■ Introduction, 80
■ Sweep Forms, 81
❑ The Arc Method, 82
❑ The Extrude Method, 83
❑ The Glide Method, 84
- Glide Control, 85
❑ The Glide-Guide Method, 86
- Glide-Guide Control, 88
❑ The Normal Method, 89
❑ The Radial Cylindrical Method, 90
❑ The Radial Spherical Method, 91
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Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

❑ The Spherical Theta Method, 92

❑ The Vector Field Method, 94
❑ The Loft Method, 96
- FEM Data, 97
- Mesh Control Data, 98

6
The Renumber ■ Introduction, 102
Action ■ Renumber Forms, 103
❑ Renumber Nodes, 104
❑ Renumber Elements, 105

7
The Associate ■ Introduction, 108
Action ■ Associate Forms, 109
❑ The Point Method, 110
❑ The Curve Method, 111
❑ The Surface Method, 112
❑ The Solid Method, 113
❑ The Node Forms, 114

8
The Disassociate ■ Introduction, 116
Action ■ Disassociate Forms, 117
❑ Elements, 118
❑ Node, 119

9
The Equivalence ■ Introduction to Equivalencing, 122
Action
■ Equivalence Forms, 124
❑ Equivalence - All, 125
❑ Equivalence - Group, 126
❑ Equivalence - List, 127
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Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

10
The Optimize ■ Introduction to Optimization, 130
Action ■ Optimizing Nodes and Elements, 132
■ Selecting an Optimization Method, 133

11
The Verify Action ■ Introduction to Verification, 136
■ Verify Forms, 137
❑ Verify - Element (Boundaries), 140
❑ Verify - Element (Duplicates), 141
❑ Verify - Element (Normals), 142
❑ Verify - Element (Connectivity), 143
❑ Verify - Element (Geometry Fit), 144
❑ Verify - Element (Jacobian Ratio), 145
❑ Verify - Element (Jacobian Zero), 146
❑ Verify - Element (IDs), 147
❑ Verify - Tria (All), 148
❑ Verify - Tria (All) Spreadsheet, 149
❑ Verify - Tria (Aspect), 150
❑ Verify - Tria (Skew), 151
❑ Verify - Quad (All), 152
❑ Verify - Quad (All) Spreadsheet, 153
❑ Verify - Quad (Aspect), 154
❑ Verify - Quad (Warp), 155
❑ Verify - Quad (Skew), 156
❑ Verify - Quad (Taper), 157
❑ Verify - Tet (All), 158
❑ Verify - Tet (All) Spreadsheet, 159
❑ Verify - Tet (Aspect), 160
❑ Verify - Tet (Edge Angle), 161
❑ Verify - Tet (Face Skew), 162
❑ Verify - Tet (Collapse), 163
❑ Verify - Wedge (All), 164
❑ Verify - Wedge (All) Spreadsheet, 165
❑ Verify - Wedge (Aspect), 166
❑ Verify - Wedge (Edge Angle), 167
❑ Verify - Wedge (Face Skew), 168
❑ Verify - Wedge (Face Warp), 169
❑ Verify - Wedge (Twist), 170
❑ Verify - Wedge (Face Taper), 171
❑ Verify - Hex (All), 172
❑ Verify - Hex (All) Spreadsheet, 173
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❑ Verify - Hex (Aspect), 174

❑ Verify - Hex (Edge Angle), 175
❑ Verify - Hex (Face Skew), 176
❑ Verify - Hex (Face Warp), 177
❑ Verify - Hex (Twist), 178
❑ Verify - Hex (Face Taper), 179
❑ Verify - Node (IDs), 180
❑ Verify - Midnode (Normal Offset), 181
❑ Verify - Midnode (Tangent Offset), 182
❑ Superelement, 183
■ Theory, 184
❑ Skew, 184
❑ Aspect Ratio, 187
❑ Warp, 191
❑ Taper, 192
❑ Edge Angle, 193
❑ Collapse, 195
❑ Twist, 196

12
The Show Action ■ Show Forms, 200
❑ Show - Node Location, 201
❑ Show - Node Distance, 202
❑ Show - Element Attributes, 203
- Write to Report, 204
❑ Show - Element Coordinate System, 205
❑ Show - Mesh Seed Attributes, 206
❑ Show - Mesh Control Attributes, 207
❑ Show - MPC, 208
- Show - MPC Terms, 209

13
The Modify Action ■ Introduction to Modification, 212
■ Modify Forms, 213
❑ Modifying Mesh, 214
- Smoothing Parameters, 215
❑ Mesh Improvement Form, 217
- General Parameters, 218
- Process Control, 219
- Collapse Ratio, 220
- Jacobian Minimum, 221
❑ Modifying Mesh Seed, 222
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❑ Sew Form, 223

❑ Modifying Elements, 225
- Edit Method, 225
- Reverse Method, 226
- Separate Method, 227
❑ Modifying Bars, 228
❑ Modifying Trias, 229
- Splitting a Tria into Two Trias, 229
- Splitting a Tria into Three Trias, Four Trias, or Three Quads, 230
- Splitting a Tria into a Tria and a Quad, 231
- Splitting Tet Elements, 232
❑ Modifying Quads, 233
- Splitting a Quad into Two Quads, 233
- Splitting a Quad into Three Quads, 234
- Splitting a Quad into Four Quads or Four Trias or NxM Quads, 235
- Splitting a Quad into Two Trias, 236
- Splitting a Quad into Three Trias, 237
❑ Modifying Nodes, 238
- Move Method, 238
- Offset Method, 239
- Edit Method, 240
- Project Method, 241
❑ Modifying MPCs, 242
- Modify Terms, 243

14
The Delete Action ■ Delete Action, 246
■ Delete Forms, 247
❑ Delete - Any, 248
❑ Delete - Mesh Seed, 249
❑ Delete - Mesh (Surface), 250
❑ Delete - Mesh (Curve), 251
❑ Delete - Mesh (Solid), 252
❑ Delete - Mesh Control, 253
❑ Delete - Node, 254
❑ Delete - Element, 255
❑ Delete - MPC, 256
❑ Delete - Superelement, 257
❑ Delete - DOF List, 258
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15
The MSC.Patran ■ Introduction, 260
Element Library ■ Beam Element Topology, 262
■ Tria Element Topology, 264
■ Quad Element Topology, 271
■ Tetrahedral Element Topology, 277
■ Wedge Element Topology, 290
■ Hex Element Topology, 307
■ MSC.Patran’s Element Library, 320

INDEX ■ MSC.Patran Reference Manual, 335

Part 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Part 3: Finite Element Modeling
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
Introduction to Finite Element
1 Modeling

■ General Definitions

■ How to Access Finite Element Modeling

■ Building a Finite Element Model for Analysis

■ Helpful Hints

■ Features in MSC.Patran for Creating the Finite Element Model

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
Introduction to Finite Element Modeling §1.1 2 Options Close

1.1 General Definitions

analysis coordinate A local coordinate system associated to a node and used for defining
frame constraints and calculating results at that node.
attributes ID, topology, parent geometry, number of nodes, applied loads and
bcs, material, results.
connectivity The order of nodes in which the element is connected. Improper
connectivity can cause improperly aligned normals and negative
volume solid elements.
constraint A constraint in the solution domain of the model.
cyclic symmetry A model that has identical features repeated about an axis. Some
analysis codes such as MSC.Nastran explicitly allow the
identification of such features so that only one is modeled.
degree-of-freedom DOF, the variable being solved for in an analysis, usually a
displacement or rotation for structural and temperature for thermal
at a point.
dependent DOF In an MPC, the degree-of-freedom that is condensed out of the
analysis before solving the system of equations.
equivalencing Combining nodes which are coincident (within a distance of
tolerance) with one another.
explicit An MPC that is not interpreted by the analysis code but used directly
as an equation in the solution.
finite element 1. A general technique for constructing approximate solutions to
boundary value problems and which is particularly suited to the
digital computer.
2. The MSC.Patran database entities point element, bar, tria, quad, tet,
wedge and hex.
finite element model A geometry model that has been descritized into finite elements,
material properties, loads and boundary conditions, and
environment definitions which represent the problem to be solved.
free edges Element edges shared by only one element.
free faces Element faces shared by only one element.
implicit An MPC that is first interpreted into one or more explicit MPCs prior
to solution.
independent DOF In an MPC, the degree-of-freedom that remains during the solution
phase.
IsoMesh Mapped meshing capability on curves, three- and four-sided
biparametric surfaces and triparametric solids available from the
Create, Mesh panel form.
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Jacobian Ratio The ratio of the maximum determinant of the Jacobian to the
minimum determinant of the Jacobian is calculated for each element
in the current group in the active viewport. This element shape test
can be used to identify elements with interior corner angles far from
90 degrees or high order elements with misplaced midside nodes. A
ratio close or equal to 1.0 is desired.
Jacobian Zero The determinant of the Jacobian (J) is calculated at all integration
points for each element in the current group in the active viewport.
The minimum value for each element is determined. This element
shape test can be used to identify incorrectly shaped elements. A
well-formed element will have J positive at each Gauss point and not
greatly different from the value of J at other Gauss points.
J approaches zero as an element vertex angle approaches 180 degrees.
library Definition of all element topologies.
MPC Multi-Point Constraint. Used to apply more sophisticated constraints
on the FEM model such as sliding boundary conditions.
non-uniform seed Uneven placement of node locations along a curve used to control
node creation during meshing.
normals Direction perpendicular to the surface of an element. Positive
direction determined by the cross-product of the local parametric
directions in the surface. The normal is used to determine proper
orientation of directional loads.
optimization Renumbering nodes or elements to reduce the time of the analysis.
Applies only to wavefront or bandwidth solvers.
parameters Controls for mesh smoothing algorithm. Determines how fast and
how smooth the resulting mesh is produced.
paths The path created by the interconnection of regular shaped geometry
by keeping one or two constant parametric values.
Paver General meshing of n-sided surfaces with any number of holes
accessed from the Create/Mesh/Surface panel form.
reference coordinate A local coordinate frame associated to a node and used to output the
frame location of the node in the Show, Node, Attribute panel. Also used in
node editing to define the location of a node.
renumber Change the IDs without changing attributes or associations.
seeding Controlling the mesh density by defining the number of element
edges along a geometry curve prior to meshing.
shape The basic shape of a finite element (i.e., tria or hex).
sliding surface Two surfaces which are in contact and are allowed to move
tangentially to one another.
sub MPC A convenient way to group related implicit MPCs under one MPC
description.
term A term in an MPC equation which references a node ID, a degree-of-
freedom and a coefficient (real value).
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Tetmesh General meshing of n-faced solids accessed from the

Create/Mesh/Solid panel form.
topology The shape, node, edge, and face numbering which is invariant for a
finite element.
transitions The result of meshing geometry with two opposing edges which
have different mesh seeds. Produces an irregular mesh.
types For an implicit MPC, the method used to interpret for analysis.
uniform seed Even placement of nodes along a curve.
verification Check the model for validity and correctness.
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1.2 How to Access Finite Element Modeling

The Finite Elements Application. All of MSC.Patran’s finite element modeling capabilities
are available by selecting the Finite Element button on the main form. Finite Element (FE)
Meshing, Node and Element Editing, Nodal Equivalencing, ID Optimization, Model
Verification, FE Show, Modify and Delete, and ID Renumber, are all accessible from the Finite
Elements form.
At the top of the form are a set of pull-down menus named Action and Object, followed by either
Type, Method or Test. These menus are hierarchical. For example, to verify a particular finite
element, the Verify action must be selected first. Once the type of Action, Object and Method has
been selected, MSC.Patran will store the setting. When the user returns to the Finite Elements
form, the previously defined Action, Object and Method will be displayed. Therefore,
MSC.Patran will minimize the number steps if the same series of operations are performed.
The Action menu is organized so the following menu items are listed in the same order as a
typical modeling session.
1. Create
2. Transform
3. Sweep
4. Renumber
5. Associate
6. Equivalence
7. Optimize
8. Verify
9. Show
10. Modify
11. Delete
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1.3 Building a Finite Element Model for Analysis

MSC.Patran provides numerous ways to create a finite element model. Before proceeding, it is
important to determine the analysis requirements of the model. These requirements determine
how to build the model in MSC.Patran. Consider the following:

Table 1-1 Considerations in Preparing for Finite Element Analysis

Desired Displacements, Stresses, Buckling, Combinations, Dynamic,

Response Temperature, Magnetic Flux, Acoustical, Time Dependent, etc.
Parameters
Scope of Model Component or system (Engine mount vs. Whole Aircraft).
Accuracy First “rough” pass or within a certain percent.
Simplifying Beam, shell, symmetry, linear, constant, etc.
Assumptions
Available Data Geometry, Loads, Material model, Constraints, Physical Properties, etc.
Available CPU performance, available memory, available disk space, etc.
Computational
Resources
Desired Linear static, nonlinear, transient deformations, etc.
Analysis
Type
Schedule How much time do you have to complete the analysis?
Expertise Have you performed this type of analysis before?
Integration CAD geometry, coupled analysis, test data, etc.

Table 1-1 lists a portion of what a Finite Element Analyst must consider before building a
model.The listed items above will affect how the FEM model will be created. The following two
references will provide additional information on designing a finite element model.
• NAFEMS. A Finite Element Primer. Dept. of Trade and Industry, National Engineering
Laboratory, Glasgow,UK,1986.
• Schaeffer, Harry G, MSC⁄NASTRAN Primer. Schaeffer Analysis Inc., 1979.
In addition, courses are offered at MSC.Software Corporation’s MSC Institute, and at most
major universities which explore the fundamentals of the Finite Element Method.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
Introduction to Finite Element Modeling §1.4 7 Options Close

1.4 Helpful Hints

If you are ready to proceed in MSC.Patran but are unsure how to begin, start by making a simple
model. The model should contain only a few finite elements, some unit loads and simple
physical properties. Run a linear static or modal analysis. By reducing the amount of model data,
it makes it much easier to interpret the results and determine if you are on the right track.
Apply as many simplifying assumptions as possible. For example, run a 1D problem before a 2
D, and a 2D before a 3D. For structural analysis, many times the problem can be reduced to a
single beam which can then be compared to a hand calculation.
Then apply what you learned from earlier models to more refined models. Determine if you are
converging on an answer. The results will be invaluable for providing insight into the problem,
and comparing and verifying the final results.
Determine if the results you produce make sense. For example, does the applied unit load equal
to the reaction load? Or if you scale the loads, do the results scale?
Try to bracket the result by applying extreme loads, properties, etc. Extreme loads may uncover
flaws in the model.
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1.5 Features in MSC.Patran for Creating the Finite Element

Model
Table 1-2 lists the four methods available in MSC.Patran to create finite elements.

Table 1-2 Methods for Creating Finite Elements in MSC.Patran

IsoMesh Traditional mapped mesh on regularly shaped geometry. Supports all

elements in MSC.Patran.
Paver Surface mesher. Can mesh 3D surfaces with an arbitrary number of
edges and with any number of holes. Generates only area, or 2D
elements.
Editing Creates individual elements from previously defined nodes. Supports
the entire MSC.Patran element library. Automatically generates
midedge, midface and midbody nodes.
TetMesh Arbitrary solid mesher generates tetrahedral elements within
MSC.Patran solids defined by an arbitrary number of faces or volumes
formed by collection of triangular element shells. This method is based
on MSC plastering technology.

Isomesh. The IsoMesh method is the most versatile for creating a finite element mesh. It is
accessed by selecting:
Action: Create
Object: Mesh
IsoMesh will mesh any untrimmed, three- or four-sided set of biparametric (green) surfaces with
quadrilateral or triangular elements; or any triparametric (blue) solids with hedahedral, wedge
or tetrahedral elements.
Mesh density is controlled by the “Global Edge Length” parameter on the mesh form. Greater
control can be applied by specifying a mesh seed which can be accessed by selecting:
Action: Create
Object: Mesh Seed
Mesh seeds are applied to curves or edges of surfaces or solids. There are options to specify a
uniform or nonuniform mesh seed along the curve or edge.

Paver. Paver is used for any trimmed (red) surface with any number of holes. Paver is accessed
in the same way as IsoMesh except the selected Object must be Surface. Mesh densities can be
defined in the same way as IsoMesh. The mesh seed methods are fully integrated and may be
used interchangeably for IsoMesh and Paver. The resulting mesh will always match at common
geometric boundaries.

TetMesh. TetMesh is used for any solid, and is especially useful for unparametrized or b-rep
(white) solids. TetMesh is accessed the same way as IsoMesh, except the selected Object must be
Solid. Mesh densities can be defined in the same way as IsoMesh. The mesh seed methods are
fully integrated and may be used interchangeably for IsoMesh and TetMesh. The resulting mesh
will always match at common geometric boundaries.
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MPC Create. Multi-point constraints (MPCs) provide additional modeling capabilities and
include a large library of MPC types which are supported by various analysis codes. Perfectly
rigid beams, slide lines, cyclic symmetry and element transitioning are a few of the supported
MPC types available in MSC.Patran.

Transform. Translate, rotate, or mirror nodes and elements.

Sweep. Create a solid mesh by either extruding or arcing shell elements or the face of solid
elements.

Renumber. The Finite Element application’s Renumber option is provided to allow direct
control of node and element numbering. Grouping of nodes and elements by a number range is
possible through Renumber.

Associate. Create database associations between finite elements (and their nodes) and the
underlying coincident geometry. This is useful when geometry and finite element models are
imported from an outside source and, therefore, no associations are present.

Equivalencing. Meshing creates coincident nodes at boundaries of adjacent curves, surfaces,

and⁄ or solids. Equivalencing is an automated means to eliminate duplicate nodes.

Optimize. To use your computer effectively, it is important to number either the nodes or the
elements in the proper manner. This allows you to take advantage of the computer’s CPU and
disk space for the analysis. Consult your analysis code’s documentation to find out how the
model should be optimized before performing MSC.Patran’s Analysis Optimization.

Verification. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if the model is valid, such as, are the
elements connected together properly? are they inverted or reversed? etc. This is true--even for
models which contain just a few finite elements. A number of options are available in
MSC.Patran for verifying a Finite Element model. Large models can be checked quickly for
invalid elements, poorly shaped elements and proper element and node numbering. Quad
element verification includes automatic replacement of poorly shaped quads with improved
elements.

Show. The Finite Element application’s Show action can provide detailed information on your
model’s nodes, elements, and MPCs.

Modify. Modifying node, element, and MPC attributes, such as element connectivity, is possible
by selecting the Modify action. Element reversal is also available under the Modify action menu.

Delete. Deleting nodes, elements, mesh seeds, meshes and MPCs are available under the Finite
Element application’s Delete menu. You can also delete associated stored groups that are empty
when deleting entities that are contained in the group.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) § 11 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Create Action (Mesh)
2
■ Introduction

■ Mesh Seed and Mesh Forms

■ Creating a Mesh

■ Mesh Control
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2.1 Introduction
Mesh creation is the process of creating finite elements from curves, surfaces, or solids.
MSC.Patran provides the following automated meshers: IsoMesh, Paver, and TetMesh.
IsoMesh operates on parametric curves, biparametric (green) surfaces, and triparametric (blue)
solids. It can produce any element topology in the MSC.Patran finite element library.
Paver can be used on any type of surface, including n-sided trimmed (red) surfaces. Paver
produces either quad or tria elements.
IsoMesh, Paver, and TetMesh provide flexible mesh transitioning through user-specified mesh
seeds. They also ensure that newly meshed regions will match any existing mesh on adjoining
congruent regions.
TetMesh generates a mesh of tetrahedral elements for any triparametric (blue) solid or B-rep
(white) solid.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Element Topology
MSC.Patran users can choose from an extensive library of finite element types and topologies.
The finite element names are denoted by a shape name and its number of associated nodes, such
as Bar2, Quad4, Hex20. See The MSC.Patran Element Library (Ch. 15) for a complete list.
MSC.Patran supports seven different element shapes, as follows:
• point
• bar
• tria
• quad
• tet
• wedge
• hex
For defining a specific element, first choose analysis under the preference menu, and select the
type of analysis code. Then select Finite Elements on the main menu, and when the Finite
Elements form appears, define the element type and topology.
When building a MSC.Patran model for an external analysis code, it is highly recommended that
you review the Application Preference Guide to determine valid element topologies for the
analysis code before meshing.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 14 Options Close

Meshing Curves
Meshes composed of one-dimensional bar elements are based on the IsoMesh method and may
be applied to curves, the edges of surfaces, or the edges of solids. For more information on
IsoMesh, see Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver (p. 15).
Bar or beam element orientations defined by the bar’s XY plane, are specified through the
assignment of an element property. For more information on defining bar orientations, see
Element Properties Application (Ch. 3) in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 5: Functional
Assignments.

IsoMesh 2 Curves. This method will create an IsoMesh between two curve lists. The mesh will
be placed at the location defined by ruling between the two input curves. The number of
elements will be determined by global edge length or a specified number across and along. For
more information on IsoMesh, see Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver (p. 15).
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Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver

MSC.Patran can mesh a group of congruent surfaces (i.e., adjoining surfaces having shared
edges and corner points). Both surfaces and faces of solids can be meshed. MSC.Patran provides
a choice of using either the IsoMesh method or the Paver method depending on the type of
surface to be meshed.
IsoMesh is used for parametrized (green) surfaces with only three or four sides.

Important: Green surfaces may be constructed using chained curves with slope
discontinuities and thus may appear to have more than four sides. During
meshing, a node will be placed on any slope discontinuity whose angle exceeds
the “Node/Edge Snap Angle.” See Preferences>Finite Element (p. 344) in the
MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.

Paver can mesh trimmed or untrimmed (red) surfaces with more than four sides, as well as
parametric (green) surfaces.

IsoMesh. IsoMesh will create equally-spaced nodes along each edge in real space--even for
nonuniformly parametrized surfaces. IsoMesh computes the number of elements and node
spacing for every selected geometric edge before any individual region is actually meshed. This
is done to ensure that the new mesh will match any existing meshes on neighboring regions.
IsoMesh requires the surfaces to be parametrized (green), and to have either three or four sides.
Surfaces which have more than four sides must first be decomposed into smaller three- or four-
sided surfaces. Trimmed (red) surfaces must also be decomposed into three- or four-sided
surfaces before meshing with IsoMesh. For complex n-sided surfaces, the Paver is
recommended.
For more information on decomposing surfaces, see Building a Congruent Model (p. 31) in the
MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 2: Geometry Modeling.

Mesh Paths. After selecting the surfaces to be meshed, IsoMesh divides the surfaces’ edges into
groups of topologically parallel edges called Mesh Paths. Mesh Paths are used by IsoMesh to calculate
the number of elements per edge based on either adjoining meshed regions, mesh seeded edges,
or the global element edge length.
If a mesh seed is defined for one of the edges in the path, or there is an adjoining meshed region on
one of the mesh path’s edges, IsoMesh will ignore the global element edge length for all edges in
the path. IsoMesh will apply the same number of elements, along with the node spacing, from
the adjoining meshed region or the mesh seeded edge to the remaining edges in the path.
IsoMesh will use the global element edge length for a mesh path if there are no neighboring meshed
regions or mesh seeded edges within the path. IsoMesh will calculate the number of elements
per edge by taking the longest edge in the mesh path and dividing by the global edge length, and
rounding to the nearest integer value.
Figure 2-1 shows two adjoining surfaces with mesh paths A, B, and C defined by IsoMesh. Edge
“1” is a member of mesh path A and has a mesh seed of five elements. Edge “2” is a member of
mesh path B and has a mesh seed of eight elements. As shown in Figure 2-2, IsoMesh created
five elements for the remaining edges in mesh path A, and eight elements for the remaining edge
in mesh path B. Since there are no mesh seeds or adjoining meshes for mesh path C, IsoMesh
uses the global element edge length to calculate the number of elements for each edge.

Paver. Paver is best suited for trimmed (red) surfaces, including complex surfaces with more
than four sides, such as surfaces with holes or cutouts. See Figure 2-7.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 16 Options Close

Paver is also good for surfaces requiring “steep” mesh transitions, such as going from four to 20
elements across a surface. Similar to IsoMesh, the paver calculates the node locations in real
space, but it does not require the surfaces to be parametrized.

Important: For an all quadrilateral element mesh, the Paver requires the total number of
elements around the perimeter of each surface to be an even number. It will
automatically adjust the number of elements on a free edge to ensure this
condition is met.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 17 Options Close

Meshing Solids
MSC.Patran meshes solids with the IsoMesh or TetMesh.
IsoMesh can mesh any group of congruent triparametric (blue) solids (i.e., adjoining solids
having shared edges and corner points). Triparametric solids with the topological shape of a
brick or a wedge can be meshed with either hex or wedge elements. Any other form of
triparametric solid can only be meshed with tet elements. Solids that have more than six faces
must first be modified and decomposed before meshing.
TetMesh can be used to mesh all (blue or white) solids in MSC.Patran.

Mesh Paths. Since IsoMesh is used to mesh solids, similar to meshing surfaces, Mesh Paths are
used to determine the number of elements per solid edge. For more detailed information on
Mesh Paths, see Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver (p. 15).
If there is a preexisting mesh adjoining one of the edges or a defined mesh seed on one of the
edges in a mesh path, MSC.Patran will apply the same number of elements to the remaining
edges in the path. If there are no adjoining meshes or mesh seeds defined within a path, the
global element edge length will be used to determine the number of elements.
Figure 2-3 shows two adjoining congruent solids with mesh Paths A, B, C, and D defined. Edge
“1” of path A has a mesh seed of five elements. Edge “2” of path B has a mesh seed of fourteen
elements. And Edge “3” of path C has a nonuniform mesh seed of six elements. See Mesh
Seeding (p. 19) for more information.
Figure 2-4 shows the solid mesh. Since Mesh Path A has a seed of five elements, all edges in the
path are also meshed with five elements. The same applies for Mesh Paths B and C, where the
seeded edge in each path determines the number of elements and node spacing. Since Mesh Path
D did not have a mesh seed, or a preexisting adjoining mesh, the global element edge length was
used to define the number of elements.

TetMesh. TetMesh will attempt to mesh any solid with very little input from the user as to what
size of elements should be created. Generally, this is not what is needed for an actual engineering
analysis. The following tips will assist the user both in terms of getting a good quality mesh
suitable for the analysis phase and also tend to improve the success of TetMesh. If TetMesh fails
to complete the mesh and the user has only specified a Global Length on the form, success might
still be obtained by following some of the suggestions below.
Try to mesh the surfaces of a solid with the Paver using tria elements. If the Paver cannot mesh
the solid faces, it is unlikely that TetMesh will be able to mesh the solid. By paving the solid faces
first, much better control of the final mesh can be obtained. The mesh can be refined locally as
needed. The surface meshing may also expose any problems with the geometry that make it
difficult or impossible to mesh. Then these problems can be corrected before undertaking the
time and expense to attempt to TetMesh the solid.
If higher order elements are required from a surface mesh of triangular elements, the triangular
elements must also be of the corresponding order so that the mid edge nodes would be snapped
properly.
Tria meshes on the solid faces can be left on the faces and stored in the database. This allows
them to be used in the future as controls for the tet mesh in the solid at a later time.
After the tria mesh is created on the solid faces, it should be inspected for poor quality tria
elements. These poor quality elements typically occur because Paver meshed a small feature in
the geometry that was left over from the construction of the geometry, but is not important to
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 18 Options Close

the analysis. If these features are removed prior to meshing or if the tria mesh is cleaned up prior
to tet meshing, better success rates and better tet meshes will usually follow. Look for high
aspect ratios in the tria elements and look for tria elements with very small area.
The following paragraph applies only to the State Machine Algorithm.
Once the solid faces have a tria mesh, TetMesh will match the tet element faces to the existing
tria elements. Just select the solid as input to TetMesh. This is not the same as selecting the tria
shell as input. By selecting the solid, the resulting tet mesh will be associated with the solid and
the element mid-edge nodes on the boundary will follow the curvature of the geometry. Note
that the tria mesh on the solid faces do not need to be higher order elements in order for a higher
order tet mesh to snap its mid-edge nodes to the geometry.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 19 Options Close

Mesh Seeding
Mesh Transitions. A mesh transition occurs when the number of elements differs across two
opposing edges of a surface or solid face. Mesh transitions are created either by mesh seeding the
two opposing edges with a different number of elements, or by existing meshes on opposite sides
of the surface or solid face, whose number of elements differ.
If IsoMesh is used for the transition mesh, MSC.Patran uses smoothing parameters to create the
mesh. For most transition meshes, it is unnecessary to redefine the parameter values. See
IsoMesh Parameters Subordinate Form (p. 43).

Seeding Surface Transitions. MSC.Patran can mesh a set of surfaces for any combination of
mesh seeds. A mesh transition can occur in both directions of a surface.

Seeding Solid Transitions. Transition meshes for solids can only occur in two of three directions
of the solids. That is, the transition can be defined on one side of a set of solids, and carried
through the solids’ third direction. If a transition is required in all three directions, the user must
break one of the solids into two, and perform the transition in two steps, one in each sub-solid.
If a set of solids are seeded so that a transition will take place in all three directions, MSC.Patran
will issue an error and not mesh the given set of solids.
If more than one mesh seed is defined within a single mesh path (a mesh path is a group of
topologically parallel edges for a given set of solids), it must belong to the same solid face.
Otherwise, MSC.Patran will issue an error and not mesh the specified set of solids (see Figure 2-
5 and Figure 2-6). If this occurs, additional mesh seeds will be required in the mesh path to
further define the transition. For more information on mesh paths, see Mesh Solid (p. 42).

Avoiding Triangular Elements. MSC.Patran will try to avoid inserting triangle elements in a
quadrilateral surface mesh, or wedge elements in a hexagonal solid mesh.
However, if the total number of elements around the perimeter of a surface, or a solid face is an
odd number, the IsoMesh method will produce one triangular or one row of wedge element per
surface or solid. Remember IsoMesh is the default meshing method for solids, as well as for
curves.
If the total number of elements around the surface’s or solid’s perimeter is even, IsoMesh will
mesh the surface or solid with Quad or Hex elements only. If the surface or solid is triangular or
wedge shaped, and the mesh pattern chosen on the IsoMesh Parameters Subordinate Form
(p. 43) form is the triangular pattern, triangle or wedge elements will be created regardless of the
number of elements.
Figure 2-8 through Figure 2-13 show examples of avoiding triangular elements with IsoMesh.
When Quad elements are the desired element type, MSC.Patran’s Paver requires the number of
elements around the perimeter of the surface to be even. If the number is odd, an error will be
issued and Paver will ask the user if he wishes to use tri elements for this surface. If Quad
elements are desired, the user must readjust the mesh seeds to an even number before meshing
the surface again.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 20 Options Close

Surface Mesh Control

Users can specify surface mesh control on selected surfaces to be used when meshing using any
of the auto meshers. This option allows users to create meshes with transition without having to
do so one surface at a time. This option is particularly useful when used with the solid tet mesher
to create mesh densities that are different on the edge and on the solid surface.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 21 Options Close

Remeshing and Reseeding

An existing mesh or mesh seed does not need to be deleted before remeshing or reseeding.
MSC.Patran will ask for permission to delete the existing mesh or mesh seed before creating a
new one.
However, mesh seeds cannot be applied to edges with an existing mesh, unless the mesh seed
will exactly match the number of elements and node spacing of the existing mesh. Users must
first delete the existing mesh, before applying a new mesh seed to the edge.

C
Edge 2

Edge 1
A A A

Y B

Z X
C

Figure 2-1 IsoMesh Mesh Paths A, B, C

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 22 Options Close

A A A

Y B

Z X
C

Figure 2-2 Meshed Surfaces Using IsoMesh

Edge “2”
D B

Edge
C
“1”
B
A
D
Edge “3”
A D
C
D B
A A

A C
B D
A
Y D
X C

Z
Figure 2-3 Mesh Seeding for Two Solids
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 23 Options Close

D B

C
B
A D

D
C

A A

B A

D
C
Figure 2-4 Mesh of Two Solids With Seeding Defined

Y Mesh Seeds on
Two different
X Solid Faces
Z
Figure 2-5 Incomplete Mesh Seed Definition for Two Solids
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 24 Options Close

Y
X
Z

Figure 2-6 Mesh of Two Solids with Additional Mesh Seed

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 25 Options Close

Z X

Figure 2-7 Surface Mesh Produced by Paver

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 26 Options Close

Z X

Figure 2-8 Odd Number of Elements Around Surface Perimeter

Z X

Figure 2-9 Even Number of Elements Around Surface Perimeter

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 27 Options Close

Z X

Figure 2-10 Odd Mesh Seed

Z X

Figure 2-11 Even Mesh Seed

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.1 28 Options Close

Mesh Seeded Elements is

ODD.

Z X

Figure 2-12 Mesh Seeding Triangular Surfaces (1 Tria Produced)

IsoMesh will adjust # elements

around perimeter to be even.

Z X

Figure 2-13 Mesh Seeding Triangular Surfaces to Produce only Quad Elements
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 29 Options Close

2.2 Mesh Seed and Mesh Forms

Creating a Mesh Seed
❏ Uniform Mesh Seed
❏ One Way Bias Mesh Seed
❏ Two Way Bias Mesh Seed
❏ Curvature Based Mesh Seed
❏ Tabular Mesh Seed
❏ PCL Function Mesh Seed

Creating a Mesh
❏ IsoMesh Curve
❏ IsoMesh 2 Curves
❏ IsoMesh Surface
❏ Solid
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 30 Options Close

Creating a Mesh Seed

There are many types of mesh seeds: uniform, one way bias, two way bias, curvature based, and
tabular.

Uniform Mesh Seed

Create mesh seed definition for a given curve, or an edge of a surface or solid, with a uniform
element edge length specified either by a total number of elements or by a general element edge
length. The mesh seed will be represented by small yellow circles and displayed only when the
Finite Element form is set to creating a Mesh, or creating or deleting a Mesh Seed.

Finite Elements

Action: Create For more information see One Way Bias Mesh Seed
(p. 31), Two Way Bias Mesh Seed (p. 32), Curvature
Object: Mesh Seed Based Mesh Seed (p. 33), Tabular Mesh Seed
(p. 34) or PCL Function Mesh Seed (p. 36).
Type: Uniform

MSC.Patran will plot all defined mesh seeds associated

Display Existing Seeds with the visible geometry.

Element Edge Length Data Define node spacing for mesh seed, by either pressing
“Number of Elements” or “Element Length (L).” If
L “Number of Elements” is pressed, the user must then
enter an integer value for the desired number of
elements. If “Element Length” is pressed, then the user
must enter an element edge length (MSC.Patran will
◆ Number of Elements calculate the resulting number of elements needed -
rounded off to the nearest integer value.
◆
◆ Element Length (L)

Number = 2

Auto Execute If Auto Execute is selected, MSC.Patran will

automatically create a mesh seed definition after each
Curve List edge is selected. By default Auto Execute is OFF.

Specify list of curves by either cursor selecting existing

curves or surface or solid edges, or specifying curve IDs
or surface or solid edge IDs. (Example: Curve 10,
-Apply - Surface 12.1, Solid 22.5.2.)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 31 Options Close

One Way Bias Mesh Seed

Create mesh seed definition for a given curve, or an edge of a surface or solid, with an increasing
or decreasing element edge length, specified either by a total number of elements with a length
ratio, or by actual edge lengths. The mesh seed will be represented by small yellow circles and
is displayed only when the Finite Element form is set to creating a Mesh, or creating or deleting
a Mesh Seed.

Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Mesh Seed
Type: One Way Bias
MSC.Patran will plot all defined mesh seeds
associated with the visible geometry.
Display Existing Seeds
Element Edge Length Data Define node spacing for mesh seed, by either pressing
“Num Elems and L2⁄L1” or “L1 and L2”.
L1 L2 If “Num Elems and L2 ⁄L1” is pressed, the user must
L enter an integer value for the desired number of
elements and an edge length ratio as indicated by the
diagram. If “L1 and L2” is pressed, the user must enter
◆ Num Elems and L2/L1 edge lengths for the first and last elements.
◆
◆ L1 and L2 MSC.Patran will calculate the nonuniform mesh seed
node spacing through a geometric progression based on
the given L2 ⁄L1 ratio. The positive edge direction for L1
Number = 2 and L2 as indicated by the arrow in the diagram is
displayed in the current viewport.
L2/L1 = 1.5

Auto Execute If Auto Execute is selected, MSC.Patran will

automatically create a mesh seed definition after each
Curve List edge is selected. By default Auto Execute is OFF.

Specifies a list of edges by either cursor selecting

existing curves or surface or solid edges, or specifying
-Apply - curve IDs or surface or solid edge IDs. (Example: Curve
10, Surface 12.1, Solid 22.5.2.)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 32 Options Close

Two Way Bias Mesh Seed

Create mesh seed definition for a given curve, or an edge of a surface or solid, with a symmetric
non-uniform element edge length, specified either by a total number of elements with a length
ratio, or by actual edge lengths. The mesh seed will be represented by small yellow circles and
is displayed only when the Finite Element form is set to creating a Mesh, or creating or deleting
a Mesh Seed.

Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Mesh Seed
Type: Two Way Bias
MSC.Patran will plot all defined mesh seeds associated
with the visible geometry.
Display Existing Seeds
Element Edge Length Data
Define node spacing for mesh seed, by either pressing
“Num Elems and L2⁄L1” or “L1 and L2”.
L1 L2 L1
If “Num Elems and L2 ⁄L1” is pressed, the user must enter
an integer value for the desired number of elements and an
edge length ratio as indicated by the diagram. If “L1 and
◆ Num Elems and L2/L1 L2” is pressed, the user must enter edge lengths for the
end and middle elements.
◆
◆ L1 and L2 MSC.Patran will calculate the nonuniform mesh seed node
spacing through a geometric progression based on the
Number = 2 given L2⁄ L1 ratio.

L2/L1 = 1.5

Auto Execute If Auto Execute is selected, MSC.Patran will automatically

Curve List create a mesh seed definition after each edge is selected.
By default Auto Execute is OFF.

Specifies a list of edges by either cursor selecting existing

curves or surface or solid edges, or specifying curve IDs or
-Apply - surface or solid edge IDs. (Example: Curve 10, Surface
12.1, Solid 22.5.2.)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 33 Options Close

Curvature Based Mesh Seed

Create mesh seed definition for a given curve, or an edge of a surface or solid, with a uniform or
nonuniform element edge length controlled by curvature. The mesh seed will be represented by
small yellow circles and is displayed only when the Finite Element form is set to creating a Mesh,
or creating or deleting a Mesh Seed.

Finite Elements
MSC.Patran will plot all defined mesh seeds
Action: Create associated with the visible geometry.

Object: Mesh Seed

Curv Based If Uniform is selected, all elements will have the same
Type:
length. If Variable is selected, the lengths of elements will
vary from longer in regions of gradual curvature to shorter
Display Existing Seeds in regions of sharp curvature.

Element Edge Length

◆ Variable ◆
◆ Uniform Specify the maximum allowable element edge length
ratio. For example a value of 2.0 means that no element
Length Ratio =2.0 may be longer than twice the length of its neighbor.

Element Order: Linear

Select the element order: linear, quadratic or cubic.
Allowable Curvature Error Specify the desired maximum curvature error h. (May
optionally specify h/L for linear elements.) Number of
elements and their lengths will be computed within
specified Element Constraints to satisfy Allowable
Curvature Error if possible.
Max h = 0.001
Specify the minimum and maximum number of elements
Element Constraints or element lengths to be allowed in constructing the
mesh seed. Minimum and maximum number of
◆ Length ◆ ◆ Number elements may be the same value. Maximum length must
be larger than minimum length.
Min Length = 0.1
By default, Auto Execute is turned OFF. This means
Max Length = 0.2 MSC.Patran will not automatically create a mesh seed
definition after each edge is selected.

Auto Execute
Specifies a list of edges by either cursor selecting
Curve List existing curves or surface or solid edges, or specifying
Curve 7 curve IDs or surface or solid edge IDs. (Example:
Curve 10, Surface 12.1, Solid 22.5.2.)

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 34 Options Close

Tabular Mesh Seed

Create mesh seed definition for a given curve, or an edge of a surface or solid, with an arbitrary
distribution of seed locations defined by tabular values. The mesh seed will be represented by
small yellow circles and is displayed only when the Finite Element form is set to creating a Mesh,
or creating or deleting a Mesh Seed.

Finite Elements

Action: Create
Object:Mesh Seed
Type: Tabular

MSC.Patran will plot all defined mesh seeds associated

Display Existing Seeds with all visible geometry.
Coordinate Type
◆ Arc Length Specify the coordinate type for the node locations. For
example, if Arc length is selected, 0.5 will be located at
◆
◆ Parametric the mid point of the curve. If Parametric is selected, 0.5
◆
◆ Nodes or Points will be located at u=0.5 along the curve.
See next page for Nodes or Points option
Seed Location Data
Input Data
Enter the desired node location values. Values can range
between 0.0 and 1.0. The values 0.0 and 1.0 will be
Arc Length Value automatically added if they are omitted.

1
2
3
4
5 Sorts all the values entered in ascending order.
6

Clear Sort Reverse Reverses the node locations by replacing v with 1.0 - v.

Auto Execute By default Auto Execute is turned OFF.

Curve List
Specify a list of curves or edges of surfaces or solids to
which the mesh seeds should be applied. (Example:
Curve 10, Surface 1.4, Solid 1.8.5.)
-Apply-

Blanks out all cells.

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 35 Options Close

Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Mesh Seed
Type: Tabular

Display Existing Seeds

Coordinate Type
◆
◆ Arc Length
◆
◆ Parametric Enter a list of nodes, points, or pick locations on
screen.
◆ Nodes or Points

Tolerance 0.005 Tolerance to be used when creating a seed with

Nodes/Points entered in Nodes or Points List.

Nodes or Points List

List of Nodes and or points to be used to create a

seed. Only those within the tolerance specified to the
curve selected will be used for creating the seed.

Auto Execute
Curve Id
Curve ID on which the seed should be created.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 36 Options Close

PCL Function Mesh Seed

Create mesh seed definition for a given curve, or an edge of a surface or solid, with a distribution
of seed locations defined by a PCL function. The mesh seed will be represented by small yellow
circles and is displayed only when the Finite Element form is set to creating a Mesh, or creating
or deleting a Mesh Seed.

Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Mesh Seed MSC.Patran will plot all defined mesh seeds associated
Type: PCL Function with all visible geometry.

Display Existing Seeds Enter the number of nodes (seeds) to be created.

Seed Definition
Number of Nodes (N) Selecting one of the predefined functions will enter its call
into the “PCL for jth Node” data box where it can be edited
10 if desired. These functions exist in the PCL library supplied
with MSC.Patran. Sample code is presented on the next
Predefined Functions page for use as a model in writing your own function.
Beta
Cluster
Roberts
Enter an inline PCL function or a call to an existing
compiled function. A trivial example of an inline function is
PCL for jth Node one that computes a unifor seed:
(j-1)/N-1)

Auto Execute By default Auto Execute is turned OFF.

Curve List
Specify a list of curves or edges of surfaces or solids to
which the mesh seeds should be applied.
(Example: Curve 10, Surface 1.4, Solid 22.5.3)
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.2 37 Options Close

The following is the PCL code for the predefined function called beta. It may be used as a model
for writing your own PCL function.
FUNCTION beta(j, N, b)
GLOBAL INTEGERj, N
REALb, w, t, rval

x = (N - j) / (N - 1)
t = ( ( b + 1.0 ) / ( b - 1.0 ) ) **w
rval = ( (b + 1.0) - (b - 1.0) *t ) / (t + 1.0)
RETURN rval
END FUNCTION

Note: j and N MUST be the names for the first two arguments.

N is the number of nodes to be created, and j is the index of the node being
created, where ( 1 <= j <= N ).

An individual user function can be accessed at run time by entering the command:

!!INPUT <my_pcl_function_file_name>

A library of precompiled PCL functions can be accessed by:

!!LIBRARY <my_plb_library_name>

For convenience these commandes can be entered into your p3epilog.pcl file so
that the functions are available whenever you run MSC.Patran.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 38 Options Close

2.3 Creating a Mesh

There are several geometry types from which to create a mesh:

IsoMesh Curve
Finite Elements Assigns an optional list of ID numbers for a new set of
nodes and elements. If not specified, ID values will be
Action: Create assigned consecutively starting with the node and
element ID shown.
Object: Mesh ID lists containing duplicate IDs, or IDs of preexisting
Curve nodes or elements will be rejected. Users must first
Type:
delete the existing node or element with the specified ID
before reusing the same ID in a later list.
Output ID List The maximum ID limit for nodes or elements is
approximately 2 billion (231-1). The only limit to the
Node 1 number of nodes and elements which can be created per
geometric entity is the amount of available disk space.
Element 1
Choose the type of bar element to create from the pop-up
list. Available bar elements to choose from are Bar2, Bar3,
Topology: Bar2 and Bar4.

Node Coordinate Frames... Brings up the Node Coordinate Frames form. This allows an
Analysis and a Reference Coordinate system to be defined for
the next mesh of nodes.
Curve List
Specify list of curves to mesh by either cursor selecting
existing curves, surface edges, or solid edges, or by
specifying the curve IDs, or the surface or solid edge IDs.
(Example: Curve 12, Surface 1.3, Solid 11.3.1.)
Global Edge Length
Automatic Calculation Specify a real value to assign the default element edge length
for a given mesh. This value will not override any predefined
Value 0.1 mesh seeded edges. Global edge lengths will only be applied
where mesh seeds have not been defined.
The default Global Edge Length value can be set using the
-Apply-
Curve List pref_env_set_real function with argumet “DefaultMeshSize”
in the settings.pcl file. When defined in this way, the initial
activation of the Automatic Calculation toggle is disabled.
Please see pref_env_set_real (p. 1373) in the PCL
Reference Manual, Volume 1: Function Descriptions

Don’t forget to reset the Global Edge Length to

the appropriate value before applying the
mesh.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 39 Options Close

IsoMesh 2 Curves
Finite Elements Assigns an optional list of ID numbers for a new set of nodes
and elements. If not specified, ID values will be assigned
Action: Create consecutively starting with the node and element ID shown.
ID lists containing duplicate IDs, or IDs of preexisting nodes
Object: Mesh or elements will be rejected. Users must first delete the
existing node or element with the specified ID before reusing
Type: 2 Curves the same ID in a later list.
The maximum ID limit for nodes or elements is approximately
Output ID List 2 billion (231-1). The only limit to the number of nodes and
elements which can be created per geometric entity is the
Node 1 amount of available disk space.

Element 1

Choose the type of Quad or Tria element to create from the

Elem Shape Quad given list. Available Quad and Tria elements to choose from
are Quad4, Quad5, Quad8, Quad9, Quad12, Quad16,
Mesher IsoMesh Tria3, Tria4, Tria6, Tria7, Tria9, Tria13.
Topology Quad4

IsoMesh Parameters...

Tria6
Node Coordinate Frames...

Auto Execute
Curve 1 List
Specify the two curve lists. Isomesh with selected
element type will be created on a ruled surface
connecting the two input curve lists.
Curve 2 List

Specify number of elements on edges or a real value to

assign the default element edge length for a given mesh.
Control Element Number Both options will not override any predefined mesh
seeded edges. Global edge lengths and element number
Global Edge Length will only be applied where mesh seeds have not been
defined.
Automatic Calculation
Value 0.1 The default Global Edge Length value can be set using the
pref_env_set_real function with argument “DefaultMeshSize”
in the settings.pcl file. When defined in this way, the initial
activation of the Automatic Calculation toggle is disabled.
-Apply-
Please see pref_env_set_real (p. 1373) in the PCL
Reference Manual, Volume 1: Function Descriptions
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 40 Options Close

IsoMesh Surface
Finite Elements Assigns an optional list of ID numbers for a new set of
nodes and elements. If not specified, ID values will be
Action: Create assigned consecutively starting with the node and element
ID shown.
Object: Mesh
ID lists containing duplicate IDs, or IDs of preexisting nodes
Type: Surface or elements will be rejected. Users must first delete the
existing node or element with the specified ID before
reusing the same ID in a later list.
Output ID List The maximum ID limit for nodes or elements is
approximately 2 billion (231-1). The only limit to the number
Node 1 of nodes and elements which can be created per geometric
entity is the amount of available disk space.
Element 1
Choose the type of Quad or Tria element to create from the
given list. Available Quad and Tria elements to choose from
Elem Shape Quad are Quad4, Quad5, Quad8, Quad9, Quad12, Quad16,
Tria3, Tria4, Tria6, Tria7, Tria9, Tria13.
Mesher IsoMesh
Topology Quad4 Choose either the IsoMesh method or the Paver method of
meshing. If Paver is selected the IsoMesh Parameters
changes to Paver Parameters...
IsoMesh Parameters...

Brings up the IsoMesh Parameters form which is used for

Node Coordinate Frames...
transition meshes. This is an optional function that affects
MSC.Patran’s IsoMesh smoothing algorithm For most
Surface List transition meshes, it is not required to reset the default
parameter values.

Brings up the Node Coordinate Frames form. This allows an

Analysis and a Reference Coordinate system to be defined
Global Edge Length for the next mesh of nodes.

Automatic Calculation Specifies a list of surfaces to mesh by either cursor selecting

existing surfaces, solid faces, or SGM trimmed faces, or
Value 0.1 entering the IDs of the surfaces, solid faces, and ⁄or SGM
trimmed faces. (Example: Surface 23, Solid 11.3.)

-Apply- Specify a real value to assign the default element edge length
for a given mesh. This value will not override any predefined
mesh seeded edges. Global edge lengths will only be applied
where mesh seeds have not been defined or where there are
no existing adjacent meshed regions.
The default Global Edge Length value can be set using the
pref_env_set_real function with argument “DefaultMeshSize”
in the settings.pcl file. When defined in this way, the initial
activation of the Automatic Calculation toggle is disabled.
Please see pref_env_set_real (p. 1373) in the PCL
Reference Manual, Volume 1: Function Descriptions

Don’t forget to reset the Global Edge Length to

the appropriate value before applying the
mesh.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 41 Options Close

Paver Parameters
Paver Parameters...
Causes the mesher to relax its criteria for element quality
Create P-Element Mesh in an attempt to create a coarser mesh.

Global Space Only Mesh the surface in global space only, if the toggle is set.

Allow Tris in Quad Mesh Allows one tri element on a loop if the sum of all the element
edges on the loop is an odd number.

Curvature Check Causes the mesher to adjust the mesh density to control the
deviation between the geometry and the straight element
Allowable Curvature Error edges. This will usually result in a better mesh and a better
chance for success when meshing complicated geometry.
Currently, this only works on edges only.

0. 0.25
If Curvature Check is set, enter the desired maximum
deviation between the element edges and geometry as the
ratio of the deviation to element edge length. Deviation is
Max h/L = 0.1 measured at the center of the element edge. The value may
be entered either by using the slider bar or by typing a value
into the data box.
Use Desired Edge Lengths
Min. Edge I/L : 0.0

Max. Edge Length : 0.0

Ok Defaults Used to restore all of the default settings to this form.

The Ok button must be clicked with the mouse in order to update the new values
the user enters on this form and make them available to the meshers. If the button
is not clicked, the new values will not be passed on to the meshers.

The Paver has more freedom to adjust the mesh size in the geometry interior. If this toggle is
not set, then the meshers will try to make elements in the interior sized between the shortest
and longest edge on the boundary, or the global length from the main meshing form,
whichever is more extreme. This is how the paver worked in previous MSC.Patran releases.
If this toggle is set and reasonable values for minimum and maximum element edge lengths
are given, then the meshers will attempt to make elements in the interior of the meshing
region with element edge lengths between the user defined values. This gives the user more
control over the mesh in the interior of the geometry.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 42 Options Close

Solid
IsoMesh
Finite Elements Assigns an optional list of ID numbers for a new set of
nodes and elements. If not specified, ID values will be
Action: Create assigned consecutively starting with the node and
Mesh element ID shown.
Object:
ID lists containing duplicate IDs, or IDs of preexisting
Type: Solid nodes or elements will be rejected. Users must first
delete the existing node or element with the specified
Output ID List ID before reusing the same ID in a later list.
The maximum ID limit for nodes or elements is
Node 1 approximately 2 billion (231- 1). The only limit to the
number of nodes and elements that can be created
per geometric entity is the amount of available disk
Element 1
space.

Choose the type of Hex, Wedge or Tet element to

Elem Shape Tet create from the given list. Available solid elements to
choose from are Hex8, Hex9, Hex20, Hex21, Hex26,
Mesher IsoMesh Hex27, Hex32, Hex64, Wedge6, Wedge7, Wedge15,
Wedge16, Wedge20,Wedge21, Wedge24, Wedge52,
Topology Tet4 Tet4, Tet5, Tet10, Tet11, Tet14, Tet15, Tet16, Tet40.

IsoMesh Parameters...
Brings up the Node Coordinate Frames form which
Node Coordinate Frames... allows an Analysis and a Reference Coordinate
system to be defined for the next mesh of nodes.
Solid List
Specifies a list of solids to mesh by either cursor
selecting existing solids, or entering the IDs of the
solids. (Example: Solid 23.)
Global Edge Length
Specify a real value to assign the default element edge
Automatic Calculation
length for a given mesh. This value will not override any
Value 0.1 predefined mesh seeded edges. Global edge lengths
will only be applied where mesh seeds have not been
defined or where there are no existing adjacent
meshed regions.

-Apply-

Don’t forget to reset the Global Edge Length to

the appropriate value before applying the
mesh.

Brings up the IsoMesh Parameters form which is used for transition meshes. This is an
optional function that affects MSC.Patran’s IsoMesh smoothing algorithm. For most transition
meshes, it is not required to reset the default parameter values. If TetMesh is selected the
IsoMesh Parameters changes to TetMesh Parameters...
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 43 Options Close

IsoMesh Parameters Subordinate Form. This form appears when the IsoMesh Parameters
button is selected on the Finite Elements form.
Smoothing parameters affect only transition meshes. A transition occurs when two opposing edges
of a surface differ in the number of elements or mesh ratio. The values may be changed by pressing
the left mouse button and moving the slide bar to the appropriate value.
The smoothing algorithm used by MSC.Patran is the iterative Laplacian-Isoparametric scheme
developed by L.R. Herrmann.

IsoMesh Parameters
IsoMesh Smoothing Parameters IsoMesh on Triangular Surfaces
Lapl Iso
trans isopar
Smoothing Factor
20 99

Tri Pattern on Rectang Surfaces

Maximum Cycles
0.00 1.00

Acceleration Factor
0.05 0.20
tri1 tri2

Termination Factor

Defaults

OK Cancel

Maximum number of iterations allowed for mesh smoothing. Default value is 20. Smoothing may
be turned off by setting the Maximum Cycles to zero.

Used to determine a weighted combination of Laplacian and Isoparametric smoothing methods. Valid
range is from 0.0 to 1.0, where 0.0 is pure Laplacian smoothing and 1.0 is pure Isoparametric
smoothing. Intermediate values mean a combination of the two methods will be used. The default
value is 0.0. Laplacian smoothing is best for most transition cases, except where the surface has
significant inplane curvature in that case, Isoparametric smoothing is best.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 44 Options Close

Used to accelerate the mesh smoothing. The default value is 0.0. A value of 0.3 to 0.5 may
cause mesh smoothing to converge in fewer cycles. For example: a value of 0.5 would cause
each node to move 50% farther than computed at each iteration. However, the following
warning will be issued if the acceleration factor is reset to a nonzero value: “Nonzero
acceleration factor may cause mesh smoothing failure if geometry is highly curved or skewed”.
Choose from two
available mesh
patterns for
degenerate
IsoMesh Parameters surfaces or
solids.
IsoMesh Smoothing Parameters IsoMesh on Triangular Surfaces
Lapl Iso
trans isopar
Smoothing Factor
20 99

Tri Pattern on Rectang Surfaces

Maximum Cycles
0.00 1.00
Choose from four
available
Acceleration Factor triangular mesh
patterns for
0.05 0.20 surfaces or solids
tri1 tri2 with 90 degree
corners only.
Termination Factor

Defaults

OK Cancel

Controls the smoothing If pressed, the smoothing parameters will be reset back
termination tolerance factor. to the original “factory” default values. These are:
Default value is 0.05. It stops the Smoothing Factor = 0.0, Maximum Cycles = 20,
mesh smoothing when the largest Acceleration Factor = 0.00, Termination Factor = 0.05.
distance moved by any node
during the previous iteration is
less than 5% of the shortest
element length along an edge of If selected, MSC.Patran will reset the smoothing
the geometry. parameter values back to the original set of
values that existed upon entry to the Mesh
Parameter form.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 45 Options Close

TetMesh
Using the Create/Mesh/Solid form with the TetMesh button pressed creates a set of four node,
10 node or 16 node tetrahedron elements for a specified set of solids. The solids can be composed
of any number of sides or faces.
Finite Elements Shows the IDs that will be assigned consecutively starting
with the node and element ID shown.
Action: Create
If you specify a list of IDs that contain duplicate IDs or IDs
Object: Mesh that are assigned to existing nodes or elements, the list will
be rejected. You must first delete the existing node or
Type: Solid element with the specified ID before reusing the ID in the
Node or Element ID List.
Output ID List
Node 1
Select the type of tetrahedron element that you want to mesh
Element 1
with. The available choices are: Tet4, Tet10, and Tet16.

Elem Shape Tet

Specify the existing solids to mesh, either by cursor
Mesher TetMesh selecting them or by entering the IDs from the keyboard.
Tet4 (Example: Solid 1:10) The select filter may be used to
Topology
select the triangular elements that form a closed volume.
TetMesh Parameters... Defines the default element edge length for the mesh. This value
will not override any existing mesh seeded edges. MSC.Patran will
Node Coordinate Frames... only apply the Global Edge Length to those areas of the mesh
where mesh seeds have not been defined or where there are no
Input List existing nodes or adjacent meshes. (If the value is small relative to
the size of the solid, a very large number of Tet elements may be
generated.) The default is 0.1.

Allows the creation of a duplicate set of nodes for each entity which
Global Edge Length is matching between solids in Assembly Meshing. Equivalencing
using the above tolerance value will remove these duplicate nodes.
Automatic Calculation This toggle also applies to assembly meshing, for example using
Match Parasolid Faces, where a duplicate set of nodes will be
Value 0.1
created on entities that are found to be shared between solids. The
only time duplicate nodes will be created while the toggle is off is
Create Duplicate Nodes where an existing mesh is transferred to a solid
Match Parasolid Faces Assembly Meshing of multiple parasolid solids. Turning this toggle
ON maintains a congruent mesh between multiple parasolid
solids. This is not supported for Patran solids. If solids are within
parasolid tolerance (1.0E-6), then solids which do not match
topologically will be forced to match in the resultant mesh. If solids
are outside parasolid tolerance but within the tolerance specified
on the Tetmesh Parameters form, then only solids which have
matching topology will be meshed congruently.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 46 Options Close

Value 0.1
The duplicate nodes toggle will create an extra set of nodes on
geometry that is shared between more than one solid, for example
Create Duplicate Nodes on a face that is shared between two solids.

Match Parasolid Faces This toggle also applies to assembly meshing, for example, using
Match Parasolid Faces, where a duplicate set of nodes will be
created on entities that are found to be shared between solids.
Neighbor Solid List The only situation in assembly meshing where duplicate nodes
will be created with the toggle off is where an existing mesh is
being transferred from a neighboring solid.

Preview Interface Mesh

With the Neighbor Solid List you can Match the mesh
of the neighboring solids.
-Apply-

☞More Help:
With Preview Interface Mesh ON, you can view the • Creating a Boundary Representation (B-
mesh before applying the mesh to your model. rep) Solid (p. 338) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 2: Geometry Modeling
• Solids (p. 24) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 2: Geometry Modeling
• Verify - Element (Normals) (p. 142)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 47 Options Close

TetMesh Parameters
The TetMesh Parameters sub-form allows you to change meshing parameters for P-Element
meshing and Curvature based refinement.
The tetrahedral mesh generator has an option to allow for transition of the mesh from a very small size to the
user given Global Edge Length. This option can be invoked by turning the Internal Coarsening toggle ON.
This option is supported only when a solid is selected for meshing. The internal grading is governed by a
growth factor, which is same as that used for grading the surface meshes in areas of high curvature (1:1.5).
The elements are gradually stretched using the grade factor until it reaches the user given Global Edge
Length. After reaching the Global Edge Length the mesh size remains constant.

TetMesh Parameters...
Create P-Element Mesh When creating a mesh with mid-side nodes (such as with
Tet10 elements) in a solid with curved faces, it is possible to
Internal Coarsening create elements that have a negative Jacobian ratio which is
unacceptable to finite element solvers. To prevent an error
from occurring during downstream solution pre-processing,
Curvature Check the edges for these negative Jacobian elements are
automatically straightened resulting in a positive Jacobian
Refinement Options element. Although the solver will accept this element's
Jacobian, the element edge is a straight line and no longer
conforms to the original curved geometry. If this toggle is
enabled before the meshing process, the element edges
causing a negative Jacobian will conform to the geometry,
but will be invalid elements for most solvers. To preserve
0. 0.25 edge conformance to the geometry, the "Modify-Mesh-Solid"
functionality can then be utilized to locally remesh the
elements near the elements containing a negative Jacobian.
Maximum h/L = 0.1

Minimum Edge Length =

Global Edge Length* 0.2

OK Defaults

To create a finer mesh in regions of high curvature, the "Curvature Check" toggle should be turned ON.
There are two options to control the refinement parameters. Reducing the "Maximum h/L" creates more
elements in regions of high curvature to lower the distance between the geometry and the element edge.
The "Minimum l/L" option controls the lower limit of how small the element size can be reduced in curved
regions. The ratio l/L is the size of the minimum refined element edge to the "Global Edge Length" specified
on the "Create-Mesh-Solid" form.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.3 48 Options Close

Node Coordinate Frames

Node Coordinate Frames

Specifies local coordinate frame ID for analysis results.
Analysis Coordinate Frame
The default coordinate frame ID is defined under the
Coord 0 Global Preferences menu, usually the global rectangular
frame ID of zero.
Refer. Coordinate Frame
Coord 0 Specifies an existing local coordinate frame ID to
associate with the set of meshed nodes. The nodes’
locations can later be shown or modified within the
specified reference frame. See The Show Action
OK (Ch. 12). The default coordinate frame ID is defined under
the Global Preferences menu, usually the global
rectangular frame ID of zero.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.4 49 Options Close

2.4 Mesh Control

Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Mesh Control
Type: Surface

Global Edge Length

User defined edge length for surfaces selected below.
0.1

Select Surfaces
List of surfaces for which the mesh control should be
applied to.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.4 50 Options Close

Auto Hard Points Form

Using the Create/Mesh Control/Auto Hard Points form creates hard points on a specified set of
surfaces automatically. This program creates hard points at two kinds of points on surface
boundaries: T Points - A T point is defined as an interior point of a surface edge which is close
to a vertex or an existing hard point on an edge in another surface within the t-point tolerance.
The t-point tolerance is equal to one twentieth of the target element edge length. Placing a hard
point at a T-point will help meshers create a congruent mesh on a noncongruent model. There is
a noncongruent model in Figure 2-14. The auto hard point creation program creates a T-point
at the T-junction of three surfaces and marks it by a small triangle. The new hard point forces the
mesher to place a node at the T-junction when meshing surface 1 and the mesh created is a
congruent mesh (Figure 2-15). Figure 2-16 shows the mesh without hard point creation.

Figure 2-14 T-Point Creation

Figure 2-15 Mesh with Hard Point Creation Figure 2-16 Mesh Without Hard Point
Creation
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.4 51 Options Close

Neck Points. A neck point is defined as an end point of a short cross section on a surface. A
cross section on a surface is short if its length is less than the neck-point tolerance.The neck-point
tolerance is equal to 1.5 times the target element edge length. Placing a hard point at a neck point
will help meshers create better meshes on narrow surfaces. Neck points can be created
recursively by neck-point propagation. In Figure 2-17, the two neck-points on the boundary of
surface 1 were created first and the remain four neck points were created by neck point
propagation from one small surface to another until the path reached the outer boundary of the
model. The new hard points will help mesher line up the boundary nodes and create a good
mesh on the narrow surfaces (Figure 2-18). Figure 2-19 shows the mesh without hard point
creation.

Figure 2-17 Neck Point Propagation

Figure 2-18 Mesh with Hard Point Creation Figure 2-19 Mesh Without Hard Point
Creation
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action (Mesh) §2.4 52 Options Close

Figure 2-20

Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Mesh Control
Type: Auto Hard Points

Target Element Edge Length Specify the target element edge length which you will use
as a global edge length when you mesh the model. The
0.1
target element edge length is used to compute the t-point
tolerance and neck-point tolerance.
Surface List
Surface 1:8
Specify a set of surfaces on which to create hard points,
either by cursor selecting them or by entering the IDs
from the keyboard. (Example: Surface 1:10).
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... § 53 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Create Action (FEM Entities)
3
■ Introduction

■ Creating Nodes

■ Creating Elements

■ Creating MPCs

■ Creating Superelements

■ Creating DOF List

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.1 54 Options Close

3.1 Introduction
The following sections describe how to create individual nodes, elements, and Multi-Point
Constraints (MPCs). To create a mesh of nodes and element, see Creating a Mesh (p. 29).

3.2 Creating Nodes

Finite Elements
Action: Create
Object: Node
Method: Edit
See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
Node ID List
1
Specifies local coordinate frame ID for analysis results. The
default ID is the active coordinate frame.
Analysis Coordinate Frame

Coord 0
Allows definition of nodal location in a local coordinate frame.
Any location(s) specified in the Node Location List Select
Refer. Coordinate Frame databox (on this form) are defined to be in this Reference
Coord 0 Coordinate Frame. The default is the active coordinate frame.
The Show Action will optionally report nodal locations in the
Reference Coordinate Frame See The Show Action
(Ch. 12).
Associate with Geometry

Auto Execute
Node Location List
Indicates whether nodes should be associated with the
geometry on which they are created. When the toggle is ON,
nodes are associated with the point, curve, surface or solid on
which they are created. Normally nodes should be associated,
-Apply- since loads and BCs applied to the geometry are only
applicable to nodes and elements associated with that
geometry. However, when selected OFF, additional methods of
entering nodal location are available.

Specifies node locations by entering coordinates, or by using

the select menu. All locations are in the Reference Coordinate
Frame.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.3 55 Options Close

3.3 Creating Elements

Finite Elements

Action: Create
Object: Element
Method: Edit

Element ID List See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
1

Quad Select the shape of the element(s) to be created.

Shape:

Topology: Quad4 Choose an element topology (nodal connectivity). See The

MSC.Patran Element Library (Ch. 15), for an illustrated
Pattern: Standard list of MSC.Patran’s available topology.

Use existing midnodes When selected ON, duplicate mid-edge nodes will not be
created along common boundaries of elements with similar
Auto Execute topology. Instead, existing mid-edge nodes from adjacent
elements will be used when appropriate. If selected OFF,
Node 1 = new mid-edge nodes will always be created.

Node 2 =

Node 3 =
Specifies lists of element corner nodes. One select databox
Node 4 = is displayed for each element corner node. Only the elements
corner nodes need to be specified. Element midnodes will be
automatically generated.
-Apply- Multiple elements can be created by specifying multiple
corner nodes in each select databox. For example, when
creating Bar elements, if the list for corner node 1 contains
nodes 10 and 11, and the list for corner node 2 contains
nodes 13 and 14, two elements will be created: one between
nodes 10 and 13, and one between nodes11 and 14.
If the number of nodes specified in each node list are not
equal, the last specified node ID in each short list will be
used to extend that list to the necessary length.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 56 Options Close

3.4 Creating MPCs

Overview. An MPC (multi-point constraint) is a constraint that defines the response of one or
more nodal degrees-of-freedom (called dependent degrees-of-freedom) to be a function of the
response of one or more nodal degrees-of-freedom (called independent degrees-of-freedom).
The general form of the MPC, which most of the major structural analysis codes support
(referred to as the explicit MPC type in MSC.Patran) is as follows:
U0 = C1U1 + C2U2 + C3U3 + ... + CnUn + C0 Eq. 3-1

Where U0 is the dependent degree-of-freedom, Ui the independent degrees-of-freedom, and Ci

the constants. The term to the left of the equal sign is called the dependent term and the terms to
the right of the equal sign are called the independent terms. C0 is a special independent term
called the constant term.
An example of an explicit MPC is:
UX(Node 4) = 0.5*UX(Node 5) - 0.5*UY(Node 10) + 1.0 Eq. 3-2

which specifies that the x displacement of node 4 is equal to half the x displacement of node 5
minus half they displacement of node 10 plus 1.0. There are four terms in this example, one
dependent term, two independent terms, and a constant term.

MPC Types. MPCs can be used to model certain physical phenomena that cannot be easily
modeled using finite elements, such as rigid links, joints (revolutes, universal, etc.), and sliders,
to name a few. MPCs can also be used to allow load transfer between incompatible meshes.
However, it is not always easy to determine the explicit MPC equation that correctly represents
the phenomena you are trying to model.
To help with this problem, many analysis codes provide special types of MPCs (sometimes
called “implicit” MPCs) which simulate a specific phenomena with minimum user input. For
example, most analysis codes support an implicit MPC type which models a rigid link, in which
an independent node is rigidly tied to one or more dependent nodes. All the user is required to
input are the node IDs. The analysis code internally generates the “explicit” MPCs necessary to
cause the nodes to act as if they are rigidly attached.
In addition to the implicit MPC types supported by the analysis code, there are implicit MPC
types supported by the analysis code translator. These are converted into “explicit” form during
the translation process. This allows MSC.Patran to support more MPC types than the analysis
code supports itself.
MSC.Patran supports the creation of all MPC types through the use of a single form, called
Create MPC Form (for all MPC Types Except Cyclic Symmetry and Sliding Surface) (p. 60),
with two exceptions: the Cyclic Symmetry and Sliding Surface MPC types. These two MPC types
have special capabilities which require special create forms. See Create MPC Cyclic Symmetry
Form (p. 62) and Create MPC Sliding Surface Form (p. 63).
Before creating an MPC, first select the type of MPC you wish to create. Once the type has been
identified, MSC.Patran displays the proper form(s) to create the MPC.
A list of the MPC types which are supported by the MSC analysis codes can be found in the
application module User’s Guide or application Preference Guide for the respective analysis
code. You will only be able to create MPCs which are valid for the current settings of the
Analysis Code and Analysis Type preferences. If the Analysis Code or Analysis Type preference
is changed, all existing MPCs, which are no longer valid, are flagged as such and will not be
translated. Invalid MPCs are still stored in the database and are displayed, but they cannot be
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 57 Options Close

modified or shown. However, they can be deleted. An invalid MPC can be made valid again by
setting the Analysis Code and Analysis Type preferences back to the settings under which the
MPC was originally created.

MPC Terms. The principal difference between one MPC type and the next is the number and
makeup of the dependent and independent terms. A term is composed of up to four pieces of
information:
1. A sequence number (used to order dependent and independent terms with respect to
each other).
2. A nonzero coefficient.
3. One or more nodes.
4. One or more degrees-of-freedom.
For example, a dependent term of the explicit MPC type consists of a single node and a single
degree-of-freedom, while an independent term of the explicit MPC type consists of a coefficient,
a single node, and a single degree-of-freedom. As another example, the dependent and
independent terms of the Rigid (fixed) MPC type consist of a single node.
The number of dependent and independent terms required or allowed varies from one MPC
type to the next. For example, the Explicit MPC type allows only one dependent term while
allowing an unlimited number of independent terms. Conversely, the Rigid (fixed) MPC type
allows one independent term while allowing an unlimited number of dependent terms. Other
MPC types allow only one dependent and one independent term, or one dependent and two
independent terms.

Degrees-of-Freedom. Whenever one or more degrees-of-freedom are expected for an MPC

term, a listbox containing the valid degrees-of-freedom is displayed on the form. A degree-of-
freedom is valid if:
• It is valid for the current Analysis Code Preference.
• It is valid for the current Analysis Type Preference.
• It is valid for the selected MPC type.
In most cases, all degrees-of-freedom which are valid for the current Analysis Code and Analysis
Type preferences are valid for the MPC type. There are some cases, however, when only a subset
of the valid degrees-of-freedom are allowed for an MPC. For example, an MPC may allow the
user to select only translational degrees-of-freedom even though rotational degrees are valid for
the Analysis Code and Analysis Type preference.

Important: Some MPC types are valid for more than one Analysis Code or Analysis Type
preference combination.

The degrees-of-freedom which are valid for each Analysis Code and Analysis Type Preference
are listed in the analysis code or analysis code translator User’s Guide.

Important: Care must be taken to make sure that a degree-of-freedom that is selected for an
MPC actually exists at the nodes. For example, a node that is attached only to
solid structural elements will not have any rotational degrees-of-freedom.
However, MSC.Patran will allow you to select rotational degrees-of-freedom at
this node when defining an MPC.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 58 Options Close

Graphics. MPCs are displayed as a set of lines which connect each dependent node (node
appearing as part of a dependent term) to each independent node (node appearing as part of an
independent term). The dependent nodes are circled to distinguish them from the independent
nodes (see Figure 3-1). MPCs are treated like elements in MSC.Patran because they:
• Can be added to or removed from groups.
• Have integer IDs which can be displayed or suppressed.
• Have their own color attribute (default = red).

y
3

z x

1
1
2
4

Figure 3-1 Graphical Display of an MPC with One Dependent

Node and Three Independent Nodes

Creating Multiple MPCs. In certain cases, MSC.Patran allows you to create several multi-point
constraints (called Sub-MPCs) at one time which are stored as a single MPC entity with a single
ID. The following rules apply:
• When an MPC requires only a single node to be specified for both dependent and
independent terms, you can specify more than one node per term, as long as the same
number of nodes is specified in each term. The number of Sub-MPCs that will be
created is equal to the number of nodes in each term. The first node in each term is
extracted to define the first Sub-MPC, the second node in each term is extracted to
define the second Sub-MPC, and so on.
• When an MPC requires only a single degree-of-freedom to be specified for both
dependent and independent terms, you can specify more than one degree-of-freedom
per term, as long as the same number of degrees-of-freedom is specified in each term.
The number of Sub-MPCs that will be created is equal to the number of degrees-of-
freedom in each term. The first degree-of-freedom in each term is extracted to define
the first Sub-MPC, the second degree-of-freedom in each term is extracted to define the
second Sub-MPC, and so on.
• When an MPC requires only a single degree-of-freedom to be specified for the
dependent terms and no degrees-of-freedom for the independent terms (or vice versa),
you can specify more than one degree-of-freedom per term, as long as the same
number of degrees-of-freedom is specified in each term that expects a single degree-of-
freedom. The number of Sub-MPCs that will be created is equal to the number of
degrees-of-freedom in each term. The first degree-of-freedom in each term is extracted
to define the first Sub-MPC, the second degree-of-freedom in each term is extracted to
define the second Sub-MPC, and so on.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 59 Options Close

• When an MPC requires only a single node and a single degree-of-freedom to be

specified for both dependent and independent terms, you can specify more than one
node and ⁄ or degree-of-freedom per term, as long as the same number of nodes and
degrees-of-freedom are specified in each term. The number of Sub-MPCs that will be
created is equal to the number of nodes times the number of degrees-of-freedom in
each term.
• For all other MPC types which do not match one of the above conditions a single Sub-
MPC will be created.
When multiple Sub-MPCs are created, they are displayed as shown in Figure 3-2, with the ID
of the MPC displayed at the centroid of each Sub-MPC. The translators will treat each Sub-MPC
as a separate MPC, but MSC.Patran treats the collection of Sub-MPCs as a single entity.
1

1
y
1

x 1
z

Figure 3-2 The Graphical Display of an MPC Which is

Made up of Five Sub-MPCs
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 60 Options Close

Create MPC Form (for all MPC Types Except Cyclic Symmetry and
Sliding Surface)
When Create is the selected Action and MPC is the selected Object, the Create MPC form is
displayed. Several MPC types are valid under the Type option menu.

Finite Elements

Action: Create
Object: MPC
Used to select the type of MPC to create. Only the Types
Method: Explicit that are valid for the current settings of the Analysis Code
and Analysis Type preferences are presented.
Analysis Preferences:
Code: MSC.Nastran
Type: Structural Indicates the current settings of the Analysis Code and
Analysis Type Preferences.
MPC ID
1
See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.

Define Terms...

-Apply-
Brings up the Define Terms form. This allows you to create,
modify, or delete dependent and independent terms.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 61 Options Close

Define Terms Form

The Define Terms form appears when the Define Terms button is selected on the Create MPC
form. Use this form to define the dependent and independent terms of an MPC.

Define Terms Holds the dependent and independent term

information as rows in the spreadsheets. The
number of terms required is displayed in
Dependent Terms (1) parentheses next to the spreadsheet label. A term
Nodes (1) DOFs (1) consists of one or more of the following:
1. A sequence number (not shown).
14 UX 2. A nonzero coefficient.
3. A list of nodes (the required number is displayed
in parentheses). (1*) means node ids may be
entered one per term or all in one term.
4. A list of degrees-of-freedom (the required number
is listed in parentheses).
Independent Terms (No Max) Existing terms can be selected for modifications and
deletion.
Coefficient Nodes (1) DOF (1)
1 7 UY
-3.4000 > 12 UZ

Sets the mode of the Apply function to 1) create a

◆
◆ Create Dependent ◆ ◆ Modify dependent term, 2) create an independent term,
3) modify a term, or 4) delete a term. The Create
◆ Create Independent ◆
◆ Delete Dependent and Create Independent items are
disabled once the maximum number of dependent
or independent terms are created.
Coefficient = -3.4

Auto Execute
Node List Real databox used to specify a real nonzero
coefficient for a term. This widget is displayed
when creating or modifying a term which includes
a Coefficient column.
DOFs
UX
UY
UZ Node select databox used to specify the nodes
for a term. This widget is displayed when
creating or modifying a term which includes a
Nodes column.

Apply Clear Cancel

Listbox used to select the degrees-of-freedom for a term. This widget is displayed when
creating or modifying a term which includes a DOFs column.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 62 Options Close

Create MPC Cyclic Symmetry Form

Use this form to Create an MPC which defines a set of cyclic symmetry boundary conditions
between the nodes in two regions.

Finite Elements

Action: Create
Indicates the current settings of the Analysis Code and
Object: MPC
Analysis Type Preferences.
Method: Cyclic Symmetry
See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Analysis Preferences: Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
Code: MSC.Nastran
Type: Structural
Cylindrical coordinate frame whose z axis defines the axis of
MPC ID symmetry. This coordinate frame will be assigned as the
Analysis Coordinate Frame to all nodes in the dependent and
1 independent regions except those nodes which lie on the axis
of symmetry. For these nodes, a rectangular coordinate frame
Node Comparison Tolerance whose z axis lies on the axis of symmetry will be automatically
created and assigned as the Analysis Coordinate Frame.
0.005

Cylindrical Coord. Frame Specifies the dependent and independent nodes on the cyclic
boundaries. The Cyclic Symmetry select menu will appear to
allow the user to select nodes explicitly or by reference to 2D
element edges, 3D element faces, points, curves, or surfaces.
The same number of unique nodes must be specified in both
Auto Execute regions. A node can be referenced in both the dependent and
independents regions only if it lies on the axis of symmetry.
Dependent Region

When the Apply button is selected, MSC.Patran extracts the

nodes associated to the entities in the dependent and
Independent Region
independent regions and matches them up by comparing
their r and z coordinates (in the specified cylindrical
coordinate frame). A match must be found for every node.
The following tests are then made:
-Apply- • Do all of the node pairs have the same ∆θ (θi-θd)?
• Is the ∆θ evenly divisible into 360 degrees?
If the answer to both of these questions is yes, an MPC will be
created which ties the node pairs together. Detail on how this
MPC is translated can be found in the appropriate Analysis
Code Translator User’s Guide.

Tolerance used to match dependent nodes with independent nodes.

By default, this parameter is equal to the Global Model Tolerance set
in Global Preferences. A dependent node is matched with an
independent node when the r and z coordinates of the nodes (in the
specified cylindrical coordinate frame) are the same within the
specified tolerance.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 63 Options Close

Create MPC Sliding Surface Form

Use this form to create an MPC which defines a sliding surface between the nodes in two
coincident regions. The translational degree-of-freedom (normal to the surface) of coincident
nodes in the two regions are tied while all others remain free.

Finite Elements

Action: Create
Object: MPC
Method: Sliding Surface

Analysis Preferences:
Indicates the current settings of the Analysis Code and
Code: MSC.Nastran Analysis Type Preferences.
Type: Structural
MPC ID See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions1.
1
Tolerance used to match dependent nodes with independent
Node Comparison Tolerance nodes. By default, this parameter is equal to the Global Model
0.005 Tolerance set in Global Preferences. A dependent node is
matched with an independent node when the x, y, and z
Normal Coord. Frame Option coordinates of the nodes are the same within the specified
tolerance.
◆
◆ Automatic
◆ User Specified
Indicates how a coordinate frame(s) with an axis normal to the
surface is to be specified. The coordinate frame(s) will be
Coordinate Frame assigned as the Analysis Coordinate Frame of the nodes in the
dependent and independent regions:
Automatic: One or more rectangular coordinate frame(s) will
be automatically created for the nodes, with the z axis defined
normal to the surface. An attempt will be made to reuse
coordinate frames when the normal does not change from one
node to the next.
User Specified: Two additional widgets will appear to allow the
user to specify both the coordinate frame and the axis, which is
normal to the surface. The choices are X,Y, and Z for
rectangular systems, R, T (for Theta), and Z for cylindrical
systems, and R, P (for Phi), and T for spherical system.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.4 64 Options Close

Coordinate Frame

Z
Normal Axis:

Auto Execute
Dependent Region

Specifies the dependent and independent nodes on the

sliding surface. The Sliding Surface select menu will appear
Independent Region to allow the user to select nodes associated to 2D element
edges, 2D elements, 3D element faces, surface edges,
surfaces, and solid faces. The same number of unique
nodes must be specified in both regions.

-Apply-
When Apply is selected, MSC.Patran extracts the nodes
associated to the entities in the dependent and independent
regions and matches them up by comparing their
coordinates. A match must be found for every node. An MPC
will be created which ties the translational
degree-of-freedom which is aligned with the normal axis of
each dependent node to the same degree-of-freedom of its
matching independent node. Details on how this MPC is
translated can be found in the appropriate Analysis Code
Translator User’s Guide.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.5 65 Options Close

3.5 Creating Superelements

This form is used to create superelements. Note that this is currently available only for the
MSC.Nastran analysis preference.

Finite Elements

Action: Create
Object: Superelement

Superelement List

Shape:
Superelement Name

Superelement Description
Input of superelements description. Maximum limit of
256 characters.

Element Definition Group

List of groups with elements that define superelements. If
a group does not contain elements, it will not show up in
the Element Definition Group listbox.

Select Boundary Nodes... Brings up the form to define the boundary nodes. By default, the
interfacing nodes between the superelement definition group and
the rest of the structure are selected as the boundary nodes.
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.5 66 Options Close

Select Boundary Nodes

When the Create Action and the Superelement Object is chosen on the finite element form and
the Select Boundary Nodes is selected, the following subordinate form will appear.

Select Boundary Nodes

Get Default Boundary Nodes Gets the interfacing nodes between the superelement group
and the rest of the structure.

Select Boundary Nodes

May manually select the boundary nodes.

Add Remove

Selected Boundary Nodes

A listing of the selected boundary nodes. If left blank, the

interfacing nodes between the superelement group and the rest
of the structure model will be selected as boundary nodes.

OK Clear
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.6 67 Options Close

3.6 Creating DOF List

Degree-of-Freedom (DOF) lists may be created by using this form and the subordinate form
presented when Define Terms is selected. Note that this is currently available only for an ANSYS
or ANSYS 5 analysis preference.

Finite Elements

Action: Create
Object: DOF List

Analysis Preferences:
Code: ANSYS
Type: Structural
DOF List Name
Specify a name for use in referencing the
DOF list.
Available DOF Lists

Shows all DOF lists that are currently

defined in the database.

Define Terms...
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Create Action... §3.6 68 Options Close

Define Terms
Define Terms

Degree of Freedom List

Nodes DOFs
Displays the selected nodes and DOFs that
were specified using the Node List databox
and the DOFs listbox.

◆ Create ◆
◆ Modify◆
◆ Delete
Select option to Create, Modify or Delete
entries in the degree-of-freedom list.

Node List
Specify node IDs to be included in the nodes
cell of the degree-of-freedom list.

DOFs
UX
UY
UZ Highlight the degrees-of-freedom to be
AX included in the DOFs cell of the
RY degree-of-freedom list term.
RZ
VOLT

Apply Clear Cancel

For Create or Modify, selecting Apply will

Selecting Clear will remove all terms from the
either place the new term into the
degree-of-freedom list spreadsheet.
spreadsheet or replace the selected term
with the modified term. For Delete,
selecting Apply will delete the selected
term.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action § 69 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Transform Action
4
■ Overview of Finite Element Modeling Transform Actions

■ Transforming Nodes

■ Transforming Elements
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.1 70 Options Close

4.1 Overview of Finite Element Modeling Transform Actions

The transformations described in the following sections are identical to their counterparts in
ASM. The table below lists the objects (nodes and elements) and methods that are available
when Transform is the selected Action.

Object Method
Node Translate
Rotate
Mirror
Element Translate
Rotate
Mirror
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.2 71 Options Close

4.2 Transforming Nodes

Create Nodes by Translating Nodes
Finite Elements New nodes may be constructed by translating existing
nodes, one or more times, as indicated by a vector. The
translation performed in each iteration is:
Action: Transform
Nn = Nn-1 + T
Object: Node
where Nn = the translated node location after the nth
Method: Translate iteration, Nn-1 = the node location prior to the nth iteration
(in the first iteration Nn-1 is the original node), and T = the
Node ID List translation vector (Txyz, Trqz, or Trθφ, depending on the
selected type of transformation).
3

Type of Transformation
◆ Cartesian in Refer. CF See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
◆
◆ Curvilinear in Refer. CF
Specifies whether the transformation is to be performed
relative to rectangular coordinates in any selected
Refer. Coordinate Frame coordinate frame, or relative to curvilinear coordinates of a
Coord 0 selected cylindrical or spherical reference coordinate frame.

Translation Vector
Specifies the translation vector. If curvilinear transformation
<1 0 0> was selected, enter the vector in the coordinates of the
reference coordinate system (rθz for Cylindrical, or rθφ for
Spherical). If Cartesian transformation is selected, the Vector
Translation Parameters
select menu appears.
Repeat Count
1
Specifies the number of times to repeat the transformation.

Delete Original Nodes

Auto Execute Turn

Turn this
this toggle
toggle ON
ON toto delete
delete the
the original
original nodes
nodes or
or elements.
elements.
This allows This
theallows
originalthe original
IDs IDs tofor
to be used bethe
used
newfornodes
the or
Node List new nodes or elements.
elements.
[0 0 0]
Specifies the list of nodes to be translated.

-Apply-

Specifies a reference coordinate frame in which to translate the nodes. If a curvilinear

transformation is desired, a cylindrical or spherical coordinate frame should be selected. The
default ID is that of the default coordinate frame.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.2 72 Options Close

Create Nodes by Rotating Nodes

Finite Elements New nodes may be constructed by rotating nodes clockwise

(CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) around an axis. The first
Action: Transform rotation is specified as the sum of the Rotations Angle plus an
offset. Any additional rotations (as specified by the Repeat
Object: Node Count parameter) are by the rotation angle only. The
transformation performed for each iteration is:
Method: Rotate
1st Iteration: N1 = N0 + R(θo + θr)
Node ID List Iterations 2 & up: Nn = Nn-1 + R(θn-1 + θr)
3
where N0 = the original node, N1 = the rotated location of node
N0 after the first iteration, R = the radius of rotation,
Refer. Coordinate Frame θo = the offset angle, θr = the rotation angle, Nn = the rotated
Coord 0 location of a node after the nth iteration, Nn-1 = the node
location prior to the nth iteration, and θn-1 = the angular
displacement of node Nn-1 from the original node, N0.
Axis
{[0 0 0][0 0 1]} N2
N1
Rotation Parameters
θr
Rotation Angle θr
90.0
Axis θo
Offset Angle N0
0.0 Radius
Repeat Count = 2
Repeat Count
1 The rotation plane is established by the axis and the node to
rotate. The axis is a vector that is normal to the plane of
Delete Original Nodes rotation. The radius of rotation, a straight line in the plane of
rotation, extends from the original node, N0, to the point of
intersection with the projected extension of the axis.
Auto Execute
Node List
[0 0 0]

- Apply -
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.2 73 Options Close

Finite Elements
Action: Transform
Object: Node
Method: Rotate

Node ID List
See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
3 Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.

Refer. Coordinate Frame Specifies a reference coordinate frame in which to rotate the
Coord 0 nodes. The default ID is that of the default coordinate frame.
The Frame select menu appears.
Axis
{[0 0 0][0 0 1]} Defines a vector normal to the plane of rotation. The Axis select
menu appears.

Rotation Parameters
Rotation Angle Specifies the rotation angle, θr (in degrees) through which the
nodes are to be rotated, default is 90 degrees CCW. Enter a
90.0 negative angle if the rotation is to be CW.
Offset Angle
0.0 Specifies the angular offset, θo, (in degrees), default is 0. Enter a
negative angle if the offset is to be CCW.
Repeat Count
1 Specifies the number of times to repeat the transformation.

Delete Original Nodes Turn

Turn this
this toggle
toggle ON
ON toto delete
delete the
the original
original nodes
nodes or
or elements. This
allows
elements.
the This
original
allows
IDs the
to be
original
used for
IDsthe
to be
newused
nodes
for or
theelements.
Auto Execute new nodes or elements.
Node List
[0 0 0] Specifies the list of nodes to be rotated. The Node Select filter is in
effect.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.2 74 Options Close

Create Nodes by Mirroring Nodes

Finite Elements
Constructs new nodes by reflecting the listed nodes about a final
Action: Transform mirror plane, that may be offset from a selected mirror plane. The
transformation performed is as follows:
Object: Node
Nmirror = N0 - (2D)n
Method: Mirror where Nmirror = the location of the new node, and
D = the distance (in the direction of vector n, which is normal to
Node ID List the final mirror plane) from the final mirror plane to the original
3 node, N0.
The selected mirror plane can be any arbitrary plane in model
Define Mirror Plane Normal space. If a nonzero offset, O, is specified, the final mirror plane
used in the mirror action is offset from the selected mirror plane
{[0 0 0][0 0 1]} by the distance O in the direction of vector n.

Selected Mirror Plane (YZ)

Offset Parameters Final Mirror Plane
Offset Y
0.0
Nmirror N0
Delete Original Nodes 2D D

Auto Execute
Node List X
[0 0 0] Offset (O)
In the example illustrated above, the selected mirror plane is the
-Apply- YZ plane of the global Cartesian coordinate system. Therefore,
the offset and distance D are measured along the X axis (vector
n), which is normal to the YZ plane.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.2 75 Options Close

Finite Elements

Action: Transform
Object: Node
Method: Mirror

Node ID List
See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
3 Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.

Define Mirror Plane Normal

Specifies the normal to the plane that will serve as the selected
{[0 0 0][0 0 1]} mirror plane. The Axis select menu appears. The normal to the
plane is defined by a vector, where the vector base originates
in the plane, and the vector tip is normal to the plane.
Offset Parameters
Offset
0.0 Specifies offset of final mirror plane from selected mirror plane
specified above. The offset is the distance (positive or
negative), along the normal, from the selected mirror plane to
Delete Original Nodes the location of the final mirror plane.
Auto Execute
Turn this toggle ON to delete the original nodes or elements.
Node List
This allows the original IDs to be used for the new nodes or
[0 0 0] elements.

-Apply- Specifies the list of nodes to be mirrored. The Node Select filter
is in effect.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.3 76 Options Close

4.3 Transforming Elements

Create Elements by Translating Elements
Finite Elements Constructs new elements by performing a rigid-body or
curvilinear (nonrigid body) translation, of each elements’
nodes, one or more times by an amount specified by a
Action: Transform
translation vector (number of iterations is determined by the
Object: Element Repeat Count).
An element is transformed by transforming each of its nodes.
Method: Translate The result is exactly the same as if each of the nodes had
been individually transformed.
Element ID List
1
See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Type of Transformation Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
◆ Cartesian in Refer. CF
◆
◆ Curvilinear in Refer. CF Specifies whether the transformation is to be performed
relative to rectangular coordinates in any selected coordinate
frame, or relative to curvilinear coordinates of a selected
Refer. Coordinate Frame cylindrical or spherical reference coordinate frame.

Coord 0

Specifies a reference coordinate frame in which to translate the

Translation Vector elements. If a curvilinear transformation is desired, a cylindrical
<1 0 0> or spherical coordinate frame should be selected. The default
ID is the same as the default coordinate frame.

Translation Parameters
Repeat Count
1 Specifies the number of times to repeat the transformation.

Delete Original Elements Turn this toggle ON to delete the original nodes or elements.
This allows the original IDs to be used for the new nodes or
Auto Execute elements.
Element List
Specifies the list of elements to be translated. The Element
select menu appears.

-Apply-

Specifies the translation vector. If curvilinear transformation was selected, enter the vector in the
coordinates of the reference coordinate system (rθz for Cylindrical, or rθφ for Spherical). If Cartesian
transformation is selected, the Vector select menu appears.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.3 77 Options Close

Create Elements by Rotating Elements

Constructs new elements by performing a rigid-body rotation

Finite Elements
of each elements’ nodes one or more times by an amount
specified by a rotation angle (number of iterations is
Action: Transform determined by the Repeat Count).
Object: Element An element is transformed by transforming each of its nodes.
The result is exactly the same as if each of the nodes had
Method: Rotate been individually transformed.

Element ID List
1 See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
Refer. Coordinate Frame

Coord 0 Specifies a reference coordinate frame in which to rotate the

elements. The default ID is that of the default coordinate
frame. The Frame select menu appears.
Axis

{[0 0 0][0 0 1]} Defines a vector normal to the plane of rotation. The Axis
select menu appears.
Rotation Parameters
Rotation Angle Specifies the rotation angle, θr (in degrees), through which
the elements are to be rotated default is 90 degrees CCW.
90.0 Enter a negative angle if the rotation is to be CW.
Offset Angle
0.0 Specifies the angular offset, θo (in degrees), default is 0.
Enter a negative angle if the offset is to be CCW.
Repeat Count
1 Specifies the number of times to repeat the transformation.

Delete Original Elements

Turn this toggle ON to delete the original nodes or elements.
Auto Execute This allows the original IDs to be used for the new nodes or
elements.
Element List

Specifies the list of elements to be rotated. The Element select

menu appears.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Transform Action §4.3 78 Options Close

Create Elements by Mirroring Elements

Finite Elements Constructs new elements by reflecting each element’s

nodes about a final mirror plane that may be offset form a
selected mirror plane.
Action: Transform
An element is transformed by transforming each of its
Object: Element nodes. The result is exactly the same as if each of the
nodes had been individually transformed.
Method: Mirror

Element ID List See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
1
Specifies the normal to the plane that is to serve as the
Define Mirror Plane Normal selected mirror plane. Axis select menu appears. The normal
to the plane is defined by a vector where the vector base
{[0 0 0][0 0 1]} originates in the plane and the vector tip is normal to the
plane.
Offset Parameters
Offset Specifies offset of final mirror plane from selected mirror
plane specified above. The offset is the distance (positive or
0.0
negative), along the normal, from the selected mirror plane to
the location of the final mirror plane.
Reverse Elements
If ON, the element connectivity will be reversed. Reversing
Delete Original Elements elements ensures that shell elements have consistent
normals, and that solid elements have positive volumes.
(Note: Negative volume elements will not be created under
Auto Execute
any circumstances.)
Element ID List

Turn this toggle ON to delete the original nodes or elements.

This allows the original IDs to be used for the new nodes or
elements.
-Apply-
Specifies the list of elements to be mirrored. The Element
select menu appears.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action § 79 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Sweep Action
5
■ Introduction

■ Sweep Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.1 80 Options Close

5.1 Introduction
Sweeping elements is the process of creating higher order elements by sweeping a lower order
element through a prescribed path. Therefore, a hex element may be created by sweeping a quad
element through space, the edges of the hex being defined by the corners of the quad as its nodes
move along the path. Ten methods for defining the swept paths are provided: Arc, Extrude,
Glide, Glide-Guide, Normal, Radial Cylindrical, Radial Spherical, Spherical Theta, Vector Field
and Loft.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 81 Options Close

5.2 Sweep Forms

The following options are available when Sweep is the selected Action and Element is the selected
Object.

Method Description
Arc The Arc method allows the creation of one or more elements by
sweeping a surface element about an axis of rotation.
Extrude The Extrude method allows creation of one or more elements
by moving a base element through space along a defined
vector.
Glide The Glide method allows the creation of one or more elements
by sweeping the base element along the path of a glide curve.
Glide-Guide The Glide-Guide method allows the creation of one or more
elements by sweeping the base element along the path of a
glide curve, while the orientation with respect to the base is
determined by means of a guide curve.
Normal The Normal method allows creation of one or more elements
by sweeping a base of element in a normal direction.
Radial Cylindrical The Radial Cylindrical method allows creation of one or more
elements by sweeping the base element through space radially
outward from a center axis.
Radial Spherical The Radial Spherical method allows creation of one or more
elements by sweeping the base element through space radially
outward from a center point.
Spherical Theta The Spherical Theta method allows creation of one or more
elements by sweeping the base element through space along a
path on a sphere that is like sweeping in the latitude direction
in the earth’s latitude and longitude system.
Vector Field The Vector Field method allows creation of one or more
elements by sweeping a base element in a direction as
determined by evaluating a vector field at each of the base
nodes.
Loft The Loft method allows creation of one or more elements by
sweeping a 2D base element to the location of a 2D top
element. The two meshes have to be topological congruent.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 82 Options Close

The Arc Method

The Arc method allows the creation of one or more elements by sweeping base entities about an
axis of rotation, as shown below. The element edge length in the swept direction is defined
explicitly, similar to creating a mesh seed for the meshing function.

Finite Elements Arc

Action: Sweep
Object: Element Axis
Method: Arc Specifies Output ID
List (p. 25) in the
MSC.Patran
Output IDs Reference Manual,
Part 1: Basic
θr
Element ID List
Functions for
1 elements and nodes Base Elemen
Node ID List
1
Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional
parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the
FE Parameters ... default settings do not need to be modified.

Mesh Control ... Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh
control parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it
Refer. Coordinate Frame contains required information.

Coord 0
Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame where the Axis
Vector is defined. The default ID is that of the active
Axis coordinate frame.
{[0 0 0][0 0 1]}
Specifies the axis of rotation by defining a vector normal to
the plane of rotation.
Sweep Angle
90.0 Specifies a positive or negative rotation angle (θr), in
degrees, through which the elements are to be swept.
Offset Direction of the rotation is determined by the right hand
rule. Negative angles may be specified.
0.0

Delete Original Elements Specifies an angular offset, in degrees, for the initial base
locations. Negative offset angles may be specified.
Base Entity List
Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes
which are not used by other elements are also deleted.
Element faces and edges, which may be in the base entity
-Apply- list, are not affected by this toggle.

Specifies a list of base entities to be swept.

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 83 Options Close

The Extrude Method

The Extrude method allows creation of one or more elements by moving a base entities through
space along a defined vector. The extrusion vector is applied to each listed entity.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep
Object: Element
Method: Extrude
Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Output IDs Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and elements to be
Element ID List created.

Node ID List Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional

parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the default
1 settings do not need to be modified.

FE Parameters ...
Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control
Mesh Control ... parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it contains
required information.
Refer. Coordinate Frame
Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame in which the
Coord 0
Direction Vector is defined. The default ID is the same as the
active coordinate frame.
Direction Vector
<0 0 -2> Specifies the direction of the translation. When the direction
vector is changed, the Magnitude databox is automatically
Extrude Distance loaded with the corresponding magnitude of the new vector.

4.

Offset Specifies the distance to extrude along the direction vector.

This value is automatically loaded when the direction vector is
0.0 changed. If negative the sweep will occur in the opposite
direction of the direction vector.
Delete Original Elements

Base Entity List Specifies an offset for the initial base locations. Negative
offsets may be specified.
Eml 4

Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.

-Apply-

Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes which are not used by other
elements are also deleted. Element faces and edges, which may be in the base entity
list, are not affected by this toggle.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 84 Options Close

The Glide Method

The Glide method allows the creation of one or more elements by sweeping the base element
along a portion or all of a glide curve. The glide curve can exist anywhere in the model and can
be traversed in either direction.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep
Object: Element
Method: Glide

Output IDs
Element ID List Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and elements to be
1 created.
Node ID List
1 Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional
parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the default
FE Parameters ... settings do not need to be modified.

Mesh Control ... Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control
parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it contains
Glide Curve Data: required information.

Glide Curve
Specifies the curve along which to sweep the base entities.

Reverse Curve Direction Toggle ON to cause the sweep to start at the end of the
curve and go toward the start.
Glide Control ...

Delete Original Elements Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes
which are not used by other elements are also deleted.
Base Entity List Element faces and edges, which may be in the base entity
list, are not affected by this toggle.

Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.

-Apply-

Brings up the Glide Control form. Use to specify beginning and ending sweep locations along the
curve and to set the curve sweep parameter as being in arc space or parametric space.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 85 Options Close

Glide Control
The Glide Control allows curves in the model to be used without having to perform simple
operations such as break and translate. It also allows for sweeping to be done in arc length or
parametric coordinates along the curve.

Glide Control

Point Coordinate System

◆ Space Coordinates Toggles whether space or parametric coordinate system is
used to specify the beginning and ending points below.
◆
◆ Parametric Coordinates

Refer. Coordinate Frame Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame in which the
Beginning and Ending Points are defined. The default ID is
Coord 0 the same as the active coordinate frame. This is only used
when Space Coordinates is the selected system.
Glide Begin Point

Glide End Point Beginning and Ending points on curve along which to do
the sweep. If the Parametric Coordinates are toggled on
above, these are entered as parametric values on the
curve. Points can be in any order along curve. Beginning
and ending points on curve are used by default if left blank.
Offset to Glide Beginning
Curve Sweep Parameter
◆ Arc Length
Toggle Curve Sweep Parameter. Specifies whether mesh
◆
◆ Curve Parameterization seeding is done in units of arc length or curve
parameterization.
OK

Offset from begin/end of curve to begin point. Swept mesh begins at begin point and
proceeds to the end point.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 86 Options Close

The Glide-Guide Method

The Glide-Guide method allows the creation of one or more elements by sweeping the base
element along the path of a glide curve, while the orientation with respect to the base is
determined by means of a guide curve. The sweep offset is determined by the glide curve. The
orientation is determined by the glide curve tangent direction and the direction to the guide
curve.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep
Object: Element
Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Method: Glide - Guide Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and elements to be
created.
Output IDs
Element ID List
Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional
1 parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the default
Node ID List settings do not need to be modified.

1
Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control
Pattern:
FE Parameters ... parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it contains
required information.
Mesh Control ...
Specifies the curve along which to sweep the base entities.
Glide Curve
Toggle ON to cause the sweep to occur in the reverse of the
glide curve direction. Should be used when the end of the curve
is at the beginning of the desired sweep.
Reverse Curve Direction
Guide Curve Specifies the guide curve to use for determining the orientation
of the swept entities.

Toggle ON to cause the sweep to occur in the reverse of the

guide curve direction. Should be used when the end of the curve
Reverse Guide Direction is at the beginning of the desired sweep. Note that reversing the
direction does not mirror it.
Glide - Guide Control ...

Brings up the Glide-Guide Control form. Use to specify beginning

Delete Original Elements and ending sweep locations along the glide and guide curves and
to set the curve sweep parameter as being in arc space or
Base Entity List parametric space.

Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes

which are not used by other elements are also deleted. Element
-Apply- faces and edges, which may be in the base entity list, are not
affected by this toggle.

Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 87 Options Close

The Glide-Guide method allows sweeps to be swept and rotated along a desired path. One good
application of this method is that of meshing a pipe as it goes around a bend.

Before:

For this example, the base entities are a quad

mesh on the cross section of a pipe. The glide
curve is curve 1 and the guide curve is curve 2.
The glide curve can be thought of as the top seam
of the pipe. In this case, the guide curve is along
the bottom seam of the pipe. The centerline of the
pipe could just as easily been used.

After:

Although only a 90-degree bend is shown here,

the glide and guide curves are not limited to a
specified angle or number of bends.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 88 Options Close

Glide-Guide Control
The Glide-Guide Control allows curves in the model to be used without having to perform
simple operations such as break and translate. It also allows for sweeping to be done in arc
length or parametric coordinates along the curve. Note that for Glide-Guide, the beginning or
end of the curves should touch the base elements for best results. Otherwise, undesirable results
may occur due to the large effect of orientation’s rotations on the base entities.

Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame in which the beginning and ending
points are defined. The default ID is the same as the active coordinate frame. This
is only used when Space Coordinates is one of the selected systems.

Glide - Guide Control Toggles local axis to

be preserved as the
Glide Frame Orientation sweep progresses
Refer. Coordinate Frame and the orientation
Coord 0 ◆ Preserve Glide Tangent changes along the
glide and guide
◆
◆ Preserve Guide Direction curves.

Glide Curve: Guide Curve:

Toggle type of
Point Coordinate System Point Coordinate System coordinates to use to
◆ Space Coordinates ◆ Space Coordinates specify the
beginning and
◆
◆ Parametric Coordinates ◆
◆ Parametric Coordinates ending points below.

Glide Begin Point Guide Begin Point

Glide End Point Guide End Point

Beginning and ending

points on curve along
Offset to Glide Beginning Offset to Guide Beginning which to do the sweep.
If the Parametric
Curve Sweep Parameter Guide Sweep Parameter
Coordinates are
◆ Arc Length ◆ Arc Length toggled on above,
these are entered as
◆
◆ Curve Parameterization ◆
◆ Curve Parameterization parametric values on
the curve. Points can
be in any order along
OK curve.

Offset from begin/end of curve to

begin point. Swept mesh begins at Toggle curve sweep parameter. Specifies whether
begin point. mesh seeding is done in units of arc length or curve
parameterization.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 89 Options Close

The Normal Method

The Normal method allows creation of one or more elements by sweeping base entities in a
normal direction. If the base elements are associated with geometry, the normal direction for
each node will be the surface normal at that location. If the elements are unassociated, the normal
direction will be the average of the element normals of all the elements in the base entity list
referencing the node.
For unassociated base elements, the normals must be consistent. If not, an error is reported and
execution terminated.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep
Object: Element
Method: Normal

Output IDs Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for the nodes and elements to be
Element ID List
created.

Node ID List
Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional
18 parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the default
settings do not need to be modified.
FE Parameters ...

Mesh Control ... Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control
parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it contains required
Normal Length information.
1.0
Specifies the sweep distance. If negative the sweep will occur in the
Offset opposite direction of the normal vector.
0.0
Specifies an offset for the initial base locations. Negative offsets
Reverse Normal Direction may be specified.

Delete Original Elements Toggle ON to cause the sweep to occur in the opposite direction
indicated by the sign of the Normal Length parameter.
Base Entity List
Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes which
are not used by other elements are also deleted. Element faces and
edges, which may be in the base entity list, are not affected by this
toggle.
-Apply-
Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 90 Options Close

The Radial Cy lindrical Method

The Radial Cylindrical method allows creation of one or more elements by sweeping the base
element through space radially outward from a center axis.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep
Object: Element
Method: Radial Cyl.

Output IDs Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and
Element ID List
elements to be created.
1

Node ID List Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional

parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the
1 default settings do not need to be modified.

FE Parameters ...
Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh
control parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it
Mesh Control ...
contains required information.

Refer. Coordinate Frame

Coord 0 Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame in which the

Axis is defined. The default ID is the same as the active
Axis coordinate frame.

Coord 0.3
Specifies the cylindrical axis. All elements are swept out from
this central axis.
Radial Distance
1.0 Total distance to sweep in radial direction from axis.
Offset
0.0 Distance to offset in radial direction from axis before starting
sweep.
Delete Original Elements
Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes
Base Entity List which are not used by other elements are also deleted.
Element faces and edges, which may be in the base entity
list, are not affected by this toggle.

-Apply-
Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 91 Options Close

The Radial Spherical Method

The Radial Spherical method allows creation of one or more elements by sweeping the base
element through space radially outward from a center point.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep
Object: Element
Method: Radial Sph.

Output IDs Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and
Element ID List elements to be created.
1

Node ID List Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional

1 parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the
default settings do not need to be modified.

FE Parameters ...
Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control
Mesh Control ... parameters. Initially this form is raised because it contains
required information.

Refer. Coordinate Frame

Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame in which the
Coord 0 Sphere Center Point is defined. The default ID is the same
as the active coordinate frame.
Sphere Center Point
[0 0 0] Specifies the sphere center point. All elements are swept
out from this center point.
Radial Distance
Total distance to sweep out from sphere center point.
1.0

Offset
Offset distance in radial direction to beginning of
0.0 sweep.

Delete Original Elements Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes
which are not used by other elements are also deleted.
Base Entity List Element faces and edges, which may be in the base entity list,
are not affected by this toggle.

Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 92 Options Close

The Spherical Theta Method

The Spherical Theta method allows creation of one or more elements by sweeping the base
element through space along a path on a sphere that is like sweeping in the latitude direction in
the earth’s latitude and longitude system.
Finite
FiniteElements
Elements
Action: Sweep
Object: Element
Method: Sph. Theta

Output IDs Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and
Element ID List elements to be created.
1

Node ID List
Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional
1
parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the default
settings do not need to be modified.
FE Parameters ...
Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control
Mesh Control ... parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it contains
required information.
Refer. Coordinate Frame
Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame in which the
Coord 0 Sphere Center Point is defined. The default ID is the same as
Axis, Base at Sph. Center the active coordinate frame.

Coord 0.3 Specifies the spherical center point and a direction to the
“north pole” of the sphere. All elements are swept in the
spherical theta direction with respect to this axis.
Sweep Angle
45.0
Specifies the angle, in degrees, to sweep the elements, with the
Offset positive direction being from the “north” pole towards the
“equator” of the spherical system.
0.0

Specifies the offset angle, in degrees, to offset before

Delete Original Elements
beginning sweep.

Base Entity List Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes
which are not used by other elements are also deleted. Element
faces and edges, which may be in the base entity list, are not
affected by this toggle.

-Apply-
Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 93 Options Close

The following is an example of how the spherical theta method can be used to mesh a section of
a hollow sphere:

Before:

The base entities are first set up. In this

case, they are quads on a patch that is in
the x-y plane. The default axis was used for
this sweep (i.e., [0 0 0][0 0 1]). Therefore,
the reference sphere for the sweeping
process is one that is centered at the origin
and has its pole along the z-axis.

After:

The sweep direction is from the pole (in

this case, the z-axis) toward the south pole,
thereby creating a section of a hollow
sphere.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 94 Options Close

The Vector Field Method

The Vector Field method allows creation of one or more elements by sweeping a base element in
a direction determined by evaluating a vector field at each of its nodes.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep

Object: Element

Method: Vector Field

Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Output IDs Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and elements to be
Element ID List created.

1
Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional
Node ID List parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the default
settings do not need to be modified.
1

Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control

Pattern:FE Parameters ...
parameters. Initially, this form is raised because it contains
required information.
Mesh Control ...

Existing Vector Fields Form automatically lists all of the valid fields in the
MSC.Patran database. Sweep only works for spatial vector
fields that are created in a real (as opposed to parametric)
coordinate system.

Specifies name of selected vector field.

Field Name

Toggle ON to normalize the field vectors before sweeping.

Reverse Normalize
Toggle ON to cause the sweep to occur in the reverse of the
Scaling Factor
field direction.
1.0
Offset Factor Scaling factor to apply to magnitude of each field
vector.
0.0

Delete Original Elements Factor multiplied by each vector to determine offset from each
node in the base entity.
Base Entity List
Toggle ON to delete base elements after the sweep. Nodes
which are not used by other elements are also deleted.
Element faces and edges, which may be in the base entity list,
are not affected by this toggle.
-Apply-

Specifies a list of entities which are to be swept.

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 95 Options Close

The following is an example of how the vector field sweep could be used:

Before:

The base entities are quads in the x-y plane.

The underlying patch measures 2*PI units in
the x direction and 1 unit in the y direction. The
following vector field is used:
X = 0.0
Y = 0.0
Z = 1.5 + COS(X)
This field is evaluated at each of the base
nodes to determine both the sweep direction
and total sweep distance.

After:

The mesh control is set for this example to

create 4 equally sized elements in the
direction of the sweep. The resulting mesh
represents a cosine wave.
Although an equation was used to create the
field (see Spatial Field (p. 140) in the
MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 5:
Functional Assignments), other means can
be used, such as filling in a table of data.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 96 Options Close

The Loft Method

The Loft method allows creation of one or more elements by sweeping a 2D base element to the
location of a 2D top element. The two meshes have to be topological congruent.

Finite Elements
Action: Sweep

Object: Element

Method: Loft

Output IDs Specifies Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions for nodes and
Element ID List elements to be created.
1

Node ID List
1 Brings up the FE Parameters form. Use to define optional
parameters for the elements to be swept. Normally, the
default settings do not need to be modified.
Pattern:FE Parameters ...

Mesh Control ... Brings up the Mesh Control form. Use to define mesh control
parameters. Initially this form is raised because it contains
Auto Align Start Elements required information.
Delete Original Elements
Auto Execute Toggle ON to delete base and top elements after the sweep.
Nodes which are not used by other elements are also
First Entity List deleted.

Second Entity List Specifies a list of 2D elements which are to be swept. The first
and second entity list defines two meshes, which will be
connected with 3D elements. The number of elements in these
two boxes has to be the same.
Start Element in First List

Start Element in Second List Specify a start element in first and second list. These two
elements will be the first to be connected. If no elements are
specified the first element in the entity lists will be used as a
start element.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 97 Options Close

FEM Data
This form appears when the FE Parameters button is selected on any of the Sweep forms.

Sweep FEM Parameters

Sweep Topologies:
Point: Bar2 Specifies the type of element to be swept from each
base element type listed.
Bar2: Quad4

Analysis Coordinate Frame Specifies the Analysis Coordinate Frame for all of the
swept nodes.
Coord 0

Refer. Coordinate Frame

Specifies the Reference Coordinate Frame for all of the
Coord 0 swept nodes.

Results Displacement Offset This feature, when turned ON, allows you to sweep
elements based on rezoned nodal/element locations
Select Results Case... from displacement results of a previously run analysis.
For example, say you run an axisymmetric analysis of a
wheel. From the displaced results of the axisymmetric
model you want to create a full 3D model of the wheel to
Select Displacement Result... run subsequent analyses but from the deformed state of
the axisymmetric analysis. To do this, you would Select
the Results Case... of the axisymmetric model and then
Select the Displacement Result... from which you want
to create the rezoned mesh. (If multiple layers of results
Select Layer...
exist, you will have to Select the appropriate Layer...
also.)
Naturally the results must exist in the database to
perform this rezoned sweep. All sweep commands can
use rezoning from displacement results except Method
= Loft.

OK
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 98 Options Close

Mesh Control Data

Several Methods for defining either uniform or nonuniform discretization in the sweep direction
are available. For the nonuniform methods, MSC.Patran will calculate the node spacing through
a geometric progression based on the given L2⁄ L1 ratio.

Mesh Control

Method:
Defines a uniform discretization by selecting either “Number
Uniform of Elements” or “Element Length(L).” If “Number of
Elements” is selected, enter an integer value for the desired
Mesh Control Data number of elements. If Element Length is selected, enter an
element edge length (MSC.Patran will calculate the
L resulting number of elements needed, rounded off to the
nearest integer value).

◆ Number of Elements
◆
◆ Element Length (L)

Number = 2

OK

Mesh Control

Method: Defines a nonuniform discretization by selecting either

One Way Bias “Number Elements and L2 ⁄L1” or L1 and L2.”
If “Number Elements and L2⁄L1” is selected, enter an
Mesh Control Data integer value for the desired number of elements and an
edge length ratio as indicated by the diagram. If “L1 and
L1 L2 L2” is selected, enter edge lengths for the first and last
elements.
MSC.Patran will calculate the nonuniform node spacing
through a geometric progression based on the given L2⁄L1
◆ Num Elems and L2/L1 ratio. The direction arrow in the diagram indicates the
◆
◆ L1 and L2 sweep direction.

Number = 3

L2/L1 = 1.5

OK
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 99 Options Close

Mesh Control

Method: Defines a nonuniform discretization by selecting either

“Number Elements and L2⁄ L1” or L1 and L2.”
Two Way Bias
If “Number Elements and L2 ⁄L1” is selected, enter an
Mesh Control Data integer value for the desired number of elements and an
edge length ratio as indicated by the diagram. If “L1 and L2”
L2 is selected, enter edge lengths for the end and middle
L1 L1
elements.
MSC.Patran will calculate the nonuniform node spacing
through a geometric progression based on the given L2⁄ L1
◆ Num Elems and L2/L1 ratio. The direction arrow in the diagram indicates the sweep
direction.
◆
◆ L1 and L2

Number = 3

L2/L1 = 1.5

OK

Mesh Control
Defines an arbitrary set of node locations by either
Method: selecting a Predefined Function or by specifying a user-
defined PCL function
PCL Function

Mesh Control Data Enter the number of nodes in the sweep direction.

Number of Nodes (N)

Beta Selecting a Predefined Function will enter its call into

Cluster the “PCL for jth Node” data box.
Roberts

PCL for jth Node

To have a user-defined PCL function provide parametric

node locations, enter its call(i.e.; my_function(j, N, 0.25) ).
OK
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Sweep Action §5.2 100 Options Close
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Renumber Action § 101 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Renumber Action
6
■ Introduction

■ Renumber Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Renumber Action §6.1 102 Options Close

6.1 Introduction
Most often, ID numbers (IDs) for finite element nodes and elements are chosen and assigned
automatically. The Renumber Action permits the IDs of nodes and elements to be changed. This
capability is useful to:
• Offset the IDs of a specific list of entities.
• Renumber the IDs of all existing entities within a specified range.
• Compact the IDs of an entity type sequentially from 1 to N.
IDs must be positive integers. Duplicate IDs are not permitted in the List of New IDs, or in the
selected Entity List (old IDs). A Starting ID or a List of New IDs may be entered in the input
databox. If a finite element entity outside the list of entities being renumbered is using the new
ID, the renumber process will abort since each entity must have a unique ID. The default is to
renumber all the existing entities beginning with the minimum ID through the maximum ID
consecutively starting with 1.
If only one ID is entered, it is assumed to be the starting ID. The entities will be renumbered
consecutively beginning with the starting ID.
If more than one ID is entered, then there must be at least as many new IDs as there are valid
old IDs. If there are fewer IDs in the List of New IDs than there are valid IDs in the selected Entity
List, renumbering will not take place and a message will appear in the command line indicating
exactly how many IDs are needed. The List of New IDs may not contain a #. However, the list
may have more IDs than needed.

Important: Try to estimate the number of IDs needed. A large number of unnecessary IDs
will slow down the renumber process.

The IDs in the selected Entity List may contain a #. The value of the maximum existing ID is
automatically substituted for the #. There may be gaps of nonexisting entities in the list but there
must be at least one valid entity ID in order for renumbering to take place.
A percent complete form shows the status of the renumber process. When renumbering is
complete, a report appears in the command line indicating the number of entities renumbered
and their new IDs. The renumber process may be halted at any time by pressing the Abort button
and the old IDs will be restored.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Renumber Action §6.2 103 Options Close

6.2 Renumber Forms

When Renumber is the selected Action the following options are available.

Object Description
Node The node menu selection provides the capability to renumber
or change the IDS of nodes.
Element The element menu selection provides the capability to
renumber or change the IDs of elements.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Renumber Action §6.2 104 Options Close

Renumber Nodes
Figure 6-1
Finite Elements
Action: Renumber Use this option to renumber nodes. Each node has a unique
node ID. See Introduction (p. 102).
Object: Node

Node Summary

Total in Model:
2713
Shows how many nodes exist in the model and
Minimum ID minimum⁄ maximum values of node IDs. Note: All nodes are
21 numbered sequentially when the Maximum ID is equal to Total
in Model.
Maximum ID
2733

Start ID or List of New IDs

1 Specifies the starting ID, or a list of new node IDs to assign.
Node IDs must be positive integers. Although # is not a valid
entry here, a large number may be entered. If the number of
Node List IDs is less than the number of valid nodes, renumbering will
not take place.
Node 21:2733

Node List Specifies which old nodes are to be renumbered. A list of nodes
-Apply-
can be entered here or an active group of nodes can be
selected from the viewport.
The default is to renumber all nodes (Node minimum ID to
maximum ID) consecutively beginning with the Start ID. The
entry, Node 1:#, is also valid to indicate all nodes. There may be
gaps of nonexisting nodes in the list, but there must be at least
one valid node in order for renumbering to take place. Duplicate
IDs are not permitted.
If a node outside the list of nodes being renumbered is using the
new ID, the renumber process will abort since each node must
have a unique ID.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Renumber Action §6.2 105 Options Close

Renumber Elements
Figure 6-2
Finite Elements

Action: Renumber Use this option to renumber elements. Each element has a
unique element ID. See Introduction (p. 102).
Object: Element

Element Summary
Total in Model:
2423
Minimum ID Shows how many elements exist in the model and
15 minimum ⁄maximum values of element IDs. Note: Elements
are numbered sequentially when the Maximum ID is equal to
Maximum ID Total in Model.
4756

Start ID or List of New IDs

1 Specifies the starting ID or list of new element IDs to assign.
Element IDs must be positive integers. Although # is not a
valid entry here, more IDs than needed may be entered. If
Element List there are too few IDs or if there are duplicate IDs in the list,
renumbering will not take place.
Element 15:4756

Specifies which old elements are to be renumbered. A list of

elements can be entered here or an active group of elements
-Apply- can be selected from the viewport.
The default is to renumber all elements (Element minimum ID
to maximum ID) consecutively beginning with the Start ID. The
entry, Element 1:#, is also valid to indicate all elements.There
may be gaps of nonexisting elements in the list, but there must
be at least one valid element in order for renumbering to take
place. Duplicate IDs are not permitted.
If an element outside the list of elements being renumbered is
using the new ID, the renumber process will abort since each
element must have a unique ID.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Renumber Action §6.2 106 Options Close
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associated Action... § 107 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Associate Action
7
■ Introduction

■ Associate Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associate Action... §7.1 108 Options Close

7.1 Introduction
The purpose of the Associate Action is to define a logical connection between geometry and
finite elements. The associate action allows users to associate finite element entities to
geometries, if they are unassociated, thereby enabling the user to apply loads, boundary
conditions and properties directly to the geometry instead of to the individual finite element
entities. When associating finite elements to geometric entities, two general rules apply:
Rule 1:The nodes are associated with the lowest order existing topological entity first which is a
vertex, then an edge, face, and body.
Rule 2:The finite elements are associated with the same order geometric entity, i.e., a beam
element with a curve, or a quad element with a surface.
A typical application would be the importing of an IGES file which has both a geometry and a
finite element model. However, there is no associativity between either of the models. The
Associate Action will provide the capability of logically connecting the two models together,
thus defining an associativity between them.
Association of elements and nodes are based on their geometric proximity to the selected
geometry. When associating elements to geometry (except points) users have the option of
specifying whether or not a “mesh definition” must be created on the curves or edges. This
option creates an implicit mesh record on the curve that allows the mesher to create congruent
meshes across neighboring geometries.
CAUTION: When a mesh is associated, to say a surface, and “mesh definition” is requested to
be created, if a “mesh definition” already exists on an edge of the surface a warning is issued
about a possible non congruent mesh along that edge. This is because the associate code simply
duplicates the existing mesh definition as multiple mesh definitions cannot exist on an edge to
produce a congruent mesh.
Four methods for associating nodes and finite elements to geometry are provided: Point, Curve,
Surface, and Solid.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associated Action... §7.2 109 Options Close

7.2 Associate Forms

The following options are available when Associate is the selected Action and Element is the
selected Object.

Method Description
Point The Point method allows the association of nodes and
0-dimensional finite elements to geometric point entities.
Curve The Curve method allows the association of nodes and
1-dimensional finite elements to topological vertices and edges
and geometric curves respectively.
Surface The Surface method allows the association of nodes and
2-dimensional finite elements to topological vertices, edges,
and faces and geometric surfaces respectively.
Solid The Solid method allows the association of nodes and
3-dimensional finite elements to topological vertices, edges,
faces, and bodies and geometric solids respectively.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associate Action... §7.2 110 Options Close

The Point Method

The Point method allows the association of nodes and 0-dimensional finite elements to
geometric point entities. The associate action allows users to associate finite element entities to
geometries, if they are unassociated, thereby enabling the user to apply loads, boundary
conditions and properties directly to the geometry instead of to the individual finite element
entities.

Finite Elements
Action: Associate
Object: Element
Method: Point

Auto Execute

[Element List]
Point elements to associate to list of selected
points (optional).
Point List
Select the points to associate to existing nodes and
0-dimensional elements. The Point select menu appears.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associated Action... §7.2 111 Options Close

The Curve Method

The Curve method allows the association of nodes and 1-dimensional finite elements to
geometric curve entities. The associate action allows users to associate finite element entities to
geometries, if they are unassociated, thereby enabling the user to apply loads, boundary
conditions and properties directly to the geometry instead of to the individual finite element
entities.
Finite Elements _
Action: Associate
Object: Element
Method: Curve Toggle to create mesh definition on curve based on nodes on
curve (default is ON).
Create edge mesh definition
Auto Execute
[Element List] Beam elements to associate to list of selected curves
(optional).

Point List
Select the curves to associate to existing nodes and
1-dimensional elements. The Curve select menu appears.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associate Action... §7.2 112 Options Close

The Surface Method

The Surface method allows the association of nodes and 2-dimensional finite elements to
geometric surface entities. The associate action allows users to associate finite element entities to
geometries, if they are unassociated, thereby enabling the user to apply loads, boundary
conditions and properties directly to the geometry instead of to the individual finite element
entities.

Finite Elements
Action: Associate
Object: Element
Method: Surface

Create edge mesh definition Toggle to create mesh definition on surface edge based
on nodes on edge (default is ON).
Auto Execute
[Element List]
Surface elements to associate to list of selected surfaces
(optional).
Surface List
Select the surfaces to associate to existing nodes and
2-dimensional elements. The Surface select menu
appears.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associated Action... §7.2 113 Options Close

The Solid Method

The Solid method allows the association of nodes and 3-dimensional finite elements to geometric
solid entities. The associate action allows users to associate finite element entities to geometries,
if they are unassociated, thereby enabling the user to apply loads, boundary conditions and
properties directly to the geometry instead of to the individual finite element entities.

Finite Elements
Action: Associate
Object: Element
Method: Solid
Toggle to create mesh definition on solid edge based on nodes
Create edge mesh definition on edge (default is ON).
Auto Execute

Element List
Select the 3-dimensional elements to associate to existing solid
entities in the Solid List. The Solid Element select menu
appears.
Solid List

Select the solids to associate to existing nodes and

3-dimensional elements in the Element List. The Solid select
menu appears.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Associate Action... §7.2 114 Options Close

The Node Forms

This form is used to associate nodes and curves.

Finite Elements
Action: Associate
Object: Node
Method:Curve

Select Nodes
Select the nodes that will be associated with the curve.

Select a Curve
Select the curve that will be associated with the nodes.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Disassociate Action § 115 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Disassociate Action
8
■ Introduction

■ Disassociate Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Disassociate Action §8.1 116 Options Close

8.1 Introduction
The Finite Element Disassociate action allows the user to disassociate a finite element entity (a
node or an element) either by its geometric association or by ID. When a geometry is selected for
disassociation, all finite element entities of the selected type associated to that geometry get
disassociated. When an ID is selected, only the selected item is disassociated.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Disassociate Action §8.2 117 Options Close

8.2 Disassociate Forms

The following table shows the possible methods by which Finite Element entities could be
disassociated.

Method Description
Elements Disassociate elements associated to the picked geometry.
Disassociate elements with specified IDs from their parent
geometry.
Node Disassociate nodes associated to the picked geometry.
Disassociate nodes with specified IDs from their parent
geometry.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Disassociate Action §8.2 118 Options Close

Elements
The elements may be disassociated from their parent geometry either by picking the parent
geometry, in which case all the Finite elememt entities of the chosen type associated to the parent
geometry will get disassociated, or by picking individual IDs.

Finite Elements
Action: Disassociate
The user can choose to disassociate elements.
Object: Element
Method:Geometry
Finite Element entities may be disassociated either by their
geometric association or IDs.
Auto Execute
Geometry List
Geometry to disassociate FEM element
entities from.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Disassociate Action §8.2 119 Options Close

Node
The nodes may be disassociated from the parent geometry either by picking the parent
geometry, in which case all the FEM entities of the chosen type associated to the picked geometry
will be disassociated, or by picking the individual IDs.

Finite Elements
Action: Disassociate
Object: Node The user can choose to disassociate nodes.

Method: IDs
Finite Element entities may be disassociated either by their
Auto Execute geometric association or IDs.
Node List

Items to disassociate.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Disassociate Action §8.2 120 Options Close
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action § 121 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Equivalence Action
9
■ Introduction to Equivalencing

■ Equivalence Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action §9.1 122 Options Close

9.1 Introduction to Equivalencing

Equivalencing is the process of reducing all nodes that coexist at a point to a single node. This
change is propagated through any existing FEM definition (element connectivity definitions,
MPC equations, loads and boundary conditions), geometry definition and groups.
By default, a red highlight circle is drawn over each retained node causing the deletion of
neighboring nodes. For example, if nodes 2 and 3 are deleted because of their proximity to node
1, then a circle is drawn over node 1. If node labels are active, a highlight label appears indicating
the selected ID.
The removal of a node by equivalencing causes all occurrences of that node in the FEM definition
to be replaced with the surviving node, which is usually the coincident node with the lowest ID.
The surviving node remains associated with whatever geometric entity it was associated with
prior to equivalencing. However, the effect on groups are additive. For example, if
equivalencing removes a node which belongs to group1, in favor of a surviving node which
belongs to group2, then the surviving node is associated with both groups.
The selection of the retained node among a set of coincident nodes is guided by two principles:
1. The node with the lowest ID should be retained.
2. Equivalencing must never cause element edge collapse or the removal of an MPC
equation or zero length element, such as a spring or mass.
Therefore, MSC.Patran always retains the coincident node with the lowest ID, unless one of the
coincident nodes belongs to an MPC or a zero length element edge, and the MPC or element
contains at least two nodes in the set of nodes for which equivalencing has been requested. (In
the Equivalence-All option, for example, that set is the set of all nodes in the model.)
Furthermore, if nodes 1, 2, and 3 are coincident and nodes 2 and 3 are connected by an MPC
equation, then if the Equivalence-All option is chosen, all references to node 1 will be replaced
with node 2. However, if the Equivalence-List option is used with a node list of “Node 1:2”, then
all references to node 2 will be replaced with node 1. The MPC is ignored here because only one
of its nodes is in the user-specified set.
The automated equivalencing method available in MSC.Patran is called Geometric
Equivalencing. Geometric Equivalencing is based upon the physical coordinates of the node
points. The proximity is compared with a user definable tolerance parameter called the
Equivalencing Tolerance.
Equivalencing can be delayed until the completion of the model, but it is generally
recommended that equivalencing be performed before loads and boundary conditions are
defined. In this way, diagnostics which may be issued for loads and boundary conditions will
have more significance since MSC.Patran will be implementing the values of nodal attributes at
common nodes at the time of loads and boundary specification.
Equivalencing should always be performed prior to the optimization of element connectivity
and the generation of the neutral file output file.
The model, or any portion of the model, can be equivalenced more than once. When the new
component is completed and equivalenced, only those nodes which are newly equivalenced as
a result of this second equivalencing will be circled.
It is necessary to perform local equivalencing whenever a modification is made to a region’s
mesh. Only the new nodes will be subject to equivalencing.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action §9.1 123 Options Close

If the INTERRUPT button is selected during equivalencing, the search for equivalent nodes is
immediately terminated. If any changes have been made to the node numbering sequence, they
will be reversed.
The results of equivalencing can be verified by bringing up the “Verify⁄Element⁄ Boundaries”
form.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action §9.2 124 Options Close

9.2 Equivalence Forms

When Equivalence is the selected Action the following options are available.

Object Method Description

All Tolerance Cube Equivalence the whole model using tolerance cube.
Tolerance Sphere Equivalence the whole model using tolerance
sphere.
Group Tolerance Cube Equivalence only nodes in groups specified using
tolerance cube.
Tolerance Sphere Equivalence only nodes in groups specified using
tolerance sphere.
List Tolerance Cube Equivalence nodes in user-defined lists by cube
tolerance.
Tolerance Sphere Equivalence nodes in user-defined lists by sphere
tolerance.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action §9.2 125 Options Close

Equivalence - All
Note: You can now generate a Node Equivalence Report by setting the environment variable
"WRITE_EQUIVALENCE_REPORT" to "YES”. To set the variable, type:
setenv WRITE_EQUIVALENCE_REPORT , YES
in The settings.pcl file (p. 41).

For information on the Equivalence action, see

Introduction to Equivalencing (p. 122).

Finite Elements
Use this option to have all nodes in the model
Action: Equivalence considered for equivalencing.
Object: All
The following are methods available for equivalencing:
Method: Tolerance Cube
Tolerance The equivalencing procedure which uses a
Cube cube and is the default method used for
equivalencing. If Tolerance Cube is
Nodes to be excluded selected, then two node points are
equivalenced if all of their coordinates in
the global Cartesian frame lie within the
tolerance of each other. The node with the
Equivalencing Tolerance lower ID is always retained.
0.005
Tolerance Uses a sphere for equivalencing. If
Sphere Tolerance Sphere is chosen, two node
-Apply- points are equivalenced if the distance
between them is within the tolerance.

A user-definable tolerance parameter used to determine

whether two nodes are sufficiently close to be considered
coincident, and therefore are subject to nodal equivalencing. By
default, this parameter is equal to the Global Model Tolerance
set in Global Preferences. The value in the Equivalencing
Tolerance databox is used for equivalencing, but the value set
in Global Preferences will continue to appear every time
equivalencing is reselected.
The tolerance should never be set too low (less than 10.E-7)
since computational round-off can cause two otherwise
identical points to be slightly offset. As part of the equivalencing
computations, MSC.Patran internally calculates the minimum
tolerance that will ensure that no element edges will collapse. If
this calculated tolerance is less than the user selected
tolerance, then the calculated tolerance is used and a message
is issued.

All selected nodes will be excluded from equivalencing.

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action §9.2 126 Options Close

Equivalence - Group

For information on the Equivalence action, see

Introduction to Equivalencing (p. 122).

Finite Elements Use this option to have only those nodes belonging to a
particular set of groups considered for equivalencing.
Action: Equivalence
Object: Group
The following are methods available for equivalencing:
Method: Tolerance Cube
Tolerance Uses a cube and is the default method used for
Cube equivalencing. If Tolerance Cube is selected, then
Filter two node points are equivalenced if all of their
* coordinates in the global Cartesian frame lie within
the tolerance of each other. The node with the
Filter lower ID is always retained.

Tolerance Uses a sphere for equivalencing. If Tolerance

Select Groups Sphere Sphere is chosen, two node points are
equivalenced if the distance between them is
default_group within the tolerance.

Nodes to be excluded
All selected nodes will be excluded from equivalencing.

Equivalencing Tolerance
0.005 A user-definable tolerance parameter used to determine whether two
nodes are sufficiently close to be considered coincident and therefore are
-Apply- subject to nodal equivalencing. By default, this parameter is equal to the
Global Model Tolerance set in Global Preferences. The value in the
Equivalencing Tolerance databox is used for equivalencing, but the value
set in Global Preferences will continue to appear every time
equivalencing is reselected. The tolerance should never be set too low
(less than 10.E-7) since computational round-off can cause two
otherwise identical points to be slightly offset. As part of the
equivalencing computations, MSC.Patran internally calculates the
minimum tolerance that will ensure that no element edges will collapse. If
this calculated tolerance is less than the user selected tolerance, then
the calculated tolerance is used and a message is issued.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action §9.2 127 Options Close

Equivalence - List
Figure 9-1
For information on the Equivalence action, see
Introduction to Equivalencing (p. 122).

Finite Elements
Use this option to have only nodes in a user- defined
Action: Equivalence
set considered for equivalencing.
Object: List
The following are methods available for equivalencing:
Method: Tolerance Cube
Tolerance Uses a cube and is the default method
Cube used for equivalencing. If Tolerance Cube
Nodes to Equivalence is selected, then two node points are
equivalenced if all of their coordinates in
the global Cartesian frame lie within the
tolerance of each other. The node with the
lower ID is always retained.
Nodes to be excluded
Toler- Uses a sphere for equivalencing. If
ance Tolerance Sphere is chosen, two node
Sphere points are equivalenced if the distance
between them is within the tolerance.
Equivalencing Tolerance
0.005

All selected nodes will be excluded from equivalencing.

A user-definable tolerance parameter used to determine whether two nodes are sufficiently close to
be considered coincident and therefore are subject to nodal equivalencing. By default, this parameter
is equal to the Global Model Tolerance set in Global Preferences. The value in the Equivalencing
Tolerance databox is used for equivalencing, but the value set in Global Preferences will continue to
appear every time equivalencing is reselected.
The tolerance should never be set too low (less than 10.E-7) since computational round-off can
cause two otherwise identical points to be slightly offset. As part of the equivalencing computations,
MSC.Patran internally calculates the minimum tolerance that will ensure that no element edges will
collapse. If this calculated tolerance is less than the user selected tolerance, then the calculated
tolerance is used and a message is issued.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Equivalence Action §9.2 128 Options Close

All selected entities associated to a free edge in the posted groups

will be added to the display.

Preview Nodes and Elements: Toggle to control entities to preview.

◆ Elem ◆ Both
◆ Node◆
◆
All selected entities associated to a free face in the posted
Plot Free Edge FEM groups will be added to the display. Only 3D elements will
be used.
Plot Free Face FEM

Erase All FEM Erase all nodes and elements. This button is intended to be
used first. It will enable the other options and start out with
Plot All FEM no nodes and elements visible.

Preview Plot all nodes and elements.

-Apply- Preview nodes and/or associated elements which are

going to be deleted by the equivalence function. This
button previews the action taking place by using the
apply button.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Optimize Action... § 129 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Optimize Action
10
■ Introduction to Optimization

■ Optimizing Nodes and Elements

■ Selecting an Optimization Method

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Optimize Action... §10.1 130 Options Close

10.1 Introduction to Optimization

The purpose of optimization is to renumber the nodes or elements of a model in such a way that
the stiffness matrix assembled in a finite element analysis can be solved (inverted) by using a
minimum of CPU time, memory, and disk space.
The solvers, used by finite element codes, take advantage of the fact that the stiffness matrix is
symmetric, banded, and sparse (see Figure 10-1). The cost (CPU time, memory, and disk space)
of solving the matrix is determined by the sparsity or zero-nonzero characteristics of the matrix.
The sparsity is affected by the numbering of the nodes, or elements, depending on the solver. In
general, the attributes of the matrix (see Table 10-1) are minimized when connected nodes or
elements are numbered as close as possible to each other.
Prior to optimizing a model, complete all meshing operations. In addition, all coincident nodes
should be merged (through Equivalencing) and the model boundaries verified. If the node or
element definitions in the model are changed or modified after optimization, the model should
be re-optimized.

COLUMN i

NULL

bi
ROW i


SYMMETRIC

Figure 10-1 A Sparse, Symmetric Matrix

☞More Help:
• Optimizing Nodes and Elements (p. 132)
• Selecting an Optimization Method (p. 133)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Optimize Action... §10.1 131 Options Close

Table 10-1 The Attributes of a Matrix

Row Bandwidth bi = bandwidth for row i. (See Figure 10-1 for bi.)

Matrix Bandwidth The matrix bandwidth, B, is given by: B = max b i .

Matrix Profile N
The matrix profile, P, is given by: P = ∑ bi
= 1

Active Column A column j is an active column in row i if there is an entry in that

column in any row with index k <=1.
Row Wavefront wi, the row wavefront for row i, is the number of active columns
in row i.
Matrix Wavefront The matrix wavefront, W, is given by:
W = max wi

RMS Wavefront The root mean square wavefront, WRMS, is given by:
N
2
WRMS = (1 ⁄ N)* ∑ wi
i = 1

☞More Help:
• Optimizing Nodes and Elements (p. 132)
• Selecting an Optimization Method (p. 133)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Optimize Action... §10.2 132 Options Close

10.2 Optimizing Nodes and Elements

Either node or element IDs can be optimized.

Finite Elements The decision whether to choose node or element optimization is
Action: Optimize based on whether the analysis code’s solution process depends on
node or element order. See Selecting an Optimization Method
Object: Nodes (p. 133).
All nodes or elements in the model will be optimized.
Method: Cuthill-McKee
Element optimization will be based on element connectivity, and
Minimization Criterion node optimization will be based on node connectivity. Both elements
and MPCs are taken into account when determining node
◆ RMS Wavefront connectivity.
◆
◆ Bandwidth
Profile
The mathematical method used to optimize
Max Wavefront Cuthill-McKee nodes and elements.
Gibbs-Poole-Stk The Cuthill-McKee and the
Starting Node ID Gibbs-Poole-Stockmeyer methods are
Both
closely related, but may yield slightly
different results for a given structure. If Both is selected, both the
Cuthill-McKee and the Gibbs-Poole-Stockmeyer algorithms are
-Apply- invoked, and the results from the method which gives the minimum
criterion value are used.

Specifies the starting ID used when renumbering the nodes or

elements.

The criteria which may be minimized by the optimization algorithm are:

RMS Wavefront:The root mean square of the matrix row wavefronts
Bandwidth:The maximum matrix row bandwidth
Profile:The profile of the matrix
Max Wavefront:The maximum matrix wavefront
After Apply has been selected, MSC.Patran determines the optimal node or element ordering according to the criterion
selected. All nodes or elements are then renumbered to reflect the results of the optimization. A form is displayed which
lists statistics about the optimization, such as the bandwidth, profile, maximum wavefront, average wavefront, and RMS
wavefront computed before and after optimization. If the “Both” method is selected the form lists after statistics for both
methods.

Important: During node optimization unreferenced nodes (nodes which are not referenced by an
element or an MPC) are retained and renumbered after the referenced nodes. If these
nodes are not desired, they can be deleted using the Delete Nodes option.

☞More Help:
• Introduction to Optimization (p. 130)
• Selecting an Optimization Method (p. 133)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Optimize Action... §10.3 133 Options Close

10.3 Selecting an Optimization Method

This section suggests the optimization type, method, and criterion to be selected for commonly
used analysis codes. For analysis codes not listed below, please refer to the code vendor for a
recommendation.
Note that the choice of method and criterion may depend on the structure of your model and
type of analysis (static vs. dynamic). As a result, the recommendations given below are
suggested only as guidelines.
Most of the commonly used analysis codes have their own built-in optimizers which internally
renumber the nodes or elements. These codes are marked with an asterisk(*) in the following
table. The external IDs do not change. There are a couple of advantages to using the code specific
optimizers.
• They are tuned to the specific analysis code.
• They give control of the entity IDs back to the user.
However, there are cases where the MSC.Patran optimizer does a better job than the code
specific optimizer.

Analysis Code Object Method Minimization Criterion

ABAQUS* Elements BOTH RMS WAVEFRONT
MSC .Nast r an* Nodes BOTH RMS WAVEFRONT
MSC.Marc* Nodes BOTH RMS WAVEFRONT
FEA* Nodes BOTH PROFILE

* Analysis code with built-in optimizers which internally renumber the nodes or elements.

☞More Help:
• Introduction to Optimization (p. 130)
• Optimizing Nodes and Elements (p. 132)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Optimize Action... §10.3 134 Options Close
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action § 135 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Verify Action
11
■ Introduction to Verification

■ Verify Forms

■ Theory
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.1 136 Options Close

11.1 Introduction to Verification

Model verification consists of a number of different tests which can be performed to check the
validity of a finite element model. These tests include checks of element distortion, element
duplication, model boundaries, nodal connectivity, and node ⁄ element ID numbering.
In the case of distortion checking, MSC.Patran provides a series of automated tests to measure
the “distortion” of elements from an “ideal” shape through measurable geometric properties of
the element. The results of these tests are compared to user specified criteria and a determination
is made whether the element is acceptable or not. The pass ⁄fail criteria is analysis code
dependant and is updated automatically when the Analysis Preference is changed.
Verification tests are always performed on the current group of the active viewport except in the
case of duplicate elements in which case the entire model is checked.
To get an overview when checking a specific element type, there is a test choice of All. When this
is selected MSC.Patran will display a spreadsheet showing a summary of the total number of
elements that exceed a threshold value for each of the distortion checks, and the actual test value
and element ID number for the most extreme element.
Model Verification provides visual feedback of the selected test. Element distortion checks allow
the selection of a threshold value using a slidebar. During the check, any element, which exceeds
the threshold value, is highlighted and its value is listed in the Command Line. Upon completion
of the check MSC.Patran will color code the elements based on the computed test value.
Elements with a value higher than the threshold are colored with the highest spectrum color, all
other values are assigned uniformly through the other spectrum levels. The current group will
be rendered using the Element Fill style. Verification forms for Quad elements include an icon
that allows a selection to split failed elements or simply highlight them.
Other checks, such as element duplication and connectivity, give options only to highlight any
offending elements, or automatically correct the model.
Model boundaries may either be displayed as edge lines, showing unshared edges in the model,
or as shaded faces, showing unshared surfaces.
All verification tests that involve color-coding, shading, or some other method of re-rendering
the model have a Reset Graphics button on the form. Selecting this button will undo any
rendering procedures performed by the most recent verification activity. The render style and
spectrum display will be returned to the pre-test settings they had before the Apply button was
selected. If you will be performing more than one type of verification test, it is recommended to
choose Reset Graphics after each test is completed. Remember Reset Graphics resets to the
settings prior to the current verification activity, not to those at the start of all verification.
All element specific verification forms have a Normalize button. By default, the normalize option
will not be selected, and the slidebar will represent an actual value for the verification test
threshold. If the normalize option may be selected, the slidebar will now represent a range of
values from zero to one. The value of zero will represent the most reliable shape for this element
type.
All element specific verification forms also have a Reset button. Selecting this button returns the
slidebar and all toggles to the settings they had when the form was opened.
The information obtained from verification procedures can assist the engineer in deciding if the
finite element model is satisfactory, or should be adjusted through remeshing or element
modification.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 137 Options Close

11.2 Verify Forms

When Verify is the selected Action the following options are available.

Object Test Description

Element Boundaries Plots the free edges or faces of finite elements.
Duplicates Checks elements for identical corner (or end) nodes.
Normals Compare adjacent shell normals.
Connectivity Check solid elements for proper connectivity using a volume
calculation.
Geometry Fit Checks fit error distances between elements and their parent
geometry.
Jacobian Reports the maximum variation of the determinant of the
Ratio Jacobian over each element.
Jacobian Reports the minimum determinant of the Jacobian for each
Zero element.
IDs Assigns color to the Finite Elements based on the Element ID
number.
Tria All Tests tria elements for each of the tria verification tests.
Reports the worst case for each test and the element at which
it occurs.
Aspect Measures length to width ratio of tria elements.
Skew Tests tria elements for angular deviation using an edge
bisector method.
Quad All Tests quad elements for each of the quad verification tests.
Reports the worst case for each test and the element at which
it occurs.
Aspect Measures length to width ratio of quad elements.
Warp Tests quad elements for deviation out of plane.
Skew Tests quad elements for angular deviation from a
rectangular shape using an edge bisector method.
Taper Tests quad elements for geometric deviation from a
rectangular shape.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 138 Options Close

Object Test Description

Tet All Tests tet elements for each of the tet verification tests.
Reports the worst case for each test and the element at which
it occurs.
Aspect Compares ratio of height to square root of opposing face
area of tet elements.
Edge Angle Calculates the maximum deviation angle between adjacent
faces of tet elements.
Face Skew Tests each face of tet elements for angular deviation using an
edge bisector method.
Collapse Tests tet elements for near zero volume.
Wedge All Tests wedge elements for each of the wedge verification
tests. Reports the worst case for each test and the element at
which it occurs.
Aspect Compares the maximum ratio of the height of the triangular
sides to the distance between them for each wedge element.
Edge Angle Calculates the angular deviation between adjacent faces of
wedge elements.
Face Skew Tests each face of wedge elements for angular deviation
using an edge bisector method.
Face Warp Tests each quad face of wedge elements for deviation out of
plane.
Twist Computes a twist angle between the two triangular faces of
wedge elements.
Face Taper Tests each quad face of wedge elements for geometric
deviation from a rectangular shape.
Hex All Tests hex elements for each of the hex verification tests.
Reports the worst case for each test and the element at which
it occurs.
Aspect Calculates the ratio of the maximum to minimum distance
between opposing faces for each Hex element.
Edge Angle Calculates the angular deviation between adjacent faces of
hex elements.
Face Skew Calculates the skew angle for each face of a hex element and
reports the maximum.
Face Warp Calculates the deviation out of plane for each element face.
Twist Computes twist between the opposing faces of hex elements.
Face Taper Tests each Hex element for geometric deviation from a
rectangular shape.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 139 Options Close

Object Test Description

Node IDs Computes contour lines based on the ID numbers of the
Nodes.
Midnode Normal Calculates the ratio between the perpendicular offset of the
Offset midside node and the element edge length.
Tangent Measures the offset from the center of the element edge to
Offset the midside node. Calculates the ratio of this offset to the
element edge length.
Supereleme Displays superelement’s boundaries with or without the
nt boundary nodes.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 140 Options Close

Verify - Element (Boundaries)

Finite Elements
Plots the boundary as free edges, or optionally free
Action: Verify faces, of all Posted elements in all viewports. A
boundary is defined as any edge or face of a finite
Object: Element element which is not shared by at least one other
element. Therefore, this test will display, in addition to
Test: Boundaries interior and exterior edges/faces of the group, any
interior “cracks”. Cracks will appear along geometric
boundaries prior to equivalencing.
Display Type
◆ Free Edges
Selecting Free Edges displays any unshared edges
◆
◆ Free Faces that define the boundary of your current group in yellow.
Selecting Free Faces displays any unshared faces in
Reset Graphics your current group in a yellow Flat Shaded render style.

Apply Returns your graphic display to the way it was when

the form was opened. This will either change from Flat
Shaded (for free faces) or Boundary Line (for free
edges) back to the original Render Style. If you were
originally using entity type display mode, this will again
become the default. Exiting this form will reset
graphics.

Important: If you are in entity type display mode

when you start boundary verification,
MSC.Patran will temporarily enter group display
mode to display the group boundaries.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 141 Options Close

Verify - Element (Duplicates)

Elements in the entire model are checked for identical corner (or end) nodes.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify

Object: Element

Test: Duplicates

Test Control
MSC.Patran gives the option to highlight any duplicate
elements found, or, if you select the icon, you may
Display Only choose to have MSC.Patran automatically eliminate
any duplicates found. When delete duplicates is
◆ Delete Higher ID selected you may choose which element ID of the two
to remove from the database.
◆
◆ Delete Lower ID

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display back to the way it was
when the form was opened.This will unhighlight
duplicate elements. Exiting this form will also reset
Apply
graphics.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 142 Options Close

Verify - Element (Normals)

Figure 11-1
Finite Elements Normal directions are processed for each shell
element in the current group in the active viewport.
Action: Verify
There are two options for displaying the element
Object: Element normal information:

Test: Normals 1. The elements may be color-coded. Elements will

initially be colored white, any element whose
normal is reversed will be highlighted in red.
Display Control Note: Be sure to equivalence your model before
◆ Color Code Elements color coding. This is necessary because the
color-coding algorithm only compares elements
◆
◆ Draw Normal Vectors with shared edges.
2. Or MSC.Patran may draw the normal vectors and
plot arrows pointing from the element centroids in
Test Control
the element normal direction.

Display Only

There are two available options for controlling what

MSC.Patran does with the element normal
information:
1. The default choice is Display Only which tells
MSC.Patran the only action you want it to take is to
graphically display the normal information.
Fringe Attributes
2. Or you may select the Display Only icon to change
Reset Graphics the test control to Reverse Elements. This allows
you to specify (or select) a Guiding Element to
which all other element normals in your current
Apply group will be matched.

Returns your graphic display to the way it was when

the form was opened. This will usually change from
Element Fill back to the original Render Style, or will
remove all those little vectors from the viewport.
Exiting this form will also reset graphics.

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 143 Options Close

Verify - Element (Connectivity)

All solid elements in the current group in the active viewport are checked for proper
connectivity using a volume calculation.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify

Object: Element
Test: Connectivity

2
1 Elements found to have negative volume will be
color coded for identification purposes when the
highlight only icon is selected. Otherwise, the
offending elements will be automatically reversed
Highlight Only
when the reverse icon is selected.

Apply

☞More Help:
• MSC.Patran’s Element Library (p. 320)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 144 Options Close

Verify - Element (Geometry Fit)

All elements in the current group in the active viewport are checked for maximum distance
between the element and the parent geometry.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Element
Test: Geometry Fit

Enter the maximum acceptable distance between an

element and its parent geometry.

Threshold h Value =
0.001
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group that were tested and failed.
Element Plot Options
Color Code Elements
Plot Failed Elements Only
See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing

Fringe Attributes
Returns your graphic display back to the way it was when
the form was opened. This will usually change from
Reset Graphics
Element Fill back to the original Render Style and remove
the spectrum display from your viewport.
Apply

Note: Linear elements such as Bar/2, Quad/4, and Hex/8

are evaluated at one point per bar or element face.
Quadratic elements such as Bar/3, Quad/8, and Hex/20 are
evaluated at two points per bar or four points per element
face. Cubic elements such as Bar/4, Quad/12, and Hex/32
are evaluated at three points per bar or nine points per
element face.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 145 Options Close

Verify - Element (Jacobian Ratio)

The ratio of the maximum determinant of the Jacobian to the minimum determinant of the
Jacobian is calculated for each element in the current group in the active viewport. This element
shape test can be used to identify elements with interior corner angles far from 90 degrees or
high order elements with misplaced midside nodes. A ratio close or equal to 1.0 is desired.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify

Object: Element

Test: Jacobian Ratio

J1

J2

J2
J1 See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when
you entered the form. This will usually change from
Apply Element Fill back to the original Render Style, and
remove the spectrum display from your viewport.

Note: The minimum and maximum ratios and the

associated elements are echoed in the command
line. Elements in the current group are color-coded
according to the value of the Jacobian ratio and will
be plotted in the Element Fill render style.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 146 Options Close

Verify - Element (Jacobian Zero)

The determinant of the Jacobian (J) is calculated at all integration points for each element in the
current group in the active viewport. The minimum value for each element is determined. This
element shape test can be used to identify incorrectly shaped elements. A well-formed element
will have J positive at each Gauss point and not greatly different from the value of J at other
Gauss points. J approaches zero as an element vertex angle approaches 180 degrees.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify

Object: Element

Test: Jacobian Zero

J1

J2

Min ( J1 , J2 )
See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually change from Element
Apply Fill back to the original Render Style, and remove the
spectrum display from your viewport.

Note: The minimum and maximum value and the

associated elements are echoed in the command line.
Elements in the current group are color-coded
according to the value of the determinant of the
Jacobian and will be plotted in the Element Fill render
style.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 147 Options Close

Verify - Element (IDs)

Each element in the current group in the active viewport is assigned a color based on its ID
number.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify

Object: Element

Test: IDs
See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn off the Spectrum
Display, and change from Element Fill back to your
Apply original Render Style.

When the Apply button is selected, the color

assignments are generated. The model is plotted with
the elements on the visible surfaces filled in with their
corresponding color.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 148 Options Close

Verify - Tria (All)

Each tria element in the current group is tested for each of the tria verification tests.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify

Object: Tria

Test: All

Normalize
Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran

Reliability Threshold
Aspect Ratio:
5.
Skew Angle:
30.
Normal Offset:
0.15
Tangent Offset:
0.15

Write to Report

Apply When the Apply button is selected, a spreadsheet will be

displayed showing the worst case value for each test and
the element at which it occurs.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 149 Options Close

Verify - Tria (All) Spreadsheet

Tria Verification Summary

Test Number Failed Worst Case At Element

Aspect 2 max=4.185907 359
Skew 2 max=61.91709 1 83
Normal Offset 1 max=1.192093E-06 212

This column lists the This column lists the number of The last two columns list the maximum (or
Verification test. All tests elements in the current group minimum, if applicable) value of the test and
listed on the application form that exceeded the reliability the element at which this worst case occurs.
will be performed. Use the threshold shown on the
scroll bar to view additional application form.
tests.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 150 Options Close

Verify - Tria (Aspect)

All of the tria elements in the current group of the active viewport are tested for length to width
ratio.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Tria
Test: Aspect

Reliability Threshold

h1

h2
√3 h2
2 h1

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed

aspect ratio is inverted and subtracted from 1. When the
Analysis Code: Normalize button is turned OFF, the slidebar represents
MSC.Nastran the computed Aspect Ratio. Move the slidebar to
indicate the maximum acceptable value for your
1. 20. analysis type and code.
1.00

Toggle to control element plot options. You can

Element Plot Options either color code the elements and/or plot only the
elements in the current group, which were tested
Color Code Elements and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when
the form was opened. This will usually turn off the
Spectrum Display, and change from Element Fill
Apply Reset back to your original Render Style.

☞More Help:
• Aspect Ratio (p. 187)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 151 Options Close

Verify - Tria (Skew)

Each tria element in the current group of the active viewport is tested for skew. The skew angle
is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184).

Finite Elements

Action: Verify
Object: Tria

Test: Skew

Reliability Threshold

×°- α
90

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed skew

angle will be divided by 90°. An equilateral triangle will have a
Analysis Code: skew angle (and skew factor) of 0. When the Normalize button
MSC.Nastran is turned off, the slidebar represents the computed Skew
Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable
0. 90. value for your analysis type and code.
.00

Skew Angle
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Element Plot Options code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display,
Apply Reset and change from Element Fill back to your original Render Style.

☞More Help:
• How Skew Angle is computed (p. 184)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 152 Options Close

Verify - Quad (All)

Each quad element in the current group of the active viewport is tested for each of the quad
verification tests.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Quad
Test: All

Normalize

Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran
Reliability Threshold
Aspect Ratio:
5.0
Warp Angle:
7.0
Skew Angle:
30.
Taper:
0.8
Normal Offset:
0.15
Tangent Offset:
0.15
When the Apply button is selected a spreadsheet will be
displayed showing the worst case value for each test and
Apply the element at which it occurs.

☞More Help:
• Spreadsheet Information (p. 153)
• Test Definitions (p. 184)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 153 Options Close

Verify - Quad (All) Spreadsheet

Quad Verification Summary

Test Number Failed Worst Case At Element

Aspect 14 max=3.2461078 260
Warp 0 max=0. 0
Skew 1 max=51.957664 260

This column lists the This column lists the number of The last two columns list the maximum (or
Verification test. All tests elements in the current group minimum, if applicable) value of the test and
listed on the application form that exceeded the reliability the element at which this worst case occurs.
will be performed. Use the threshold shown on the
scroll bar to view additional application form.
tests.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 154 Options Close

Verify - Quad (Aspect)

All of the quads in the current group, in the active viewport, are tested for length to width ratio.
During the check, if an element exceeds the threshold value set by the slidebar, it is highlighted
and MSC.Patran echoes the element’s ID number, and its aspect value in the command line. At
completion, each element is color-coded according to the value computed for its aspect value,
and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.
Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Quad
When the Normalize button is selected, the computed
Test: Aspect aspect ratio will be subtracted from 1. A square element
with equal edge lengths will have a normalized value equal
Reliability Threshold  h1
to zero  1 – ----- and therefore, will be the most reliable.
 h 2
h2
h1 When the Normalize button is turned Off, the slidebar
h1
represents the computed Aspect Ratio. Move the slidebar
h2 to indicate the maximum acceptable value for your analysis
type and code.
Normalize
Analysis Code: Elements that exceed the aspect ratio specified by using the
MSC.Nastran slidebar, will be color coded for identification purposes when
the highlight only icon is selected. Otherwise, the offending
1.00 50. elements will be highlighted in the viewport one-by-one, and
the user will be prompted for permission to split each
element into two elements.
Aspect Ratio

Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color

Highlight Only code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Element Plot Options
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing

Fringe Attributes
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
Reset Graphics form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum
Display and change from Element Fill back to the original
Render Style.

Apply Reset

☞More Help:
• How Aspect Ratio is computed (p. 187)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 155 Options Close

Verify - Quad (Warp)

Each quad element in the current group of the active viewport is tested for warp. The warp angle
is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any
element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the element’s ID number
and its warp value in the command line. At completion, each element is color-coded according
to the value computed for its warp value and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill
Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Quad
Test: Warp When the Normalize button is selected, the computed warp
angle will be divided by 15°. A “perfect” element will have
no out-of-plane component and will therefore be the most
Reliability Threshold reliable. When the Normalize button is turned off, the
slidebar represents the computed Warp Angle. Move the
slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable value for your
θ analysis type and code.

Normalize

Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran Elements that exceed the warp angle specified by using the
slidebar, will be color coded for identification purposes
0. 90. when the highlight only icon is selected. Otherwise, the
.00 offending elements will be highlighted in the viewport
one-by-one, and the user will be prompted for permission to
Warp Angle split each element into two tria elements.

Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color

Highlight Only code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Element Plot Options
Color Code Elements
See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Plot Failed Elements Only Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing

Fringe Attributes
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
Reset Graphics was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Style.
Apply Reset
☞More Help:
• How Warp Angle is computed (p. 191)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 156 Options Close

Verify - Quad (Skew)

Each quad element in the current group in the active viewport is tested for skew. The skew angle
is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). Prior to testing for skew, each element is checked for
convexity. If any element fails the convexity, test a warning message will be issued. Processing
will continue on to the next element.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Quad
When the Normalize button is selected the computed skew
Test: Skew angle will be divided by 90°. A “perfect” element with corner
angles of 90° will have a normalized value equal to zero
Reliability Threshold  90° – α
 -----------------
90° 
- and will therefore be the most reliable. When the
Normalize button is turned OFF, the slidebar represents the
α computed Skew Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the
maximum acceptable value for your analysis type and code.
×°- α
90

Normalize

Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran Elements that exceed the skew angle specified by using
the slidebar, will be color coded for identification purposes
0. 90. when the highlight only icon is selected. Otherwise, the
.00 offending elements will be highlighted in the viewport
one-by-one, and the user will be prompted for permission
Skew Angle to split each element into two tria elements.

Highlight Only
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either
color code the elements and/or plot only the elements
Element Plot Options in the current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the
Spectrum Display and change from Element Fill back to
your original Render Style.
Apply Reset

☞More Help:
• How Skew Angle is computed (p. 184)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 157 Options Close

Verify - Quad (Taper)

Each quad element in the current group in the active viewport is tested for taper. The taper ratio
is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184).

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Quad When the Normalize button is selected, the computed
Taper ratio will be subtracted from 1. A “perfect” element
Test: Taper will have all 4 triangular subareas (a) equal; therefore,
4*a⁄total area will equal 1 and the normalized equation will
Reliability Threshold yield a taper factor of 0. When the Normalize button is
turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed Taper
a Ratio. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum
acceptable value for your analysis type and code.

4 a
A

Normalize

Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran
Elements that exceed the Taper ratio specified by using
0. 90. the slidebar, will be color coded for identification purposes
.00 when the highlight only icon is selected. Otherwise, the
offending elements will be highlighted in the viewport
one-by-one, and the user will be prompted for permission
Taper Angle to split each element into two quad elements.

Highlight Only
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either
Element Plot Options color code the elements and/or plot only the elements in
the current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum
Display and change from Element Fill back to your original
Render Style.
Apply Reset

☞More Help:
• How Taper is computed (p. 192)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 158 Options Close

Verify - Tet (All)

Each Tetrahedral element in the current group is tested for each of the Tet verification tests.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify

Object: Tet

Test: All

Normalize
Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran
Reliability Threshold
Aspect Ratio:
5.0
Edge Angle:
30.
Face Skew:
30.
Collapse:
0.15
Normal Offset:
0.15
Tangent Offset:
0.15

When the Apply button is selected, a spreadsheet

Apply will be displayed showing the worst case value for
each test and the element at which it occurs.

☞More Help:
• Spreadsheet Information (p. 159)
• Test Definition (p. 184)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 159 Options Close

Verify - Tet (All) Spreadsheet

Tet Verification Summary

Test Number Failed Worst Case At Element

Aspect 14 Max=4.0778556 11
Edge Angle 40 Max=55.064632 135
Face Skew 1 Max=67.38166 16

This column lists the This column lists the number of The last two columns list the maximum (or
Verification test. All tests elements in the current group minimum, if applicable) value of the test and
listed on the application form that exceeded the reliability the element at which this worst case occurs.
will be performed. Use the threshold shown on the
scroll bar to view additional application form.
tests.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 160 Options Close

Verify - Tet (Aspect)

All of the Tets in the current group are tested for the ratio of height to square root of opposing
face area. During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any element exceeding the threshold value
set by the slidebar, and echoes the element’s ID number and its aspect ratio in the command line.
At completion, each element is color-coded according to the value computed for its aspect ratio
and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Tet
Test: Aspect

Reliability Threshold

hi
Ai

Max (c . hi⁄√ Ai)

cζ = .805927

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed

aspect ratio will be subtracted from 1. When the Normalize
Analysis Code: button is turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed
MSC.Nastran Aspect Ratio. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum
acceptable value for your analysis type and code.
1. 20.
1.00

Aspect Ratio
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Element Plot Options code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum
Display and change from Element Fill back to your original
Render Style.
Apply Reset

☞More Help:
• How Aspect Ratio is computed
(p. 188)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 161 Options Close

Verify - Tet (Edge Angle)

Finite Elements All of the tetrahedral elements in the current group of the
active viewport are tested for the maximum angle
Action: Verify between adjacent faces. An edge angle is the absolute
value of the angle between the two faces meeting at an
Object: Tet edge subtracted from 70.529°. During the check,
MSC.Patran highlights any element exceeding the
Test: Edge Angle threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the
element’s ID number and its edge angle in the command
Reliability Threshold line. At completion, each element is color-coded
according to the edge angle and the current group is
α
plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

α - 70.53 °

Normalize
When the Normalize button is selected, the computed
Analysis Code: edge angle will be divided by 110°. When the Normalize
MSC.Nastran button is turned OFF, the slidebar represents the
computed Edge Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the
0. 110. maximum acceptable value for your analysis type and
1.00 code.

Edge Angle

Toggle to control element plot options. You can either

Element Plot Options color code the elements and/or plot only the elements in
Color Code Elements the current group, which were tested and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran

Fringe Attributes Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn off the Spectrum
Display and change from Element Fill back to your
Apply Reset
original Render Style.

☞More Help:
• How Edge Angle is computed
(p. 193)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 162 Options Close

Verify - Tet (Face Skew)

Each face of each tetrahedral element in the current group is tested for skew as if it were a Tria
element. The skew angle is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check,
MSC.Patran highlights any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and
echoes the element’s ID number and its maximum skew angle in the command line. At
completion, each element is color-coded according to the value computed for its skew angle and
the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Tet
Test: Face Skew

Reliability Threshold

×°- α
90

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed

skew angle will be divided by 90°. An equilateral triangle
Analysis Code: will have a skew angle of 0. When the Normalize button is
MSC.Nastran turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed skew
angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum
0. 90. acceptable value for your analysis type and code.
.00

Face Skew Angle

Element Plot Options Toggle to control element plot options. You can either
color code the elements and/or plot only the elements in
Color Code Elements the current group, which were tested and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

Fringe Attributes See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn off the Spectrum
Apply Reset Display and change from Element Fill back to your
original Render Style.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 163 Options Close

Verify - Tet (Collapse)

All of the tetrahedral elements in the current group are tested for volume. The collapse value is
obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any element
exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the element’s ID number and its
collapse value in the command line. At completion, each element is color-coded according to the
collapse value and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify
Object: Tet
Test: Collapse

Reliability Threshold

hi
Ai

When the Normalize button is selected, the computed

Min (hi⁄√ Ai)
collapse ratio will be subtracted from 1. For an equilateral tet,
the collapse value will equal 1, therefore,
Normalize
1 – Min ( h i ⁄ ( A i ) ) will equal zero, and will be the
Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran most reliable element. When the Normalize button is turned
Off, the slidebar represents the computed collapse value.
0. 10. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable value
.00 for your analysis type and code.

Collapse Ratio
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
Element Plot Options current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn off the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Apply Reset Style.

☞More Help:
• How Collapse is computed
(p. 195)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 164 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (All)

Each wedge element in the current group of the active viewport is tested for each of the wedge
verification tests.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Wedge
Test: All
Normalize

Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran
Reliability Threshold
Aspect Ratio:
5.0
Edge Angle:
30.
Face Skew:
30.
Face Warp:
7.0
Twist:
45.0
Face Taper:
0.8
Normal Offset:
0.15
Tangent Offset:
0.15 When the Apply button is selected, a spreadsheet
will be displayed showing the worst case value for
each test and the element at which it occurs.
Apply

☞More Help:
• Spreadsheet Information (p. 165)
• Test Definitions (p. 184)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 165 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (All) Spreadsheet

Wedge Verification Summary

Test Number Failed Worst Case At Element

Aspect 14 Max=4.0778556 11
Edge Angle 40 Max=55.064632 135
Face Skew 1 Max=67.38166 16

This column lists the This column lists the number of The last two columns list the maximum (or
Verification test. All tests elements in the current group minimum, if applicable) value of the test and
listed on the application form that exceeded the reliability the element at which this worst case occurs.
will be performed. Use the threshold shown on the
scroll bar to view additional application form.
tests.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 166 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (Aspect)

All of the wedge elements in the current group are tested for length to width ratio. During the
check, if an element exceeds the threshold value set by the slidebar, it is highlighted and
MSC.Patran echoes the element’s ID number and its aspect value in the command line. At
completion, each element is color-coded according to the value computed for its aspect value
and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Wedge
Test: Aspect
Reliability Threshold

h4
h1

h2
√3 h2
⋅2 h
h3 h4
h3 1

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed

aspect ratio will be subtracted from 1. When the
Analysis Code: Normalize button is turned OFF, the slidebar represents
MSC.Nastran the computed Aspect Ratio. Move the slidebar to indicate
the maximum acceptable value for your analysis type
1. 20. and code.
1.00

Aspect Ratio
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either
color code the elements and/or plot only the elements in
Element Plot Options the current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum
Display and change from Element Fill back to your original
Render Style.
Apply Reset

☞More Help:
• How Aspect Ratio is computed
(p. 189)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 167 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (Edge Angle)

The maximum edge angle is calculated for each wedge element in the current group of the active
viewport. Edge angle is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran
highlights any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the
element’s ID number and its maximum edge angle in the command line. At completion, each
element is color-coded according to the value computed for its edge angle and the current group
is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify
Object: Wedge
Test: Edge Angle

Reliability Threshold
θ

90°-α)
× θ, ×
Max (60°-

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the

computed Edge Angle will be divided by 110°. When
Analysis Code: the Normalize button is turned OFF, the slidebar
MSC.Nastran represents the computed Edge Angle. Move the
slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable value
0. 110. for your analysis type and code.
.00

Edge Angle
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either
color code the elements and/or plot only the elements
Element Plot Options in the current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the
Spectrum Display and change from Element Fill back to
Apply Reset your original Render Style.

☞More Help:
• How Edge Angle is computed
(p. 194)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 168 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (Face Skew)

Each face of each wedge element in the current group is tested for skew as if it were a quad or
tria element. The skew angle is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check,
MSC.Patran highlights any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and
echoes the element’s ID number and its maximum skew angle in the command line. At
completion, each element is color-coded according to the value computed for its skew angle and
the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify
Object: Wedge
Test: Face Skew

Reliability Threshold

α1

α2
×°- α i )
× Min (90

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed skew

angle will be divided by 15°. When the Normalize button is
Analysis Code: turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed Skew
MSC.Nastran Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum
acceptable value for your analysis type and code.
0. 90.
.00

Face Skew Angle

Element Plot Options Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
Color Code Elements current group, which were tested and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

Fringe Attributes See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum
Apply Reset Display and change from Element Fill back to your original
Render Style.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 169 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (Face Warp)

Each quad face of each wedge element in the current group is tested for warp as if it were a quad.
The warp angle is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran
highlights any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the
element’s ID number and its warp value in the command line. At completion, each element is
color-coded according to the value computed for its warp value and the current group is plotted
in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Wedge
Test: Face Wrap

Reliability Threshold

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed warp

angle will be divided by 15°. A “perfect” element will have
Analysis Code: no out-of-plane component and will therefore be the most
MSC.Nastran reliable. When the Normalize button is turned OFF, the
slidebar represents the computed Face Warp Angle. Move
0. 90. the slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable value for
.00 your analysis type and code.

Face Wrap Angle

Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Element Plot Options code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
Color Code Elements current group, which were tested and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran

Fringe Attributes Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Apply Reset Style.

☞More Help:
• How Warp Angle is computed
(p. 191)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 170 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (Twist)

Each wedge element in the current group is tested for a twist angle computed between its two
triangular faces. Twist is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check,
MSC.Patran highlights any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and
echoes the element’s ID number and its maximum twist in the command line. At completion,
each element is color-coded according to the value computed for its twist and the current group
is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.
Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Wedge
Test: Twist

Reliability Threshold

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed twist

angle will be divided by 60°. When the Normalize button is
Analysis Code: turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed Twist
MSC.Nastran Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable
value for your analysis type and code.
0. 120.
.00

Twist Angle
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Element Plot Options code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Fringe Attributes Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Apply Reset Style.

☞More Help:
• How Twist is computed (p. 196)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 171 Options Close

Verify - Wedge (Face Taper)

Each quad face of each wedge element in the current group of the active viewport is tested for
taper as if it were a Quad element. Taper is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the
check, MSC.Patran highlights any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and
echoes the element’s ID number and its maximum taper in the command line. At completion,
each element is color-coded according to the value computed for its taper and the current group
is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.
Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Wedge
Test: Face Taper

Reliability Threshold

4 a a
A

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed Taper

ratio will be subtracted from 1. A “perfect” face will have all 4
Analysis Code: triangular subareas (a) equal, therefore, 4*a⁄total area will
MSC.Nastran equal 1 and the normalized equation will yield a Taper Factor of
0. When the Normalize button is turned OFF, the slidebar
0. 120. represents the computed Face Taper. Move the slidebar to
.00 indicate the maximum acceptable value for your analysis type
and code.
Face Taper

Element Plot Options Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the current
Color Code Elements
group, which were tested and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran Reference

Fringe Attributes Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Apply Reset Style.

☞More Help:
• How Face Taper is computed (p. 192)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 172 Options Close

Verify - Hex (All)

Each hex element in the current group of the active viewport is tested for each of the hex
verification tests.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Hex
Test: All

Normalize
Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran
Reliability Threshold
Aspect Ratio :
5.0
Edge Angle:
30.
Face Skew:
30.
Face Warp:
7.
Twist:
45.
Face Taper:
0.8
Normal Offset:
0.15
Tangent Offset When the Apply button is selected, a spreadsheet will
0.15 be displayed showing the worst case value for each test
and the element at which it occurs.

Apply

☞More Help:
• Spreadsheet Information (p. 173)
• Test Definitions (p. 184)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 173 Options Close

Verify - Hex (All) Spreadsheet

Hex Verification Summary

Test Number Failed Worst Case At Element

Aspect 4 Max=1.9266015 203
Edge Angle 40 Max=32.110462 186
Face Skew 1 Max=29.615601 154

This column lists the This column lists the number of The last two columns list the maximum (or
Verification test. All tests elements in the current group minimum, if applicable) value of the test and
listed on the application form that exceeded the reliability the element at which this worst case occurs.
will be performed. Use the threshold shown on the
scroll bar to view additional application form.
tests.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 174 Options Close

Verify - Hex (Aspect)

All of the hex elements in the current group in the active viewport are tested for length to width
ratio. During the check, if an element exceeds the threshold value set by the slidebar, it is
highlighted and MSC.Patran echoes the element’s ID number and its aspect value in the
command line. At completion, each element is color-coded according to the value computed for
its aspect value and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Hex
Test: Aspect

Reliability Threshold

h1

h2 h2
h1

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed aspect

ratio will be subtracted from 1. When the Normalize button is
Analysis Code: turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed Aspect
MSC.Nastran Ratio. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable
value for your analysis type and code.
0. 20.
1.00

Aspect Ratio
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Element Plot Options code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Apply Reset
Style.

☞More Help:
• How Aspect Ratio is computed
(p. 190)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 175 Options Close

Verify - Hex (Edge Angle)

The maximum edge angle is calculated for each hex element in the current group. Edge angle is
obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any element
exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the element’s ID number and its
maximum edge angle in the command line. At completion, each element is color-coded
according to the value computed for its edge angle and the current group is plotted in the
Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Hex
Test: Edge Angle

Reliability Threshold

α
× °- α)
Max (90

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed taper

ratio will be divided by 90°. When the Normalize button is
Analysis Code: turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed Edge
MSC.Nastran Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable
value for your analysis type and code.
0. 90.
.00

Edge Angle

Element Plot Options

Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Color Code Elements code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Plot Failed Elements Only

Fringe Attributes
See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Reset Graphics

Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
Apply Reset was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Style.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 176 Options Close

Verify - Hex (Face Skew)

Each face of each hex element in the current group is tested for skew as if it were a quad element.
The skew angle is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). Prior to testing for skew, each
element face is checked for convexity. If any face fails the convexity test, a warning message will
be issued. Processing will continue on to the next element face. During the check, MSC.Patran
highlights any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the
element’s ID number and its maximum skew angle in the command line. At completion, each
element is color-coded according to the value computed for its skew angle and the current group
is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Hex
Test: Face Skew

Reliability Threshold

×°- α )
(90 When the Normalize button is selected, the computed skew
angle will be divided by 90°. A “perfect” element with corner
Normalize angles of 90° will have a normalized value equal to zero

Analysis Code:  90° – α and will therefore be the most reliable. When the
 -----------------
-
MSC.Nastran 90° 
Normalize button is turned OFF, the slidebar represents the
0. 90. computed Face Skew Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate
.00 the maximum acceptable value for your analysis type and
code.
Face Skew Angle

Element Plot Options Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
Color Code Elements current group, which were tested and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
Reset Graphics was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Style.
Apply Reset
☞More Help:
• How Skew Angle is computed
(p. 186)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 177 Options Close

Verify - Hex (Face Warp)

Each face of each hex element in the current group is tested for warp as if it were a quad. The
warp angle is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran highlights
any element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the element’s ID
number and its warp value in the command line. At completion, each element is color-coded
according to the value computed for its warp value and the current group is plotted in the
Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Hex
Test: Face Warp

Reliability Threshold

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed warp

angle will be divided by 15°. A “perfect” element will have no
Analysis Code: out-of-plane component and will therefore be the most
MSC.Nastran reliable. When the Normalize button is turned OFF, the
slidebar represents the computed Face Warp Angle. Move
0. 90. the slidebar to indicate the maximum acceptable value for
.00 your analysis type and code.

Face Warp Angle

Element Plot Options Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the current
Color Code Elements group, which were tested and failed.

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Fringe Attributes Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Apply Reset Style.

☞More Help:
• How Warp Angle is computed
(p. 191)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 178 Options Close

Verify - Hex (Twist)

Each hex element in the current group is tested for maximum twist angle. Twist is obtained as
described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any element exceeding
the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the element’s ID number and its maximum
twist in the command line. At completion, each element is color-coded according to the value
computed for its twist and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.

Finite Elements

Action: Verify
Object: Hex
Test: Twist

Reliability Threshold

Normalize When the Normalize button is selected, the computed twist

angle will be divided by 90°. When the Normalize button is
Analysis Code: turned OFF, the slidebar represents the computed Twist
MSC.Nastran Angle. Move the slidebar to indicate the maximum
acceptable value for your analysis type and code.
0. 90.
.00

Twist Angle
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
Element Plot Options current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the form
was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum Display
and change from Element Fill back to your original Render
Apply Reset Style.

☞More Help:
• How Twist is computed (p. 196)
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 179 Options Close

Verify - Hex (Face Taper)

Each face of each hex element in the current group is tested for taper as if it were a quad element.
Taper is obtained as described in Theory (p. 184). During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any
element exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and echoes the element’s ID number
and its maximum taper in the command line. At completion, each element is color-coded
according to the value computed for its taper and the current group is plotted in the Element Fill
Render style.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Hex
Test: Face Taper

Reliability Threshold

a
When the Normalize button is selected, the computed taper
4 a ratio will be subtracted from 1. A “perfect” element face will
A
have all 4 triangular subareas (a) equal, therefore 4*a⁄total
Normalize area will equal 1 and the normalized equation will yield a
Taper Factor of 0.
Analysis Code: When the Normalize button is turned OFF, the slidebar
MSC.Nastran represents the computed Taper Ratio. Move the slidebar to
indicate the maximum acceptable value for your analysis
0. 1. type and code.
.00

Face Taper
Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Element Plot Options code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Color Code Elements

Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Fringe Attributes Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum
Apply Reset Display and change from Element Fill back to your original
Render Style.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 180 Options Close

Verify - Node (IDs)

Fringe plot based on node ID of nodes in the current group is generated. This display is helpful
to check whether the node numbering has been optimized for bandwidth efficiency.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Node
Test: IDs
See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran
Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Fringe Attributes

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the
Spectrum Display and change from Element Fill back to
Apply your original Render Style.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 181 Options Close

Verify - Midnode (Normal Offset)

All quadratic order elements (those with mid-side nodes) in the current group are tested for
deviation of the mid-side node from the mid-node position for an element with no curvature.
The offset distance is measured perpendicular to a line that is the shortest distance between the
corner nodes of that edge.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Midnode
Test: Normal Offset During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any element
exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and
Reliability Threshold echoes the element’s ID number and its Normal Offset
value in the command line. At completion, each element is
color-coded according its Normal Offset value. All
d
elements exceeding the threshold value will be colored
L red. The current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render
2d
L style.

Analysis Code:
MSC.Nastran Set the slidebar to an acceptable offset value for your
analysis code. A “perfect” element will have the mid-side
Most Least node directly at the mid-edge position, therefore, the offset
2d
.00 d=0. The equation ------ will yield a value of zero and
L
indicates the most reliable element for analysis.
Normal Offset

Element Plot Options

Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Color Code Elements code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Plot Failed Elements Only

See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran

Fringe Attributes Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.

Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when the
form was opened. This will usually turn OFF the Spectrum
Display and change from Element Fill back to your original
Apply Reset Render Style, and removing the vendor display from the
viewport.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 182 Options Close

Verify - Midnode (Tangent Offset)

All quadratic order elements (those with mid-side nodes) in the current group in the active
viewport are tested for deviation of the mid-side node from the mid-edge position of the
element. The offset distance is measured along a line that is the shortest distance between the
corner nodes of that edge.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Midnode During the check, MSC.Patran highlights any element
exceeding the threshold value set by the slidebar, and
Test: Tangent Offset echoes the element’s ID number and its Tangent Offset value
in the Command Line. At completion, each element is
Reliability Threshold color-coded according its Tangent Offset value. All elements
exceeding the threshold value will be colored red. The
current group is plotted in the Element Fill Render style.
d

L
2d
L

Set the slidebar to an acceptable offset value for your

Analysis Code: analysis code. A “perfect” element will have the mid-side
MSC.Nastran node directly at the mid-edge position; therefore, the offset
2d
d=0. The equation ------ will yield a value of zero and
Most Least L
indicates the most reliable element for analysis.
.00

Tangent Offset

Element Plot Options

Toggle to control element plot options. You can either color
Color Code Elements code the elements and/or plot only the elements in the
current group, which were tested and failed.
Plot Failed Elements Only

Fringe Attributes See Fringe Attributes (p. 223) in the MSC.Patran

Reference Manual, Part 6: Results Postprocessing.
Reset Graphics
Returns your graphic display to the way it was when you
entered the form. This will usually entail changing from
Apply Reset Element Fill back to your original Render Style and removing
the spectrum display from your viewport.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.2 183 Options Close

Superelement
This form verifies the selected superelements for any inconsistencies. Note that this is only
available for the MSC.Nastran analysis preference.

Finite Elements
Action: Verify
Object: Superelement

Superelement List

List of existing superelements. Only the outline of highlighted

superelements will be displayed.

Return the graphic display back to the way it was before the
verification.
Reset Graphics

Select All Selects all the superelements displayed in the listbox.

Display Boundary Nodes

Display Node Labels

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 184 Options Close

11.3 Theory
Skew
Tria. Three potential skew angles are computed for each tria element. To calculate each skew
angle, two vectors are constructed: one from a vertex to the mid-point of the opposite edge, and
the other between the mid-points of the adjacent edges. The difference is taken of the angle
between these two vectors and 90°. This procedure is repeated for the other two vertices. The
largest of the three computed angles is reported as the skew angle for that element.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the skew angle is divided by 90° to yield the
skew factor. An equilateral triangle will have a skew factor of 0.

Skew Angle = 90° - α

Skew Factor = (90° - α)/90°

Figure 11-2 Tria Skew Angle

Quad. Prior to testing for skew, each element is first checked for convexity. Elements which fail
the convexity check “double back” on themselves causing their element stiffness terms to have
either a zero or negative value.

3 4

1 2
Incorrect nodal sequencing Single Re-entrant Angle
Double Re-entrant angle

Figure 11-3 Convexity Check

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 185 Options Close

This skew test is based on a reference frame created by first bisecting the four element edges,
creating an origin at the vector average of the corners, where the x-axis extends from the origin
to the bisector on edge 2. The z-axis is in the direction of the cross product of the x-axis and the
vector from the origin to the bisector of edge 3. The y-axis is in the direction of the cross product
of the x and z axis as shown in Figure 11-4.

Node 4

Edge 4 z Edge 3
y

Node 3
Node 1 x

Edge 2
Edge 1

Node 2

Figure 11-4 The Element Test Coordinate System

The Robinson and Haggenmacher1 skew test uses the angle alpha between the edge 2 and 4
bisector and the test y-axis. The resulting angle is subtracted from 90° to yield the skew angle.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the skew angle is divided by 90° to yield the
skew factor. A square element will have a skew factor of 0.

90 °- α

Figure 11-5 Quad Skew Angle

Tet. Each face of the tet element is tested for skew as if it were a tria element. See explanation
for computation of skew angle - Tria (p. 184). The highest resulting angle for each element is
retained as the skew angle.

1J.Robinson and G. W. Haggenmacher, “Element Warning Diagnostics,” Finite Element News,

June and August, 1982.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 186 Options Close

Wedge. Each face of the wedge element is tested for skew as if it were either a quad or tria
element. See explanation for computation of skew angle - Tria (p. 184) or Quad (p. 184). The
highest resulting angle for each element is retained as the skew angle.

Hex. Each face of the hex element is tested for skew as if it were a quad element. See explanation
for computation of skew angle - Quad (p. 184). The highest resulting angle for each element is
retained as the skew angle.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 187 Options Close

Aspect Ratio
Tria. The aspect ratio for a triangle is calculated as the ratio of the length, h2, of the edge of a
triangle, to the height, h1. The ratio of h2 to h1 is then multiplied by 3 ⁄ 2 such that a “perfect”
element in the shape of an equilateral triangle will equal one. This procedure is repeated for the
remaining two edges of the triangle, and the largest value is retained as the aspect ratio for the
element.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, then the aspect ratio is inverted such that it
becomes less than or equal to one. This inverted aspect ratio is subtracted from one to yield the
aspect factor. An equilateral triangle will have an aspect factor of 0.

h1

h2

3h 2 2h 1
Aspect Ratio = ------------- Aspect Factor = – -------------
2h 1 3h 2

Figure 11-6 Tria Aspect Ratio

Quad. The aspect ratio for a quad is derived from one test proposed by Robinson and
Haggenmacher1. This test is based on projection plane created by first bisecting the four element
edges, creating a point on the plane at the vector average of the corners. The x-axis extends from
the point to the bisector on edge 2. The ratio is determined as the ratio of the length from the
origin to the bisector of edge 2 and the length from the origin to the bisector of edge 3. If the ratio
is less than 1.0, it is inverted.

1J.Robinson and G. W. Haggenmacher, “Element Warning Diagnostics,” Finite Element News,

June and August, 1982.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 188 Options Close

If Normalize is selected on the verification form, then the aspect ratio is inverted such that it
becomes less than or equal to one. This inverted aspect ratio is subtracted from one to yield the
normalized aspect ratio. A square element will have a normalized aspect ratio of 0.

Node 4

Edge 4 Edge 3

h1

h2 Node 3
Node 1

Edge 2
Edge 1

h1 Node 2
Aspect Ratio = , h1 > h2
h2
h2
, h2 > h1
h1

Figure 11-7 Quad Aspect Ratio

Tet. The aspect ratio for a tet element is computed by taking the ratio of the height of a vertex
to the square root of the area of the opposing face. This value is then manipulated in one of two
ways, depending on whether the Normalize parameter is selected on the verification form.
If Normalize is NOT selected, the maximum height to area value is multiplied by a factor
C = 0.805927 , which is the ratio of height to edge length for an equilateral tetrahedron. This
result is reported as the Aspect Ratio. An equilateral tet will report a value of 1.
Aspect Ratio = Max ( C f ⋅ h i ⁄ A i ), i = 1, 2, 3, 4 .
If Normalize IS selected, the maximum height to area value is inverted and subtracted from 1.
Aspect Factor = ( 1 – 1 ⁄ ( MaxC f ⋅ h i ⁄ A i ) ), i = 1, 2, 3, 4 .

hi

Ai

Max (cƒ. h i ⁄ √Ai)

cƒ = .805927

Figure 11-8 Tet Aspect Ratio

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 189 Options Close

Wedge. MSC.Patran averages the two triangular faces of the wedge element to obtain a mid-
surface. The aspect ratio of this triangular mid-surface is computed ( 3h 2 ⁄ 2h 1 ) . Next the height
(h1) of the wedge is compared to the maximum edge length of the mid-surface (h4).

If the height of the wedge is greater than the maximum edge length then the aspect ratio for the
wedge element equals the mid-surface aspect ratio multiplied by the maximum edge length
divided by the distance between the triangular faces (h3).
If the height of the wedge is less than the maximum edge length then the aspect ratio for the
wedge element equals either the mid-surface aspect ratio or the maximum edge length divided
by the distance between the triangular faces, whichever is greater.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, then the aspect ratio is inverted such that it
becomes less than or equal to one. This inverted aspect ratio is subtracted from one to yield the
aspect factor. An equilateral wedge element will have an aspect factor of 0.

h3

h4
h1

h2

h4 √3h2 h3 2h1
Aspect Ratio = Aspect Fact or= 1 -
h3 2h1 h4 √3h2

Figure 11-9 Wedge Aspect Ratio

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 190 Options Close

Hex. The aspect ratio is calculated as the ratio of the distance between opposing faces. This
distance is determined by treating each HEX face as if it were a warped quadrilateral. Each face
is processed to produce a projected plane. The distances between the centerpoints of all three
pairs of opposing faces are compared.The aspect ratio is determined by taking the maximum
distance between any two faces and dividing it by the minimum distance between any two faces.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, then the aspect ratio is inverted such that it
becomes less than or equal to one. This inverted aspect ratio is subtracted from one to yield the
aspect factor. A cubic element will have an aspect factor of 0.

h1
h2 h3

max ( h 1, h 2, h 3 ) min ( h 1, h 2, h 3 )
AspectRatio = ------------------------------------------- AspectFactor = 1 – -------------------------------------------
min ( h 1, h 2, h 3 ) max ( h 1, h 2, h 3 )

Figure 11-10 Hex Aspect Ratio

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 191 Options Close

Warp
Quad. The warp test is a test proposed by Robinson and Haggenmacher1 which uses the
following method of calculating the Quad element Warp. This test is based on a projection plane
created by first bisecting the four element edges, creating a point on the plane at the vector
average of the corners, where the x-axis extends from the point to the bisector on edge 2. The
plane normal is in the direction of the cross product of the x-axis and the vector from the origin
to the bisector of edge 3. Every corner of the quad will then be a distance “h” from the plane. The
length of each half edge is measured and the shortest length is assigned “l.” The warp angle is
the arcsine of the ratio of the projection height “h” to the half edge length “l.”
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the warp angle is divided by 15° to yield the
warp factor. A planar element has a warp factor of 0.

Node 4

Edge 4 z Edge 3
y

Node 3
Node 1 x

θ
Edge 2
Edge 1

Node 2
l
h h
θ = sin-1 l

Figure 11-11 Quad Warp Angle

Wedge. Each quad face of the wedge element is tested for warp as if it were a quad element. See
explanation for computation of warp angle - Quad (p. 191). The highest resulting angle for each
element is retained as the warp angle.

Hex. Each face of the hex element is tested for warp as if it were a quad element. See explanation
for computation of warp angle - Quad (p. 191). The highest resulting angle for each element is
retained as the warp angle.

1J. Robinson and

G. W. Haggenmacher, “Element Warning Diagnostics,” Finite Element News,
June and August, 1982.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 192 Options Close

Taper
Quad. The taper test is a test proposed by Robinson and Haggenmacher1 which uses the
following method of calculating the Quad element. Taper four triangles are created bounded by
the element edge and the edges created by connecting the element verification reference frame
origin with the two nodes at the element edge. The resulting four triangular areas are calculated
and then summed. The ratio of the area with the smallest triangle and the total area of the
element is taken as the taper ratio.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the taper ratio is subtracted from one to yield
the taper factor. A square element has a taper factor of 0.

a1
a2
a3
a4

4a smallest
Taper Ratio = ----------------------------------------------
1 + a2 + a3 + a4

Figure 11-12 Quad Taper

Wedge. Each quad face of the wedge element is tested for taper as if it were a quad element. See
explanation for computation of taper - Quad (p. 192). The lowest resulting value for each
element is retained as the value of face taper.

Hex. Each face of the hex element is tested for taper as if it were a quad element. See explanation
for computation of taper - Quad (p. 192). The lowest resulting value for each element is retained
as the value of face taper.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 193 Options Close

Edge Angle
Tet. Edge angle measures the angle between adjacent faces of the tetrahedral element. In an
equilateral tetrahedral element, this angle will equal 70.259°. The largest angle found in the
element is retained. MSC.Patran then computes the absolute value of the difference between the
measured angle and 70.259°. This is the value reported as the Edge Angle.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the edge angle is divided by 110° to yield the
edge angle factor. An equilateral tet will have an edge angle factor of 0.

α - 70.53 °

Edge Angle = 70.529° - α

Edge Angle Factor = (70.529° - α)

/ 110°

Figure 11-13 Tet Edge Angle

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 194 Options Close

Wedge. An edge angle is the absolute value of the angle between the two faces meeting at an
edge subtracted from the ideal angle for that edge. The ideal angle between two quad faces is 60
degrees, and the ideal angle between a quad face and a tria face is 90 degrees. For warped quad
faces, the projected plane of the face is used to compute the face normal used in the angle
calculation. The maximum edge angle is calculated for each wedge element.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the edge angle is divided by 60° to yield the
edge angle factor.

Max (60° − θ, 90° - α)

Edge Angle = Max (600 - θ, 900 - α)

Edge Angle Factor = [Max (600 - θ, 900 - α)] / 600

Figure 11-14 Wedge Edge Angle

Hex. An edge angle is the absolute value of the angle between the two faces meeting at an edge
subtracted from the ideal angle for that edge. The ideal angle between faces of a hex element is
90 °. For warped faces, the projected planes for each face is used to compute the face normals
used in the angle calculation. The maximum edge angle is calculated for each hex element.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the edge angle is divided by 90° to yield the
edge angle factor.

Max (90° - α) ×

Edge Angle = Max (90° - α)

Edge Angle Factor = [Max (90° - α)] / 90°

Figure 11-15 Hex Edge Angle

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 195 Options Close

Collapse
Tet. Collapse is an indicator of near zero volume tetrahedral elements. The test takes the ratio
of the height of a vertex to the square root of the area of the opposing face. This value approaches
zero as the volume of the element approaches zero.
If Normalize is NOT selected on the verification form, the minimum height to area value is
multiplied by a factor Cf = 0.805927, which is the ratio of height to edge length for an equilateral
 C f × h i
tetrahedron. An equilateral tet will report a value of 1. Collapse =  Min ------------------ ,i = 1, 2, 3, 4 .
 Ai 

If Normalize IS selected, the minimum height to area value is subtracted from 1. An equilateral
 C f × h i
tet will report a value of 0. Collapse Factor = – Min  ------------------ , i = 1,2,3,4.
 Ai 

hi

Ai

Min (h i ⁄ √ A i )

Figure 11-16 Tet Collapse

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 196 Options Close

Twist
Wedge. Twist is the rotation of one face of a solid with respect to its opposite face. To compute
twist angle, normals are drawn from the center of each tria surface. These vectors are projected
onto a plane. The angular difference between the two vectors is the twist angle.
If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the twist angle is divided by 60° to yield the
twist factor.

• •
θ •

Figure 11-17 Wedge Twist Angle

Hex. Twist is the rotation of one face of a solid with respect to its opposite face. A twist angle is
computed about all three principal axes of hex elements. To compute the twist angle, each face
is treated as if it were a warped quad. Vectors from the center of the projected plane to the
middle of two adjacent edges are constructed. The vectors are summed to compute a reference
vector. The same steps are performed for the opposite face. A line through the center of each
projected face and the plane normal to this line is determined. The two reference vectors are
projected onto this plane and the angular difference between them is measured. The highest
angle found is retained as the twist angle.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 197 Options Close

If Normalize is selected on the verification form, the twist angle is divided by 90° to yield the
twist factor.

Figure 11-18 Hex Twist Angle

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Verify Action §11.3 198 Options Close
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... § 199 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Show Action
12
■ Show Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 200 Options Close

12.1 Show Forms

When Show is the selected Action, the following options are available.

Object Info Description

Node Location Displays the location of the selected
nodes in a selected coordinate system
or the reference coordinate system in
which the node was created, the
reference coordinate system. The
reference coordinate system ID and
the analysis coordinate system ID are
also displayed.
Distance Displays the straight-line distance
between the nodes in the first-node list
and the second-node list.
Element Attributes Displays the element ID, topology (i.e.,
element type), parent geometry,
number of nodes in the element, load
and boundary conditions, material
property ID number, element
properties and results associated with
the selected elements.
Coordinate System Plots the element coordinate systems
of the selected elements.
Mesh Seed Attributes
Mesh Control Attributes
MPC Displays Multi-Point Constraint
(MPC) type and information about the
associated constraint equation terms
for selected MPCs.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 201 Options Close

Show - Node Location

When Show is the selected Action and Node is the selected Object, the Show Node menu is
displayed. This is used to view either the location of or distance between selected nodes.

Finite Elements The Show Node Location menu displays the location of the
Action: Show selected nodes in the reference coordinate system, giving the
reference coordinate system ID, and the analysis coordinate
Object: Node system ID.
Info: Location More detailed information than what is provided in the
resulting information table can be obtained by selecting the
Node Summary individual cells of the The Show Action Information Form
(p. 569) in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 2:
Last ID: Geometry Modeling. This additional information is then
0 displayed in the textbox directly below the table.
Total in Model:
0
Total Unreferenced: The Node Summary table lists information about the existing
0 nodes in the current database, including the highest node ID
currently used, the total number of nodes in the model, the
Total in 'default_group’: number of unreferenced nodes, and the total number of
nodes in the current group.
0

Write to Report See Write to Report (p. 204)

Coordinate Frame
Used to input the coordinate frame in which the coordinate
values of the selected nodes are to be shown. Coordinate
frames can be specified by selecting this box and then cursor
Auto Execute selecting, or by typing “Coord n” where n is the ID of the
desired coordinate frame. If no coordinate frame is specified,
Node List the nodes will be shown in the coordinate frame in which they
were created.

The Node List textbox is where the list of nodes to be shown

is specified. Nodes can be specified by selecting this box and
Apply
then selecting the nodes with the cursor, or by typing in “node
n” where n is the number of the desired node.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 202 Options Close

Show - Node Distance

When Show is the selected Action and Node is the selected Object, the Show Node menu is
displayed. This is used to view either the location of or distance between selected nodes.

Finite Elements
Action: Show The Show Node Distance menu displays the straight-line
distance between the nodes in the first-node list and the
Object: Node second-node list.
More detailed information than what is provided in the
Info: Distance resulting information table can be obtained by selecting the
individual cells of the The Show Action Information Form
Node Summary (p. 569) in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 2:
Geometry Modeling. This additional information is then
Last ID: displayed in the textbox directly below the table.
0
Total in Model:
0
The Node Summary table lists information about the
Total Unreferenced: existing nodes in the current database, including the
highest node ID currently used, the total number of nodes
0 in the model, the number of unreferenced nodes and the
total number of nodes in the current group.
Total in 'default_group' :
0

Write to Report See Write to Report (p. 204).

Auto Execute

First Node List

The First Node List textbox is used to input the list of nodes
where the distance measurement starts. Nodes can be
specified by selecting this box and then selecting the nodes
Second Node List with the cursor, or by typing in “node n” where n is the
number of the desired node.

The Second Node List textbox is used to input the list of

nodes where the distance measurement ends. If the lists do
Apply
not contain the same number of points, the last point of the
shorter list will be repeated until the longer list is exhausted.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 203 Options Close

Show - Element Attributes

When Show is the selected Action, Element is the selected Object and Attributes is the selected
Info, the Show Element Attributes menu is displayed. This is used to display the element
attributes of selected elements.

Finite Elements The Show/Element/Attributes menu displays the element

ID, topology (i.e., element type), parent geometry, number
Action: Show of nodes, loads and boundary conditions, material
property ID number, element properties and results
Object: Element associated with selected elements in an information table.
Info: Attributes More detailed information than what is provided in the
resulting information table can be obtained by selecting
Element Summary the individual cells of the The Show Action Information
Last ID: Form (p. 569) in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual,
Part 2: Geometry Modeling. This additional information is
0 then displayed in the textbox directly below the table.
Total in Model: Selecting this menu automatically brings up the element
0 select menu which allows the user to select elements
from the graphics window via cursor pick or element type.
Total in 'default_group' :
0

Write to Report

Auto Execute The Element Summary table lists information about the
existing elements in the current database including the
Element List highest ID number currently used, the total number of
elements in the model, and the total number of elements
in the current group.

Apply The Element List textbox is where the list of elements to be

shown is specified. Elements can be specified by using the
mouse button on this box, and then selecting the elements
with the cursor, or by typing in “element n” where n is the
number of the desired element. Elements can also be
selected by type through the Element select menu.

See Write to Report (p. 204)

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 204 Options Close

Write to Report
When toggled ON, the File>Report (p. 199) in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 1: Basic
Functions will appear. If the user proceeds to write attributes within the Report File form, the
user will have information for all the entities in the database. Note: This can be done without
selecting entities in the Finite Elements form.
Set and keep a file in an open state for subsequent output from the Finite Element form. In order
to output information for selected entities (a subset of the database) to a file, perform the
following:
1. On the Finite Element form, toggle ON the Write To Report toggle. The Report File
form will appear.
2. On the Report File form, set the Output Format, File Width and Open File.
3. On the Report file form, select an existing report file or create a new one.

Important: Do not click Apply (button located on the lower right of the Report file
form). This will immediately dump all the database entities to the file.

4. Click Cancel to hide the Report file form.

5. Proceed to select the desired entities and generate an information spreadsheet. This
will also write the same information to the output text file.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 205 Options Close

Show - Element Coordinate System

When Show is the selected Action, Element is the selected Object and Coord. Sys. is the selected
Info, the Show Element Coord. Sys. menu is displayed. This is used to plot the element
coordinate systems for the selected elements.

Finite Elements
Action: Show The Show/Element/Coord. Sys. menu plots the element
coordinate systems.
Object: Element
Important: Selecting this menu automatically brings up the
Info: Coord. Sys. element select menu which allows the user to select
elements from the graphics window via cursor pick or
Display Options element type.
X dir X label

Y dir Y label The Display Options section is used for selecting which
element coordinate system axis will be displayed (X dir, Y
dir, Z dir toggles), which axis labels will be displayed (X
Z dir Z label
label, Y label, Z label toggles) and the color for each axis.
Coordinate System Definition
◆
◆ MSC.Patran
The Coordinate System Definition can be set to :
◆ MSC.Nastran
MSC.Patran for displaying MSC.Patran’s definition of the
element coordinate system.
Origin Display Location
MSC.Nastran for displaying MSC.Nastran’s definition of the
◆
◆ Centroid element coordinate system.
◆ Analysis Code Def.

The Origin Display Location can be set to :

Use Beam Element Offset
Centroid to display the element coordinate system origin at
Auto Execute the centroid of the element (same as MSC.Patran’s
coordinate system definition).
Select Elements Analysis Code Def. to display the element coordinate
system origin at the selected coordinate system definition of
the origin.

Reset Graphics
Return your graphic display to the way it was when you
entered the form.
Apply
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 206 Options Close

Show - Mesh Seed Attributes

When Show is the selected Action, Mesh Seed is the selected Object and Attributes is the selected
Info, the Show Mesh Seed Attributes menu is displayed. This is used to show the mesh seed
attributes for the selected curve.

Finite Elements
Action: Show
This form is used to view the attributes data of mesh seed
Object: Mesh Seed associated with a list or a curve.

Info: Attributes

Display Existing Seeds

Auto Execute

Curve List
Shows the list of curves that will be displayed.

Apply
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 207 Options Close

Show - Mesh Control Attributes

When Show is the selected Action, Mesh Control is the selected Object and Attributes is the
selected Info, the Show Mesh Control Attributes menu is displayed. This is used to show the
mesh control attributes for the selected surfaces.

Finite Elements
Action: Show
This form is used to view the attributes data of mesh control on a
Object: Mesh Control list of surfaces

Info: Attributes

Display Existing Seeds

Auto Execute

Surface List

Apply
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 208 Options Close

Show - MPC
When Show is the selected Action and MPC is the selected Object, the Show MPC form is
displayed. Use this to view the attributes of existing MPCs.

Finite Elements
Action: Show
Object: MPC

Analysis Preferences:
Indicates the current settings of the Analysis Code and
MSC.Nastran
Analysis Type Preferences.
Structural

MPC Summary
Last ID:
1
Total in Model:
The MPC Summary table lists statistics about the existing
1 MPCs in the database, including the highest ID currently
used, the total number of MPCs in the database and the total
Total in ‘default_group’
number of MPCs in the current group.
1

MPC ID
MPC 1234571 Used to specify the MPC to be shown. The form will be
updated automatically whenever the contents of this databox
are changed to reflect the attributes of the existing MPC. If
MPC Type: the MPC does not exist, the remaining widgets in this form
Explicit are not displayed.

Constant Term:
0.34 Indicates the value of the Constant Term, if supported by this
MPC type.

Show Terms... Brings up the Show Terms form. This form is used to view
the dependent and independent terms.

Indicates the MPC type currently selected. If the MPC is not valid for the current
Analysis Code and Analysis Type preferences, this label will read:
Not Valid for Current Preferences
In this case, the remaining widgets will not be displayed.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Show Action... §12.1 209 Options Close

Show - MPC Terms

The Show Terms form appears when the Show Terms button is selected on the Show MPC menu.
Use this form to view information about the dependent and independent terms of an MPC.

Show Terms Holds the dependent and independent

term information as rows in the
Dependent Terms (1) spreadsheet. A term consists of one or
more of the following:
Nodes (1) DOFs (1) 1) A sequence number (not shown)
2 UX 2) A nonzero coefficient
3) A list of nodes
4) A list of degrees-of-freedom
Terms from these spreadsheets can be
selected for an expanded listing of term
components.
Independent Terms (No Max)
Coefficient Nodes (1) DOFs (1)
2.3 3 UY A Sequence Label (not shown) indicating
-4.75 UZ the value of the sequence of the selected
4
term is displayed only if a term including
a sequence is selected.

Coefficient: Coefficient Label indicating the value of the

-4.75 coefficient of the selected term, which is
displayed only if a term including a
Node List coefficient is selected.
Node 4

DOFs Node List textbox indicating the nodes

associated to the selected term, which is
UX
UY displayed only if a term is selected.
UZ

DOF listbox (read only) indicating the

degrees-of-freedom associated with the
selected term, which is displayed only if
a term including degrees-of-freedom is
OK selected.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Modify Action
13
■ Introduction to Modification

■ Modify Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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13.1 Introduction to Modification

The purpose of modification is to change one or more attributes of nodes, elements, and or MPCs
which have been created, using one of the Create options in the Finite Element application.
Node modify options can affect the ID numbering, location, or the associated analysis and
reference coordinate frames of an individual node or a group of nodes.
Element modify options can affect ID numbering, element topology (linear or higher order), or
nodal connectivity (manual assignment or reversal of current connectivity).
Bar modify can split a bar element in two.
Tria modify can split a tria element into a pattern of two to four elements.
Quad modify can split a quad element into a pattern of two or four elements or NxM quad
elements.
The MPC modify option can be used to add, modify, or delete terms of a currently existing MPC.
Attributes of a term that can be modified include the sequence, coefficients, nodes, and the
degrees-of-freedom.
Mesh modify, mesh smoothing is an iterative algorithm that can be used to optimize the shape
of elements in an existing finite element mesh. Two principle uses for this feature are:
1. To more mesh nodes to the locations of “hard points” and then smooth the modified
mesh. Hard points might be the locations of attachments or boundaries of holes.
2. Alter the default setting of a mesh smoothing parameter and then re-smooth the mesh.
(Any transition mesh is smoothed automatically when originally created. In most
cases, the default parameters yield an acceptable mesh.)
Mesh Seed modify allows the user to modify mesh control from one type to another without
having to delete the old one and create a new one in place of the old one. This feature is
particularly useful when user needs a node at a certain location when the edge has already been
seeded with a certain type.
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13.2 Modify Forms

When Modify is the selected action, the following options are available.

Object Type Description

Mesh Surface Improve an existing surface mesh with optional hard
nodes.
Solid Improve an existing solid mesh with optional hard
nodes.
Sew Stitches gaps on a mesh.
Mesh Seed Mesh Seed Allows modification of mesh seed on curves/edges.
Element Edit Changes attributes such as ID numbering, element
topology, or nodal connectivity of selected elements.
Reverse Reverses the connectivity definition (and therefore the
normal direction) of selected elements.
Separate Adds nodes to specified elements an separates them
from the rest of the model.
Bar Split Splits a bar element in two.
Tria Split Splits a tria element into two to four elements.
Quad Split Splits a quad element into two to four elements.
Tet Split Splits a tet element.
Node Move Changes a nodal location.
Offset Moves nodes by an indicated vector distance.
Edit Changes attributes such as ID numbering, associated
analysis and reference coordinate frames, or physical
location of selected nodes.
Project Project nodes onto Surfaces, Curves or a constant
coordinate plane (e.g X = 5).
MPC Changes the attributes of a selected MPC.
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Modifying Mesh
The smoothing algorithm used is the iterative Laplacian-Isoparametric scheme developed by L.
R. Herrmann. The final mesh and the execution time for smoothing are controlled by the
Smoothing Parameters.

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Mesh
Method: Surface

Operation: Smoothing
Brings up the Smoothing Parameters form to
change smoothing parameter values. These are the
Parameters... same parameters that are used during mesh
creation.

[Hard Node List]

Specifies nodes which will remain stationary during smoothing.
Nodes around the perimeter of each surface will be treated as
hard nodes automatically. This function is optional.
Surface List

Selects surface(s) to be smoothed. Each surface will be

smoothed individually. All elements associated with a surface
will be included in the smoothing operation. Elements may
have been created by IsoMesh or Paver, or they may have
-Apply- been created or modified by element editing.
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Smoothing Parameters
Figure 13-1
Sets weighting factor for combining Laplacian and Isoparametric smoothing. At the extreme left, pure
Laplacian smoothing is used; at the extreme right, pure Isoparametric smoothing is used; at intermediate
positions, a combination of the two methods is used. Pure Laplacian smoothing was selected as the
default Smoothing Factor because it produces the best mesh in most cases. One notable exception occurs
when a surface has significant inplane curvature. In this case, Laplacian smoothing pulls the elements
toward edges with inner curvature. Isoparametric smoothing is usually better in this case. See Figure 13-
2.

Smoothing Parameters
Lapl Iso

Sets the maximum number of iterations allowed for mesh

smoothing. Default value is 20.

0 99 Sets the smoothing acceleration factor. This factor increases

the distance each node is moved during a smoothing cycle
and may thus allow smoothing to converge in fewer cycles.
For example, a value of 0.5 causes each node to move 50%
farther than computed at each iteration. However, caution is
0.00 1.00 advised because this factor can also make the smoothing
process diverge, particularly if the geometry is highly curved
or skewed. Therefore, a warning is given whenever this factor
is set above a value of 0.1.

0.00 0.20
Controls the smoothing termination tolerance factor. Default
value is 0.05, where smoothing stops when the largest
distance moved by any node during the previous iteration is
Defaults less than 5% of the shortest element length along an edge of
the geometry.

Apply Cancel If selected, MSC.Patran will reset the smoothing parameter

values back to the original set of values that existed upon
entry to the Mesh Parameters form.

If selected, the smoothing parameters will be reset back to the

original factory default values. These are: Smoothing Factor = 0.0,
Maximum Cycles = 20, Acceleration Factor = 0.00, Termination
Factor = 0.05.
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Laplacian Smoothing Hybrid Smoothing Isoparametric Smoothing

Laplacian Smoothing Hybrid Smoothing Isoparametric Smoothing

Laplacian Smoothing Hybrid Smoothing Isoparametric Smoothing

Figure 13-2 Example Meshes with Different Values of Smoothing Factor

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Mesh Improvement Form

The purpose of this form is to improve the quality of a solid mesh with respect to the criterion
selected.

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Mesh
Type: Solid

Mesh Type : Tet Mesh

Sub-form for specific parameters. The user would typically
Parameters... not need to modify these parameters. See General
Parameters (p. 218) for more information.

Process Control... Sub-form for controlling the process of improving the

mesh. The user would typically not need to modify these
parameters. See Process Control (p. 219) for more
Quality Parameters information.
Sub-form for parameters related to the minimum Jacobian
Collapse Ratio... value inside an element. The user would typically not
need to modify these parameters. Setting the toggle as
Jacobian Minimum... enabled will cause the element quality to consider this
criterion. See Jacobian Minimum (p. 221) for more
information.
Auto Execute
Input List (Element/Solid) List of elements or solid. For supplied solids, the
associated elements will be considered. Duplicate entities
are automatically removed.

-Apply-
Submit the functionality.

Sub-form for parameters related to the tetrahedron collapse ratio. The user would
typically not need to modify these parameters. Setting the toggle as enabled will cause
the element quality to consider this criterion. See Collapse Ratio (p. 220) for more
information.

List of criterions that define the quality for the elements to be considered. The quality
of each element is determined by the worst normalized value for all considered
criterions in this frame.
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General Parameters

Enabled in order to consider geometric boundaries and create new node/element geometric
association. When disabled, the solid mesh will still consider its boundary, but ignore delimitation of
the surfaces which define the solids to which the elements may be associated. The later (disabled) is
the same as if the envelope of the solid mesh corresponds to a single geometric surface.

General Parameters
Modifiable Mesh Domain Allows you to specify how many layers around each bad
element you want to consider as a modifiable region. Or
◆ Complete Mesh
◆ you can pick all of the mesh.

◆ Bad Element Cluster Layers

3
List of hard nodes, not to be modified.
Maintain Element to
Geometry Association Level of information on the bad elements initially in the
mesh, during iterations, and those left in the end (if any):
None: Only the percentage of completion forms are
[Hard Node List] displayed while the process is running.
Summary: In addition to information displayed under
"None", the history window and session file will indicate
the elements failing the criterion in the original state of
the mesh, a status line for each iteration, a table of failing
Information Output Level elements in the final state of the mesh and some advice
if applicable.
◆ None
◆
Detailed: In addition to information displayed under
◆ Summary "Summary", exact references are given for the elements
◆ Detailed reference in each iteration status line.
◆

FEM Volume Control

Allow Increase

Defaults FEM Volume Control for non-snapping element edges on

mesh boundary: This only applies for edges on the mesh
OK Cancel boundary without an associated geometry of lower order
than that of the mesh. Choices are : "Allow Increase",
"Allow Decrease", "Constant", "Any Change".

Exit this form without

considering changes.

Accept the changes and close this form.

Reset default values.

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Process Control

Process Control Maximum number of iteration to perform. The process

Max Iteration Limit can terminate before in the advent of the mesh to satisfy
all quality criterions.
Automatic Automatic: The limit is automatically determined based
on the quantity of bad elements:
None
=100 x (number of bad elements)
User Defined 200 minimum, 1000000 maximum
None: No practical limit (set to 10 million).
200
User Defined: The limit is specified in the databox below.
A value of 0 will cause the mesh to be evaluated but no
modification will be performed. A value of N (0<N) will
Attempts to Improve Element allow of a maximum of N mesh modification attempts.

Attempts to Improve Element. The number of times an

Unlimited element will be attempted to be improved (replaced by
Limited to better ones). The algorithm allows the improvment
process to return to a element which was previously
unfixable (could not be replaced by better ones).
1

Max Generation Level

Thissets the limit for the number of times that an element
Unlimited can by replaced. The first time an element is replaced by
Limited to a set better elements, those new elements are of
generation 1(the original were generation 0). Further
replacement of generation 1 elements will lead to
3
generation 2 elements and so on.

Defaults

OK Cancel

Exit this form without

considering changes.

Accept the changes and close this form.

Reset default values.

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Collapse Ratio

Collapse Ratio

Smallest altitude
divided by the
longest edge.

The acceptance value for the selected criterion. This is

typically 0.01 for a subsequent NASTRAN analysis.
Normalized value will be established from this value
Acceptance Value 0.01 and ultimate limits : 0.0 and sqrt(2/3).

Allow Automatic Local

Element Tolerance Ratio When enabled, allows to find another value for the "Local
Element Tolearnce Ratio" for individual element which
Defaults can not be improved with the value supplied. It is
recommended to always enable this option.
OK Cancel
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Jacobian Minimum

Jacobian Minimum

Geometry Association
for the element
evaluation points.
The acceptance value for the selected criterion. This is
normally set to a small value above zero to ensure
positive Jacobians inside the elements. Normalized
value will be established (using am inverse tangent
1e-30 function) from this value and ultimate limits : +/-infinity.
Acceptance Value
Points inside the element where the Jacobian will be
Evaluation Points: evaluated :
Gauss Points : Only the Gauss-Legendre quadrature
Gauss Points integration points are considered.
Nodes Nodes : Only the element’s nodes are considered.
Gauss Points + Nodes Gauss Points + Nodes : Both previous location sets
are considered. This corresponds to the
Verify/Element/JacobianZero form.
Allow Element Edge Linearization
The "Allow element edge linearization" feature enables
the improvement process to linearize element edges as a
last resort to fix otherwise unfixable (within specified
Defaults process control limitaions) elements because of an
unacceptable "Scaled Jacobian Minimum" quality
OK Cancel criterion.
The linearization process in the "Mesh Improver"
linearizes the most curved edge of a bad element, then re-
checks the quality before proceding to other edges. By
this method we minimize the amount of linearized edges.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Modifying Mesh Seed

The modify mesh seed menu allows users to change mesh seed types.

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Mesh Seed

Display Existing Seeds

Select the curve for which mesh seed needs to be
Auto Show Seed Data modified.

Select One Curve

Click here to show the seed data. Use this to fill the tabular
seed locations if the table has been Cleared. Under
Show Seeds Data normal circumstances it can be used to display the mesh
seed information table.

New Mesh Seed Info

Type Uniform The options available are Uniform, One Way, Two Way
and Tabular mesh seed types.
Element Edge Length Data
L

◆ Number of Elements

Number = 2

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Sew Form
Using Modify/Mesh/Sew form sews gaps on a mesh consisting of all tria3 elements. This
program removes interior free edges on a mesh by merging nodes and splitting triangles
automatically (see Figure 13-3 and Figure 13-4).

Figure 13-3 Mesh Before Sewing

Figure 13-4 Mesh After Sewing

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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The primary purpose of this program is to provide users a useful tool to obtain a congruent mesh
which will be used to create a tessellated surface. (See Created Tessellated Surface from
Geometry Form (p. 306) in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 2: Geometry Modeling.) For this
reason, the elements modified or created by this program may not have very good quality.

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Mesh
Type: Sew

Target Element Edge Length

0.1 Specify the target element edge length which was used
as a global edge length when creating the mesh. The
gap tolerance is equal to one tenth of the target element
Tria Element List length.
Elm 1:100
Specify a set of tria elements consisting of the mesh to
be sewed.

-Apply-
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Modifying Elements
Edit Method

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
:
Object: Element
Method: Edit When one of these attributes is selected, the
appropriate information to modify appears on the form.
When this form is initially opened, none of the attributes
Element Attributes are selected; therefore, only the Element Attributes
toggle is initially displayed. Any combination of these
ID attributes may be selected. If only Connectivity is
Type selected, a toggle will become visible to modify all
elements associated to the current nodelist.
Connectivity

New ID's For information regarding this toggle see Output ID

List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference Manual,
Part 1: Basic Functions.
Shape Quad
Specifies shape of the new elements.
New Topology:
Quad4
Quad5 Specifies topology of the new elements.
Quad8
Quad9
Quad12
Quad16

Auto Execute
This box appears on the form when any element
Element List attribute is selected. It lists the ID numbers of the
elements to which the changes apply.
Elm 3

Current Node List Lists the nodes to be modified for each element.
Node 7 5

New Node List The list of nodes which are to replace those in the
Current Node List. There is a one-to-one correspondence
Node 5 7
between the Current Node List and the New Node List. In
the example shown, Nodes 5 and 7 are to be swapped in
the connectivity order for Element 3.
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Reverse Method

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Element
Method: Reverse

Auto Execute
Element List
Specifies the list of elements whose connectivity, and
therefore normal direction, is to be reversed.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Separate Method

Finite Elements
The following options are available:
Action: Modify At Nodes: separate elements at nodes
Object: Element At Elem Edges: separate elements at edges

Method: Separate At Elem Faces: separate elements at faces

At Free Edges: separate elements at free edges
At Free Faces: separate elements at free faces

Option: At Nodes

Keep Node Association Toggle to specify if the new nodes will keep the same
association to geometry as the old ones.
Auto Execute
Element list
Specifies the list of elements to be separated.

Node List
Specifies the list of nodes. For each node a new node will be
created and the element connectivity will be updated for the
specified elements. The Node list box will only be visible for
option At Nodes. For all other options the nodes associated to
the specified entities will be used instead.
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Modifying Bars

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Bar
Method: Split

1 2 3

Auto Execute
Bar Element List
Specifies the list of bar elements to split.

-Apply-

Note: The new bars will have the same topology as the
parent (i.e., a Bar3 will be split into two Bar3s).
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Modifying Trias
Splitting a Tria into Two Trias

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Tria
Method: Split

Select this icon to enable the two tria option.

Replacement Pattern

◆
◆ Split on longest edge
◆ Split at selected node
◆
◆ At posn on selected edge Selects a position on an edge.

Auto Execute

Tria Element List

Specify the trias to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.
Node List
Specify the node where the split is to occur. This list may
contain one entry for each element or a single entry. If a single
entry, each element will be split at the same corner relative to
the element origin as the first element.

-Apply-

Note: The new trias will have the same topology as the
parent (i.e., a Tria6 will be split into two Tria6s).
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Splitting a Tria into Three Trias, Four Trias, or Three Quads

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Tria
Method: Split

Replacement Pattern

Select one of these icons to enable the selected

pattern.

Auto Execute
Tria Element List
Specify the trias to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.

Note: The new elements will have the same topology as

the parent (i.e., a Tria6 will be split into Tria6s or
-Apply- Quad8s).
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Splitting a Tria into a Tria and a Quad

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Tria
Method: Split

Replacement Pattern

Select this icon to enable the tria-quad option.

◆
◆ Tria at sharpest corner
◆ Tria at selected node Select automatic or manual operation.

Auto Execute
Tria Element List
Specify the trias to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.
Node List
Specify the node to orient the split. This list may contain
one entry for each element or a single entry. If a single
entry, each element split will be oriented the same
relative to the element origin as the first element.

-Apply-

Note: The new elements will have the same topology as

the parent (i.e., a Tria6 will be split into a Tria6 and a
Quad8).
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Splitting Tet Elements

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Tet
Method: Split

Split a tet element at a selected edge.

Replacement Pattern

Split a tet element at a selected face location.

Auto Execute
Single Element Edge
Select the tet edge to split.

Split Location (Straight Edge) :

Select the edge split location. This list may contain one
entry for each element or a single entry. If a single entry,
each element split will be oriented the same relative to the
element origin as the first element.

-Apply-
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Modifying Quads
Splitting a Quad into Two Quads

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object:
: Quad
Method: Split

Select this icon to enable the two quad option.

Replacement Pattern

◆
◆ Split on longest edge
◆ Select automatic or manual operation.
Split on selected edge

Auto Execute
Quad Element List
Specify the quads to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.
Element Edge List
Specify the edge where the split is to occur. This list may
contain one entry for each element or a single entry. If a
single entry, each element will be split at the same edge
relative to the element origin as the first element.
-Apply-

Note: The new quads will have the same topology as

the parent (i.e., a Quad8 will be split into two Quad8s).
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Splitting a Quad into Three Quads

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Quad
Method: Split
Select this icon to enable the three quad option.
Replacement Pattern

Auto Execute
Quad Element List
Specify the quads to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.
Node List
Specify the node to orient the split. This list may contain one
entry for each element or a single entry. If a single entry, each
element split will be oriented the same relative to the element
origin as the first element.

-Apply-

Note: The new quads will have the same topology as the
parent (i.e., a Quad8 will be split into three Quad8s).
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Splitting a Quad into Four Quads or Four Trias or NxM Quads

Figure 13-5
Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Quad
Method: Split

Replacement Pattern

Select one of these icons to enable the

selected pattern.

◆
◆ Split in 2 x 2 Quads Option for a 2 x 2 or n x m split only available for quad
elements.
◆ Split in N x M Quads

Auto Execute
Quad Element List
Specify the quads to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.
Element Edge List
Specify the edge where the split is to occur. This list may
contain one entry for each element or a single entry. If a
single entry, each element will be split at the same edge.
Specify N,M: N at selected Edge
N 2
Specify the number of elements to be created at the two edge
M 2 directions. N specifies the number of elements at the selected
edge, M the other direction. This method will split all elements
with the same pattern, unless they are not connected and no
shared edges can be found.

-Apply-

Note: The new elements will have the same topology as

the parent (i.e., a Quad8 will be split into Quad8s or
Tria6s).
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Splitting a Quad into Two Trias

Figure 13-6
Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object:
: Quad
Method: Split

Replacement Pattern

Select this icon to enable the two tria option.

◆
◆ Split on shorter diagonal
Select automatic or manual operation.
◆ Split at selected node

Auto Execute
Quad Element List
Specify the quads to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.
Node List

Specify the node where the split is to occur. This list may
contain one entry for each element or a single entry. If a single
entry, each element will be split at the same corner relative to
the element origin as the first element.

-Apply-

Note: The new trias will have the same topology as the
parent (i.e., a Quad8 will be split into two Tria6s).
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
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Splitting a Quad into Three Trias

Figure 13-7
Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object:
: Quad
Method: Split

Replacement Pattern

Select this icon to enable the three tria option.

Auto Execute
Quad Element List
Specify the quads to be split by selecting from the graphics
window or entering a list of elements.
Element Edge List

Specify the edge to orient the split. This list may contain one
entry for each element or a single entry. If a single entry,
each element split will be oriented the same relative to the
element origin as the first element.

-Apply-

Note: The new trias will have the same topology as the
parent (i.e., a Quad8 will be split into three Tria6s).
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Modifying Nodes
Move Method
Figure 13-8
Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object:
: Node
Method: Move

Auto Execute
Node List
Node 101 102 Specifies the list of nodes to be moved.
New Node Locations
[0 12.5 o] [0 13.2 .5] Specifies a list of new node locations by entering coordinates in
the global rectangular system (as shown) or by using the select
menu.

-Apply-
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Offset Method
Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object:
: Node
Method: Offset The Node/Offset method allows moving nodes by an
indicated vector distance.
Type of Transformation
◆ Cartesian in Refer. CF Specifies whether the offset direction is defined relative to
rectangular coordinates in any selected coordinate frame,
◆
◆ Curvilinear in Refer. CF or relative to curvilinear coordinates of a selected
cylindrical or spherical reference coordinate frame. If
rectangular coordinates are selected, the vector may be
Refer. Coordinate Frame selected via the select mechanism.
Coord 0
Specifies a reference coordinate frame in which the
direction vector is defined.
Direction Vector
<1 0 0> Specifies the direction in which the nodes are to be offset.
For cartesian enter direction vector components along the
three axes. For curvilinear enter actual incremental
Vector Magnitude distances. For example enter ∆r, ∆θ (in degrees) and ∆z.
1.

Reverse Vector Direction For cartesian only, this specifies the actual distance the
nodes are to be offset in the direction indicated by the
direction vector. When the direction vector or the reference
Auto Execute coordinate frame are modified, the magnitude of the new
Node List vector is automatically loaded here. The magnitude may
then be modified, if a different length is desired. PCL
expressions can be entered here to achieve convenient
scaling of the original vector length (i.e. ‘10 / 2‘).

-Apply-

Specifies the list of nodes to be offset.

If ON, the offset will occur in the opposite direction indicated by the direction vector.
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Edit Method
Finite Elements
Action: Modify
Object: Node
Method: Edit

Nodal Attributes
ID When one of these attributes is selected, the appropriate
Analysis Coordinate Frame information to modify appears on the form. When this
form is initially opened, none of the attributes are
Refer. Coordinate Frame selected, therefore, only the Nodal Attributes box is
Location displayed.

New Node ID's

Used to input new node ID numbers for the listed nodes.
See Output ID List (p. 25) in the MSC.Patran Reference
Manual, Part 1: Basic Functions.
Analysis Coordinate Frame
ID number of a coordinate frame where the
displacements, degrees-of-freedom, constraints, and
Refer. Coordinate Frame solution vectors are defined for the listed nodes.

Node Locations ID number of a coordinate frame where the location

is defined for the listed nodes.

New physical location(s) of the listed node(s). Enter

coordinates in the global rectangular system or use the
select menu.

Auto Execute
Node List
Appears when any nodal attribute is selected. It lists the
ID numbers of the nodes which are to be changed.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Modify Action... §13.2 241 Options Close

Project Method

Closest to Surf option will project the existing nodes by

Finite Elements using the closest approach to the specified surface or
Action: Modify face.
Define Vector option allows you to specify the
Object: Node coordinates of the Projection Vector and the Refer.
Coordinate Frame to express the vector within. (Example:
Method: Project <1 1 0>). The Vector select menu will appear to allow you
alternate ways to cursor define the vector direction.
Option: Closest to Surf View Vector option will project the existing points by using
the view angle of the current viewport. MSC.Patran will
Projection Vector project the existing nodes using the normal direction of the
screen.
<0 0 0> Closest to Curve option will project the existing nodes by
using the closest approach to the specified curve or edge.
Refer. Coordinate Frame
To Plane option will project the existing nodes by
Coord 0 changing the selected coordinate value in a specified
reference coordinate system.

Auto Execute
Input Nodes
Projection Vector and Refer. Coordinate Frame is used if
the Define Vector option is chosen.

Surface List Select Nodes to be projected with the selected option.

Specify Surfaces or Curves that the nodes will be

projected onto.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Modify Action... §13.2 242 Options Close

Modifying MPCs
When Modify is the selected Action and MPC is the selected Object, the Modify MPC form is
displayed. Use this form to modify the attributes of existing MPCs.

Finite Elements
Action: Modify
:
Object: MPC
Indicates the current settings of the Analysis Code and
Analysis Type Preferences.

:
Analysis Preferences:
ANSYS Used to specify the MPC to be modified. The form will be
Structural updated automatically whenever the contents of this
databox are changed to reflect the attributes of the existing
MPC. If the MPC does not exist, the remaining widgets in
MPC ID this form are not displayed.
MPC 1234571

Indicates the MPC type currently selected. If the MPC is

MPC Type: not valid for the current Analysis Code and Analysis Type
Explicit preferences, this label will read:
Not Valid for Current Preferences
Constant
In this case, the remaining widgets will not be displayed.
0

Specifies a constant term, if supported by the

Modify Terms... current selected MPC type.

-Apply- Reset Brings up the Modify Terms form. Use to create, modify or
delete dependent and independent terms.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Modify Action... §13.2 243 Options Close

Modify Terms
This form appears when the Modify Terms button is selected on the Modify MPC form. Use this
form to modify the dependent and independent terms of a selected MPC.

Modify Terms
Holds the dependent and independent term
Dependent Terms (1) information as rows in the spreadsheet. The
number of terms required is displayed in
Nodes (1) DOFs (1 )
parentheses next to the spreadsheet label. A
term consists of one or more of the following:
101,109:124:5 UX,UY,UZ
1. A sequencer number (not shown).
2. A nonzero coefficient.
3. A list of nodes (the required number is
displayed in parentheses).
4. A list of degrees-of-freedom (the required
Independent Terms (No Max)
number is listed in parentheses).
Coefficient Nodes (1) DOFs (1) Existing terms can be selected for modification
and deletion.
0.5 5:25:5 UX,UY,UZ

Sets the mode of the Apply function to:

1. Create a dependent term.
◆
◆ Create Dependent ◆ Modify 2. Create an independent term.
3. Modify a term, or
◆
◆ Create Independent ◆
◆ Delete 4. Delete a term.
The Create Dependent and Create Independent
Coefficient = 0.5 items are disabled once the maximum number of
dependent or independent terms are created.
Auto Execute
Node List
Node 101,109:124:5 Specifies a nonzero coefficient for a term. This
widget is displayed when creating or modifying
a term which includes a Coefficient column.
DOFs
UX
UY Specifies the nodes for a term. This widget is
UZ displayed when creating or modifying a term
which includes a Nodes column.

-Apply- Clear Cancel

Select the degrees-of-freedom for a term. This widget is displayed when creating
or modifying a term, which includes a DOFs column.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Modify Action... §13.2 244 Options Close
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... § 245 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The Delete Action
14
■ Delete Action

■ Delete Forms
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.1 246 Options Close

14.1 Delete Action

The Delete action provides the capability to remove finite element entities from the model
database. Submenus are provided to selectively delete any combination of finite element entities
or specifically Node, Element, Mesh Seed definitions, Mesh on Curve⁄ Surface ⁄ Solid, or MPC
entities. By default, Auto Execute is selected which means MSC.Patran will automatically delete
after the entities are selected.
If there are many finite element entities to be deleted, a percent complete form will show the
status of the delete process for each entity type. When deletion is complete, a report appears in
the command line indicating the number and IDs of the entities deleted, and the number and IDs
of the entities not found and therefore not deleted.
The association of the deleted entity with other related entities is broken during deletion. Nodes,
element properties, loads and boundary conditions, results and groups may become
unreferenced due to deletion. Toggles are provided to delete unreferenced nodes and empty
groups due to the delete function. The current group will not be deleted even if it becomes
empty.
The Abort key may be selected at any time to halt the delete process, and the Undo button may
be used to restore the deleted entities.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 247 Options Close

14.2 Delete Forms

When Delete is the selected action, the following options are available.

Object Type Description

Any Allows for deletion of multiple types of finite element
entities at once. Related nodes, element properties, load
and boundary conditions, results and groups may
become unreferenced due to deletion.
Mesh Seed Deletes the mesh seed definitions from the specified
edges.
Mesh Control Deletes the mesh control applied to a surface.
Mesh Surface Deletes the mesh from the specified surfaces.
Curve Deletes the mesh from the specified curves.
Solid Deletes the mesh from the specified solids.
Node Deletes the specified nodes. Element corner nodes will
not be deleted. Related load and boundary conditions,
results are disassociated with the deleted nodes but they
are not deleted. Any nodes associated with a DOF list
will be removed from the nodes portion of the DOF list
term. A toggle is provided to delete empty groups due
to the deletion.
Element Deletes the specified elements. Nodes, element
properties, load and boundary conditions, results and
groups are disassociated with the deleted elements but
they are not deleted. A toggle is provided to delete
related nodes and empty groups due to the deletion.
MPC Deletes the multi-point constraints. Nodes and groups
are disassociated with the deleted MPCs but they are not
deleted. A toggle is provided to delete related nodes and
empty groups due to the deletion.
Superelement Deletes the superelements.
DOF List Deletes the specified degree-of-freedom (DOF) lists.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 248 Options Close

Delete - Any
Use this form to delete multiple types of finite element entities at one time. Any combination of
elements, nodes, and multi-point constraints may be selected for deletion. When deleting
elements and nodes, the mesh on curves, surfaces and solids may also be deleted. However,
mesh seeds can only be deleted through the Delete/Mesh Seed menu. Nodes, element
properties, loads and boundary conditions, results and groups may become unreferenced due
to deletion. Toggles are provided to delete unreferenced nodes and empty groups due to the
delete operation.
Finite Elements
Selects and displays the entity types which can be selected
Action: Delete for deletion from the viewport.

Object: Any
Specifies the entity types to be deleted. Set the
appropriate toggles ON or OFF.

Delete Specifies Nodes which are selectable for deletion

Node and Related (default is ON). Empty Groups – Set toggle ON to
indicate groups have become empty due to the deletion
Empty Groups of nodes.
Element and Related
Node
Specifies Elements are selectable for deletion (default is
Empty Groups
ON). Node – Deletes all nodes that are related to the
MPC's deleted elements (default is ON). Empty Groups – Set
Node toggle ON (default OFF) to indicate groups have become
Empty Groups empty due to deletion of elements.

Auto Execute
Specifies MPCs are selectable for deletion (default is
Finite Element Entity List OFF). Node– Deletes all nodes which are related to the
Node 1:900 Element 5:20 deleted MPCs. Empty Groups – Toggle ON to indicate
that groups that become empty due to the deletion of
MPCs should be deleted.

-Apply- Specifies the list of finite element entities to be deleted.

Either cursor select, type in the entity types and IDs, or by
using the Finite Element select menu.

By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means MSC.Patran will not

automatically delete after the objects are selected.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 249 Options Close

Delete - Mesh Seed

Use this form to delete an existing mesh seed definition for a list of specified edges. The edges
may be curves, or edges of surfaces or solids. When deletion is complete, a report appears in the
command line indicating the number and IDs of the edges which were deleted.

Finite Elements
Action: Delete

Object: Mesh Seed

By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means MSC.Patran

Auto Execute
will not automatically delete after the objects are selected.
Curve List
Curve 1.5 Surface 6.3
Specifies the list of edges containing the mesh seed definitions
to be deleted. Either cursor select the existing curves or edges
of surfaces or solids or specify the edge entity type and IDs.
(Example: Curve 10, Surface 12.1, Solid 22.5.2. )
-Apply-

The abort key may be pressed at any time to

halt the delete process, and the Undo button
may be used to restore the deleted mesh
seed definitions to their respective edges.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 250 Options Close

Delete - Mesh (Surface)

Use this form to delete an existing mesh of nodes and elements applied to one or more surfaces,
or solid faces. When deletion is complete, a report appears in the command line indicating the
number and IDs of the entities from which meshes were deleted.

Finite Elements
Action: Delete

Object: Mesh
Type: Surface Types which can be selected are: Curve,
Surface, or Solid.

Auto Execute By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means

MSC.Patran will not automatically delete after the
Surface List objects are selected.

Specifies the list of geometric entities that are

meshed by cursor or by entering the entity type
and IDs. (Example, to delete a mesh from a
Surface enter: Surface 12, Solid 22.4.)
-Apply-

The abort key may be pressed at any time to

halt the delete process, and the Undo button
may be used to restore the deleted mesh of
nodes and elements.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 251 Options Close

Delete - Mesh (Curve)

Use this form to delete an existing mesh of nodes and elements applied to one or more curves,
or surface or solid edges.

Finite Elements
Action: Delete
Object: Mesh
Type: Curve Defines the general type of mesh to be deleted. This can be
set to Curve, Surface and Solid.

Auto Execute By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means MSC.Patran

will not automatically delete a mesh after each geometric
Curve List entity is selected.
Curve 12 Surface 36.4
Specifies the list of geometric entities. Either cursor select
existing meshed entities, use the left mouse button, or enter
the IDs. (Example: Curve 12, Surface 30.4.)
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 252 Options Close

Delete - Mesh (Solid)

Use this form to delete an existing mesh of nodes and elements applied to one or more solids.

Finite Elements
Action: Delete

Object: Mesh

Type: Solid Defines the general type of mesh to be deleted. This

can be set to Curve, Surface and Solid.

Auto Execute By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means

MSC.Patran will not automatically delete a mesh after
Solid List each geometric entity is selected.

Solid 22 Specifies the list of geometric entities. Either cursor

select existing meshed entities, use the left mouse
button, or enter the IDs. (Example: Solid 22.)
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 253 Options Close

Delete - Mesh Control

Finite Elements
Action: Delete

Object: Mesh Control

Auto Execute
Surface List
List of surfaces from which mesh control should be
deleted.
-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 254 Options Close

Delete - Node
Use this form to delete existing nodes from the model database. Element corner nodes will not
be deleted. Related loads and boundary conditions, results and groups are disassociated with
the deleted nodes but they are not deleted. Any nodes associated with a DOF list will be
removed from the nodes portion of the DOF list term. A toggle is provided to delete groups that
become empty due to the deletion of the nodes. When deletion is complete a report appears in
the command line indicating the number and IDs of the nodes deleted.
Finite Elements

Action: Delete
Allows Empty Groups to be deleted with the node, or left
Object: Node
in place. The current group will not be deleted even if it
becomes empty.
Delete Related
Toggle ON to indicate groups which have become
Empty Groups empty due to the deletion of nodes, and should be
deleted.

Auto Execute By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means that

MSC.Patran will not automatically delete after the
Node List objects are selected.
Node 1:1000 1009 1010

Specifies the list of nodes which are to be deleted. Select

-Apply- with cursor, or specify node IDs.

The abort key may be pressed at any time to

halt the delete process and the Undo button
may be used to restore the deleted nodes and
groups.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 255 Options Close

Delete - Element
Use this form to delete existing elements from the model database. Related nodes, element
properties, loads and boundary conditions, results and groups are disassociated from the
deleted elements, but they are not deleted. A toggle is provided to delete all related nodes and
empty groups due to the deletion of elements.

Finite Elements

Action: Delete
Allows for the related nodes and Empty groups to be deleted with
the element or left alone. The current group will not be deleted
Object: Element even if it becomes empty.

Delete Related Deletes all nodes that are related to the elements which
have been deleted (default is ON).
Nodes
Empty Groups Toggle ON to indicate groups which have become empty due
to the deletion of elements, and should be deleted.

Auto Execute
By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means that
Element List MSC.Patran will not automatically delete after the objects
are selected.
Element 2 6 7:65

Specifies the list of elements. Either cursor select, or

-Apply- specifies element IDs. Through the element select menu,
elements may be deleted by type (for instance only bar
elements or triangular elements... etc.).

The abort key may be pressed at any time to

halt the delete process, and the Undo button
may be used to restore the deleted elements
and related nodes and groups.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 256 Options Close

Delete - MPC
Use this form to delete an existing multi-point constraint (MPC) from the database. Related
nodes and groups are disassociated from the deleted MPCs, but they are not deleted. A toggle
is provided to delete all related nodes and empty groups due to the deletion of the MPCs.
Finite Elements
Action: Delete

Object: MPC Allows the related nodes and empty groups to

be deleted or left in place.

Delete Related
Deletes all nodes which are related to the MPCs that have
Nodes been deleted (default is ON).

Empty Groups Toggle ON to indicate groups which have become empty

due to the deletion of MPCs and should be deleted.

Auto Execute By default, Auto Execute is OFF. This means that

MSC.Patran will not automatically delete after the
List of MPC's objects are selected.
MPC 1:10 12 15

Specifies the list of MPCs to be deleted. Select with the

cursor or type in the MPC IDs.
-Apply-

The abort key may be selected at any time to

halt the delete process, and the Undo button
may be used to restore the deleted MPCs and
related nodes and groups.
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 257 Options Close

Delete - Superelement
Use this form to delete superelements from the database. Note that this is currently available
only for the MSC.Nastran analysis preference.

Finite Elements

Action: Delete

Object: Superelement

Superelement List

List of existing superelements. Only the

highlighted superelements are deleted.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The Delete Action... §14.2 258 Options Close

Delete - DOF List

Use this form to delete degree-of-freedom (DOF) lists from the database. Note that this is
currently available only for the ANSYS and ANSYS 5 analysis preference.

Finite Elements

Action: Delete
Object: DOF List

Analysis Preferences:
Code: ANSYS
Type: Structural
Available DOF Lists

Displays a list of all DOF lists currently defined in the

database. Highlighting one or more entries and selecting
Apply will delete the highlighted DOF lists from the
database.

-Apply-
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library § 259 Options Close

MSC.Patran Reference Manual, Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

CHAPTER
The MSC.Patran Element Library
15
■ Introduction

■ Beam Element Topology

■ Tria Element Topology

■ Quad Element Topology

■ Tetrahedral Element Topology

■ Wedge Element Topology

■ Hex Element Topology

■ MSC.Patran’s Element Library

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.1 260 Options Close

15.1 Introduction
The MSC.Patran template database file, template.db, contains a “generic” set of finite element
topologies. By default, when opening a new database, the element topology library is included.
Topology, in the context of a finite element, is the relative node, edge and face numbering
scheme for each element of the same topology. The MSC.Patran library is compatible with earlier
versions of MSC.Patran (PATRAN Release 2.5). MSC.Patran also provides additional
information about each element topology which was not available in the earlier MSC.Patran
versions:
• Nodal parametric locations
• Edge numbering
• Face numbering
• Face sense
• Corresponding degenerate element topology ID
Where possible, the ISO 10303-104, Application Resources: Finite Element Analysis document,
which is part of International Standard ISO 10303-Product Data Representation and Exchange
(STEP), was used to define the element topologies. If the ISO standard was found to be in conflict
with earlier versions of MSC.Patran, the MSC.Patran convention took precedence. The ISO
standard for numbering edges and faces of elements is used.
Face and edge numbering are important for assigning element attributes, such as pressures
applied to a solid element face. In MSC.Patran, you may select an edge or a face of an element
with the cursor. An example of the syntax, used in the Select Databox to describe an edge of hex
element 1, would be elem 1.2.3, which refers to edge 3 of face 2 of element 1.
The element topology tables listed in sections 13.2 through 13.7 are used to construct and
interpret the syntax of the Select Databox string. MSC.Patran’s Element Library (p. 320)
provides illustrations of each element type and topology, and their node locations.

Important: The face sense is interpreted as positive if the normal is pointing away from
(towards the outside) the element, using the right hand rule. This only applies to
volume elements (element dimensionality = 3).

Parametric coordinate systems

Rectangular. [Xi/Eta/Zeta] is used for Tet/Wedge/Hex elements. Values can either have a
range of -1 to 1 or 0 to 1 depending on the case where an area or volume coordinate systems can
apply (Tet/Wedge elements). [Xi/Eta] applies to a Tri or Quad element. Values range from 0 to
1 for the Tri, and -1 to 1 for the Quad. [Xi] applies to a Bar element. Values range from -1 to 1.

Area. [L1/L2/L3] is used for locating a point within a triangular area. Values range from 0 to
1, and the sum of all cordinates is equal to 1. The values correspond to the weighting with respect
to the 3 corners of a triangle. For a Tri or Wedge element which will use [Xi/Eta] and
[Xi/Eta/Zeta], the Xi/Eta value will range from 0 to 1, and we can determine L1/L2/L3 as :
L1 = 1.0 - Xi - Eta
L2 = Xi
L3 = Eta
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.1 261 Options Close

Volume. [L1/L2/L3/L4] is used for locating a point within a tetrahedral volume. Values range
from 0 to 1, and the sum of all cordinates is equal to 1. The values correspond to the weighting
with respect to the 4 corners of a tetrahedron. For a Tet element which will use [Xi/Eta/Zeta],
the Xi/Eta/Zeta value will range from 0 to 1, and we can determine L1/L2/L3/L4 as :
L1 = 1.0 - Xi - Eta - Zeta
L2 = Xi
L3 = Eta
L4 = Zeta
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.2 262 Options Close

15.2 Beam Element Topology

MSC.Patran contains three different beam element topologies: Bar2, Bar3 and Bar4.

General Data
Shape = Beam

Element dimensionality= 1

Number of corner nodes = 2

Number of edges = 1

Number of faces = 0

Number of face edges = 0

Specific Data - Bar2

Element name = Bar2

Number of nodes = 2

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-1 Bar2 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2

Table 15-2 Bar2 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi
1 -1.0
2 1.0

For more information, see Bar2 (p. 320).

Specific Data - Bar3

Element name = Bar3

Number of nodes = 3

Order = Quadratic
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.2 263 Options Close

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-3 Bar3 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 3 2

Table 15-4 Bar3 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi
1 -1.0
2 1.0
3 0.0

For more information, see Bar3 (p. 322).

Specific Data - Bar4

Element name = Bar4

Number of nodes = 4

Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-5 Bar4 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 3 4 2

Table 15-6 Bar4 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi
1 -1.0
2 1.0
3 -1/3
4 1/3

For more information, see Bar4 (p. 330).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.3 264 Options Close

15.3 Tria Element Topology

MSC.Patran contains six different triangular element topologies: Tria3, Tria4, Tria6, Tria7, Tria9,
Tria13.

General Shape
For Tri elements, area coordinates [L1/L2/L3] are commonly used. See Area (p. 260) coordinate
system for more information.
Tri elements can be obtained by degenerating a Quad element.
1. Quad corner node 2 collapses onto 1.
2. Tri corner nodes 1/2/3 match 1/3/4 for the Quad.

General Data
Shape = Triangular

Element dimensionality= 2

Number of corner nodes = 3

Number of edges = 3

Number of faces = 1

Number of face edges = 3

Table 15-7 Tria Face Numbering

Face ID Sense Edge 1 Edge 2 Edge 3

1 1 1 2 3

Specific Data - Tria3

Element name = Tria3

Number of nodes = 3

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-8 Tria3 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 3
3 3 1
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.3 265 Options Close

Table 15-9 Tria3 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

1 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0,0.0
3 0.0, 1.0

To obtain a Tri3 by degenerating a Quad4, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tri3 Quad4
1 1
2 3
3 4

For more information, see Tri3 (p. 320).

Specific Data - Tria4

Element name = Tria4

Number of nodes = 4

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-10 Tria4 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 3
3 3 1

Table 15-11 Tria4 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

1 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.3 266 Options Close

Table 15-11 Tria4 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

3 0.0, 1.0
4 1/3, 1/3

To obtain a Tri4 by degenerating a Quad5, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tri4 Quad5
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5

For more information, see Tri4 (p. 321).

Specific Data - Tria6

Element name = Tria6

Number of nodes = 6

Order = Quadratic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-12 Tria6 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 4 2
2 2 5 3
3 3 6 1

Table 15-13 Tria6 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

1 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0
4 0.5, 0.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.3 267 Options Close

Table 15-13 Tria6 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

5 0.5, 0.5
6 0.0, 0.5

To obtain a Tri6 by degenerating a Quad8, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tri6 Quad8
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 6
5 7
6 8

For more information, see Tri6 (p. 322).

Specific Data - Tria7

Element name = Tria7

Number of nodes = 7

Order = Quadratic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-14 Tria7 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 4 2
2 2 5 3
3 3 6 1

Table 15-15 Tria7 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

1 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0
4 0.5, 0.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.3 268 Options Close

Table 15-15 Tria7 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

5 0.5, 0.5
6 0.0, 0.5
7 1/3, 1/3

To obtain a Tri7 by degenerating a Quad9, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tri7 Quad9
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 6
5 7
6 8
7 9

For more information, see Tri7 (p. 323).

Specific Data - Tria9

Element name = Tria9

Number of nodes = 9

Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-16 Tria9 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 4 5 2
2 2 6 7 3
3 3 8 9 1

Table 15-17 Tria9 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

1 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.3 269 Options Close

Table 15-17 Tria9 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

4 1/3, 0.0
5 2/3, 0.0
6 1/3, 2/3
7 1/3, 2/3
8 0.0, 2/3
9 0.0, 1/3

To obtain a Tri9 by degenerating a Quad12, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tri9 Quad12
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 7
5 8
6 9
7 10
8 11
9 12

For more information, see Tri9 (p. 330).

Specific Data - Tria13

Element name = Tria13

Number of nodes = 13

Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-18 Tria13 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 4 5 2
2 2 6 7 3
3 3 8 9 1
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.3 270 Options Close

Table 15-19 Tria13 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta or L2/L3

1 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0
4 1/3, 0.0
5 2/3, 0.0
6 2/3, 1/3
7 1/3, 2/3
8 0.0, 2/3
9 0.0, 1/3
10 2/9, 1/9
11 4/9, 2/9
12 2/9, 4/9
13 1/9, 2/9

To obtain a Tri13 by degenerating a Quad16, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tri13 Quad16
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 7
5 8
6 9
7 10
8 11
9 12
10 14
11 15
12 16
13 13

For more information, see Tri13 (p. 331).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.4 271 Options Close

15.4 Quad Element Topology

MSC.Patran contains six different quadrilateral element topologies: Quad4, Quad5, Quad8,
Quad9, Quad12, Quad16.

General Data
Shape = Quadrilateral

Element dimensionality= 2

Number of corner nodes = 4

Number of edges = 4

Number of faces = 1

Number of face edges = 4

Table 15-20 Quad Face Numbering

Face ID Sense Edge 1 Edge 2 Edge 3 Edge 4

1 1 1 2 3 4

Specific Data - Quad4

Element name = Quad4

Number of nodes = 4

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = Tria3

Table 15-21 Quad4 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 3
3 3 4
4 4 1
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.4 272 Options Close

Table 15-22 Quad4 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta

1 -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0

For more information, see Quad4 (p. 320).

Specific Data - Quad5

Element name = Quad5

Number of nodes = 5

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = Tria4

Table 15-23 Quad5 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 3
3 3 4
4 4 1

Table 15-24 Quad5 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta

1 -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0
5 0.0, 0.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.4 273 Options Close

For more information, see Quad5 (p. 321).

Specific Data - Quad8

Element name = Quad8

Number of nodes = 8

Order = Quadratic

Degenerate element name = Tria6

Table 15-25 Quad8 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 5 2
2 2 6 3
3 3 7 4
4 4 8 1

Table 15-26 Quad8 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta

1 -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0
5 0.0, -1.0
6 1.0, 0.0
7 0.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 0.0

For more information, see Quad8 (p. 322).

Specific Data - Quad9

Element name = Quad9

Number of nodes = 9

Order = Quadratic
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.4 274 Options Close

Degenerate element name = Tria7

Table 15-27 Quad9 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 5 2
2 2 6 3
3 3 7 4
4 4 8 1

Table 15-28 Quad9 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta

1 -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0
5 0.0, -1.0
6 1.0, 0.0
7 0.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 0.0
9 0.0, 0.0

For more information, see Quad9 (p. 323).

Specific Data - Quad12

Element name = Quad12

Number of nodes = 12

Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = Tria9

Table 15-29 Quad12 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 5 6 2
2 2 7 8 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.4 275 Options Close

Table 15-29 Quad12 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

3 3 9 10 4
4 4 11 12 1

Table 15-30 Quad12 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta

1 -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0
5 1/3, -1.0
6 1/3, -1.0
7 1.0,-1/3
8 1.0,1/3
9 1/3, 1.0
10 -1/3, 1.0
11 -1.0,1/3
12 -1.0,-1/3

For more information, see Quad12 (p. 330).

Specific Data - Quad16

Element name = Quad16

Number of nodes = 16

Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = Tria13

Table 15-31 Quad16 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 5 6 2
2 2 7 8 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.4 276 Options Close

Table 15-31 Quad16 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

3 3 9 10 4
4 4 11 12 1

Table 15-32 Quad16 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta

1 -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0
5 -1/3, -1.0
6 1/3, -1.0
7 1.0,-1/3
8 1.0,1/3
9 1/3, 1.0
10 -1/3, 1.0
11 -1.0,1/3
12 -1.0,-1/3
13 -1/3,-1/3
14 1/3, -1/3
15 1/3, 1/3
16 -1/3, 1/3

For more information, see Quad16 (p. 331).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 277 Options Close

15.5 Tetrahedral Element Topology

MSC.Patran contains eight different tetrahedral element topologies: Tet4, Tet5, Tet10, Tet11,
Tet14, Tet15, Tet16, Tet40.

General Data
Shape = Tetrahedral

Element dimensionality= 3

Number of corner nodes = 4

Number of edges = 6

Number of faces = 4

Number of face edges = 3

General Shape
For Tet elements, volume coordinates [L1/L2/L3/L4] are commonly used. See Volume (p. 261)
coordinate system for more information.
Tet elements can be obtained by degenerating Hex elements.
1. Hex corner nodes 2/3/4 collapse onto 1, and 6 collapses onto 5.
2. Tet corner nodes 1/2/3/4 match 1/5/7/8 for the Hex.

Table 15-33 Tetrahedral Face Numbering

Face ID Sense Edge 1 Edge 2 Edge 3

1 -1 1 2 3
2 1 1 5 4
3 1 2 6 5
4 1 3 4 6

Specific Data - Tet4

Element name = Tet4

Number of nodes = 4

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-34 Tet4 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 278 Options Close

Table 15-34 Tet4 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

3 3 1
4 1 4
5 2 4
6 3 4

Table 15-35 Tet4 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/L4
1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0

To obtain a Tet4 by degenerating a Hex8, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet4 Hex8
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8

For more information, see Tet4 (p. 320).

Specific Data - Tet5

Element name = Tet5

Number of nodes = 5

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-36 Tet5 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 279 Options Close

Table 15-36 Tet5 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

3 3 1
4 1 4
5 2 4
6 3 4

Table 15-37 Tet5 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/L4
1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1/4, 1/4, 1/4

To obtain a Tet5 by degenerating a Hex9, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet5 Hex9
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8
5 9

For more information, see Tet5 (p. 321).

Specific Data - Tet10

Element name = Tet10

Number of nodes = 10

Order = Quadratic
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 280 Options Close

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-38 Tet10 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 5 2
2 2 6 3
3 3 7 1
4 1 8 4
5 2 9 4
6 3 10 4

Table 15-39 Tet10 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/L4

1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 0.5, 0.0, 0.0
6 0.5, 0.5, 0.0
7 0.0, 0.5, 0.0
8 0.0, 0.0, 0.5
9 0.5, 0.0, 0.5
10 0.0, 0.5, 0.5

To obtain a Tet10 by degenerating a Hex20, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet10 Hex20
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8
5 13
6 18
7 15
8 16
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 281 Options Close

Tet10 Hex20
9 20
10 19

For more information, see Tet10 (p. 322).

Specific Data - Tet11

Element name = Tet11

Number of nodes = 11

Order = Quadratic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-40 Tet11 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 5 2
2 2 6 3
3 3 7 1
4 1 8 4
5 2 9 4
6 3 10 4

Table 15-41 Tet11 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/L4

1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 0.5, 0.0, 0.0
6 0.5, 0.5, 0.0
7 0.0, 0.5, 0.0
8 0.0, 0.0, 0.5
9 0.5, 0.0, 0.5
10 0.0, 0.5, 0.5
11 1/4, 1/4, 1/4
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 282 Options Close

To obtain a Tet11 by degenerating a Hex21, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet11 Hex21
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8
5 13
6 18
7 15
8 16
9 20
10 19
11 21

For more information, see Tet11 (p. 323).

Specific Data - Tet14

Element name = Tet14

Number of nodes = 14

Order = Quadratic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-42 Tet14 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 5 2
2 2 6 3
3 3 7 1
4 1 8 4
5 2 9 4
6 3 10 4
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 283 Options Close

Table 15-43 Tet14 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/L4

1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 0.5, 0.0, 0.0
6 0.5, 0.5, 0.0
7 0.0, 0.5, 0.0
8 0.0, 0.0, 0.5
9 0.5, 0.0, 0.5
10 0.0, 0.5, 0.5
11 1/4, 1/4, 0.0
12 0.5, 1/4, 1/4
13 0.0, 1/4, 1/4
14 1/4, 0.0, 1/4

To obtain a Tet14 by degenerating a Hex27, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet14 Hex27
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8
5 13
6 18
7 15
8 16
9 20
10 19
11 25
12 23
13 27
14 24
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 284 Options Close

For more information, see Tet14 (p. 324).

Specific Data - Tet15

Element name = Tet15

Number of nodes = 15

Order = Quadratic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-44 Tet15 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 5 2
2 2 6 3
3 3 7 1
4 1 8 4
5 2 9 4
6 3 10 4

Table 15-45 Tet15 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/L4

1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 0.5, 0.0, 0.0
6 0.5, 0.5, 0.0
7 0.0, 0.5, 0.0
8 0.0, 0.0, 0.5
9 0.5, 0.0, 0.5
10 0.0, 0.5, 0.5
11 1/4, 1/4, 1/4
12 1/4, 1/4, 0.0
13 0.5, 1/4, 1/4
14 0.0, 1/4, 1/4
15 1/4, 0.0, 1/4
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 285 Options Close

To obtain a Tet15 by degenerating a Hex27, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet15 Hex27
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8
5 13
6 18
7 15
8 16
9 20
10 19
11 21
12 25
13 23
14 27
15 24

For more information, see Tet15 (p. 327).

Specific Data - Tet16

Element name = Tet16

Number of nodes = 16

Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-46 Tet16 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 5 6 2
2 2 7 8 3
3 3 9 10 1
4 1 11 14 4
5 2 12 15 4
6 3 13 16 4
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 286 Options Close

Table 15-47 Tet16 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/L4

1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
3 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1/3, 0.0, 0.0
6 2/3, 0.0, 0.0
7 2/3,1/3, 0.0
8 1/3, 2/3, 0.0
9 0.0, 2/3, 0.0
10 0.0, 1/3, 0.0
11 0.0, 0.0, 1/3
12 2/3, 0.0, 1/3
13 0.0, 1/3, 2/3
14 0.0, 0.0, 2/3
15 1/3, 0.0, 2/3
16 0.0, 1/3, 2/3

To obtain a Tet16 by degenerating a Hex32, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet16 Hex32
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8
5 17
6 21
7 27
8 28
9 23
10 19
11 20
12 32
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 287 Options Close

Tet16 Hex32
13 29
14 24
15 31
16 30

For more information, see Tet16 (p. 330).

Specific Data - Tet40

Element name = Tet40

Number of nodes = 40
Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = <none>

Table 15-48 Tet40 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 5 6 2
2 2 7 8 3
3 3 9 10 1
4 1 11 14 4
5 2 12 15 4
6 3 13 16 4

Table 15-49 Tet40 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number C(3) Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/L4

1 0.0, 0.0, 0.0 21 2/9, 0.0, 1/9
2 1.0, 0.0, 0.0 22 4/9, 0.0, 2/9
3 0.0, 1.0, 0.0 23 2/3, 2/9, 1/9
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0 24 1/3, 4/9, 2/9
5 1/3, 0.0, 0.0 25 0.0, 1/9, 2/9
6 2/3, 0.0, 0.0 26 0.0, 2/9, 1/9
7 2/3, 1/3, 0.0 27 2/9,.074074,.037037
8 1/3, 2/3, 0.0 28 4/9, 148148,.074074
9 0.0, 2/3, 0.0 29 2/9, .296297,.148148
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 288 Options Close

Table 15-49 Tet40 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number C(3) Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/L4

10 0.0, 1/3,0.0 30 1/9,.148148, .074074
11 0.0, 0.0, 1/3 31 1/9, 0.0, 2/9
12 2/3, 0.0, 1/3 32 2/9, 0.0, 4/9
13 0.0, 2/3, 1/3 33 2/3, 1/9, 2/9
14 0.0, 0.0, 2/3 34 1/3, 2/9, 4/9
15 1/3, 0.0, 2/3 35 0.0, 2/9, 4/9
16 0.0, 1/3, 2/3 36 0.0, 4/9, 2/9
17 2/9, 1/9, 0.0 37 2/9,.037037,.074074
18 4/9, 2/9, 0.0 38 4/9,.074074,.148148
19 2/9, 4/9, 0.0 39 2/9,.148148,.296297
20 1/9, 2/9, 0.0 40 1/9,.074074,.148148

To obtain a Tet40 by degenerating a Hex64, the following are corresponding nodes:

Tet40 Hex64
1 1
2 5
3 7
4 8
5 17
6 21
7 27
8 28
9 23
10 19
11 20
12 32
13 29
14 24
15 31
16 30
17 39
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.5 289 Options Close

Tet40 Hex64
18 51
19 52
20 40
21 44
22 56
23 62
24 63
25 42
26 41
27 46
28 58
29 59
30 47
31 43
32 55
33 61
34 64
35 54
36 53
37 45
38 57
39 60
40 48

For more information, see Tet40 (p. 332).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 290 Options Close

15.6 Wedge Element Topology

MSC.Patran contains eight different wedge element topologies: Wedge6, Wedge7, Wedge15,
Wedge16, Wedge20, Wedge21, Wedge24 and Wedge52.

General Data
Shape = Wedge

Element dimensionality= 3

Number of corner nodes = 6

Number of edges = 9

Number of faces = 5

Number of face edges = 4,3

General Shape
For Wedge elements, a combination of area and rectangular coordinates [L1/L2/L3/Zeta] are
commonly used. Zeta values vary from -1 to 1 as in a Hex element. The area coordinates
L1/L2/L3 represent the weighting with respect to the 3 edges along the Zeta direction:
edge number 8 (node 1-->4)
edge number 7 (node 2-->5)
edge number 9 (node 3-->6)
See Area (p. 260) coordinate system for more information.
Wedge elements can be obtained by degenerating Hex elements.
1. Hex corner node 2 collapses onto 1, and 6 collapses onto 5.
2. Wedge corner nodes 1:6 match 1/3/4/5/7/8 for the Hex.

Table 15-50 Wedge Face Numbering

Face ID Sense Edge 1 Edge 2 Edge 3 Edge 4

1 1 1 2 3 *
2 -1 4 5 6 *
3 -1 1 8 4 7
4 -1 2 9 5 8
5 -1 3 7 6 9

Specific Data - Wedge6

Element name = Wedge6

Number of nodes = 6

Order = linear
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 291 Options Close

Degenerate element name = Tet4

Table 15-51 Wedge6 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 2 1
2 1 3
3 3 2
4 5 4
5 4 6
6 6 5
7 2 5
8 1 4
9 3 6

Table 15-52 Wedge6 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0

To obtain a Wedge6 by degenerating a Hex8, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge6 Hex8
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 292 Options Close

For more information, see Wedge 6 (p. 320).

Specific Data - Wedge7

Element name = Wedge7

Number of nodes = 7

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = Tet5

Table 15-53 Wedge7 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 2 1
2 1 3
3 3 2
4 5 4
5 4 6
6 6 5
7 2 5
8 1 4
9 3 6

Table 15-54 Wedge7 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
7 1/3, 1/3, 0.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 293 Options Close

To obtain a Wedge7 by degenerating a Hex9, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge7 Hex9
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
7 9

For more information, see Wedge7 (p. 321).

Specific Data - Wedge15

Element name = Wedge15

Number of nodes = 15

Order = quadratic

Degenerate element name = Tet10

Table 15-55 Wedge15 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 2 7 1
2 1 9 3
3 3 8 2
4 5 13 4
5 4 15 6
6 6 14 5
7 2 11 5
8 1 10 4
9 3 12 6

Table 15-56 Wedge15 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/Zeta

1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 294 Options Close

Table 15-56 Wedge15 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta or L2/L3/Zeta

3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
7 0.5, 0.0, -1.0
8 0.5, 0.5, -1.0
9 0.0, 0.5, -1.0
10 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
11 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
12 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
13 0.5, 0.0, 1.0
14 0.5, 0.5, 1.0
15 0.0, 0.5, 1.0

To obtain a Wedge15 by degenerating a Hex20, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge15 Hex20
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
7 10
8 11
9 12
10 13
11 15
12 16
13 18
14 19
15 20
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 295 Options Close

For more information, see Wedge15 (p. 322).

Specific Data - Wedge16

Element name = Wedge16

Number of nodes = 16

Order = quadratic

Degenerate element name = Tet11

Table 15-57 Wedge16 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 2 7 1
2 1 9 3
3 3 8 2
4 5 13 4
5 4 15 6
6 6 14 5
7 2 11 5
8 1 10 4
9 3 12 6

Table 15-58 Wedge16 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
7 0.5, 0.0, -1.0
8 0.5, 0.5, -1.0
9 0.0, 0.5, -1.0
10 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
11 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 296 Options Close

Table 15-58 Wedge16 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
12 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
13 0.5, 0.0, 1.0
14 0.5, 0.5, 1.0
15 0.0, 0.5, 1.0
16 1/3, 1/3, 0.0

To obtain a Wedge16 by degenerating a Hex21, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge16 Hex21
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
7 10
8 11
9 12
10 13
11 15
12 16
13 18
14 19
15 20
16 21

For more information, see Wedge16 (p. 323).

Specific Data - Wedge20

Element name = Wedge20

Number of nodes = 20

Order = quadratic
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 297 Options Close

Degenerate element name = Tet14

Table 15-59 Wedge20 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 2 7 1
2 1 9 3
3 3 8 2
4 5 13 4
5 4 15 6
6 6 14 5
7 2 11 5
8 1 10 4
9 3 12 6

Table 15-60 Wedge20 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
7 0.5, 0.0, -1.0
8 0.5, 0.5, -1.0
9 0.0, 0.5, -1.0
10 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
11 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
12 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
13 0.5, 0.0, 1.0
14 0.5, 0.5, 1.0
15 0.0, 0.5, 1.0
16 1/3, 1/3, -1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 298 Options Close

Table 15-60 Wedge20 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
17 1/3, 1/3, 1.0
18 0.5, 0.5, 0.0
19 0.0, 0.5, 0.0
20 0.5, 0.0, 0.0

To obtain a Wedge20 by degenerating a Hex26, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge20 Hex26
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
7 10
8 11
9 12
10 13
11 15
12 16
13 18
14 19
15 20
16 21
17 22
18 26
19 23
20 24

For more information, see Wedge20 (p. 325).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 299 Options Close

Specific Data - Wedge21

Element name = Wedge21

Number of nodes = 21

Order = quadratic

Degenerate element name = Tet15

Table 15-61 Wedge21 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 2 7 1
2 1 9 3
3 3 8 2
4 5 13 4
5 4 15 6
6 6 14 5
7 2 11 5
8 1 10 4
9 3 12 6

Table 15-62 Wedge21 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
7 0.5, 0.0, -1.0
8 0.5, 0.5, -1.0
9 0.0, 0.5, -1.0
10 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
11 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
12 0.0, 1.0, 0.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 300 Options Close

Table 15-62 Wedge21 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
13 0.5, 0.0, 1.0
14 0.5, 0.5, 1.0
15 0.0, 0.5, 1.0
16 1/3, 1/3, 0.0
17 1/3, 1/3, -1.0
18 1/3, 1/3, 1.0
19 0.5, 0.5, 0.0
20 0.0, 0.5, 0.0
21 0.5, 0.0, 0.0

To obtain a Wedge21 by degenerating a Hex27, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge21 Hex27
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
7 10
8 11
9 12
10 13
11 15
12 16
13 18
14 19
15 20
16 21
17 22
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 301 Options Close

Wedge21 Hex27
18 23
19 27
20 24
21 25

For more information, see Wedge21 (p. 328).

Specific Data - Wedge24

Element name = Wedge24

Number of nodes = 24
Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = Tet16

Table 15-63 Wedge24 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 2 8 7 1
2 1 12 11 3
3 3 10 9 2
4 5 20 19 4
5 4 24 23 6
6 6 22 21 5
7 2 14 17 5
8 1 13 16 4
9 3 15 18 6

Table 15-64 Wedge24 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 302 Options Close

Table 15-64 Wedge24 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
7 1/3, 0.0, -1.0
8 2/3, 0.0, -1.0
9 2/3, 1/3, -1.0
10 1/3, 2/3, -1.0
11 0.0, 2/3, -1.0
12 0.0, 1/3, -1.0
13 0.0, 0.0, -1/3
14 1.0, 0.0, -1/3
15 0.0, 1.0, -1/3
16 0.0, 0.0, 1/3
17 1.0, 0.0, 1/3
18 0.0, 1.0, 1/3
19 1/3, 0.0, 1.0
20 2/3, 0.0, 1.0
21 2/3, 1/3, 1.0
22 1/3, 2/3, 1.0
23 0.0, 2/3, 1.0
24 0.0, 1/3, 1.0

To obtain a Wedge24 by degenerating a Hex32, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge24 Hex32
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
7 11
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 303 Options Close

Wedge24 Hex32
8 12
9 13
10 14
11 15
12 16
13 17
14 19
15 20
16 21
17 23
18 24
19 27
20 28
21 29
22 30
23 31
24 32

For more information, see Wedge24 (p. 330).

Specific Data - Wedge52

Element name = Wedge52

Number of nodes = 52

Order = Cubic

Degenerate element name = Tet40

Table 15-65 Wedge52 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 2 8 7 1
2 1 12 11 3
3 3 10 9 2
4 5 20 19 4
5 4 24 23 6
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 304 Options Close

Table 15-65 Wedge52 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

6 6 22 21 5
7 2 14 17 5
8 1 13 16 4
9 3 15 18 6

Table 15-66 Wedge52 Node Parametric Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta L2/L3/Zeta
1 0.0, 0.0, -1.0 27 2/9, 4/9, -1.0
2 1.0, 0.0, -1.0 28 1/9, 2/9, -1.0
3 0.0, 1.0, -1.0 29 1/3, 0.0, -1/3
4 0.0, 0.0, 1.0 30 2/3, 0.0, -1/3
5 1.0, 0.0, 1.0 31 2/3, 1/3, -1/3
6 0.0, 1.0, 1.0 32 1/3, 2/3, -1/3
7 1/3, 0.0, 1.0 33 0.0, 2/3, -1/3
8 2/3, 0.0, -1.0 34 0.0, 1/3, -1/3
9 1/3, 1/3, -1.0 35 2/9, 1/9, -1/3
10 1/3, 2/3, -1.0 36 4/9, 2/9, -1/3
11 0.0, 2/3, -1.0 37 2/9, 4/9, -1/3
12 0.0, 1/3, -1.0 38 1/9, 2/9, -1/3
13 0.0, 0.0, -1/3 39 1/3, 0.0, 1/3
14 1.0, 0.0, -1/3 40 2/3, 0.0, 1/3
15 0.0, 1.0, -1/3 41 2/3, 1/3, 1/3
16 0.0, 0.0, 1/3 42 1/3, 2/3, 1/3
17 1.0, 0.0, 1/3 43 0.0, 2/3, 1/3
18 0.0, 1.0, 1/3 44 0.0, 1/3, 1/3
19 1/3, 0.0, 1.0 45 2/9, 1/9, 1/3
20 2/3, 0.0, 1.0 46 4/9, 2/9, 1/3
21 2/3, 1/3, 1.0 47 2/9, 4/9, 1/3
22 1/3, 2/3, 1.0 48 1/9, 2/9, 1/3
23 0.0, 2/3, 1.0 49 2/9, 1/9, 1.0
24 0.0, 1/3, 1.0 50 4/9, 2/9, 1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 305 Options Close

Table 15-66 Wedge52 Node Parametric Coordinates

Xi/Eta/Zeta or Xi/Eta/Zeta or
Node Number Node Number
L2/L3/Zeta L2/L3/Zeta
25 2/9, 1/9, -1.0 51 2/9, 4/9, 1.0
26 4/9, 2/9, -1.0 52 1/9, 2/9, 1.0

To obtain a Wedge52 by degenerating a Hex64, the following are corresponding nodes:

Wedge52 Hex64
1 1
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 7
6 8
7 11
8 12
9 13
10 14
11 15
12 16
13 17
14 19
15 20
16 21
17 23
18 24
19 27
20 28
21 29
22 30
23 31
24 32
25 34
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.6 306 Options Close

Wedge52 Hex64
26 35
27 36
28 33
29 39
30 40
31 41
32 42
33 43
34 44
35 46
36 47
37 48
38 45
39 51
40 52
41 53
42 54
43 55
44 56
45 58
46 59
47 60
48 57
49 62
50 63
51 64
52 61

For more information, see Wedge 52 (p. 333).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 307 Options Close

15.7 Hex Element Topology

MSC.Patran contains eight different hex element topologies: Hex8, Hex9, Hex20, Hex21, Hex26,
Hex27, Hex32, Hex64.

General Data
Shape = Hex

Element dimensionality= 3

Number of corner nodes = 8

Number of edges = 12

Number of faces = 6

Number of face edges = 4

General Shape
TheHex parametric coordinates (Rectangular) are:
1. X axis for the Hex element is from node 1-->2.
2. Y axis for the Hex element is from node 1-->4.
3. Z axis for the Hex element is from node 1-->5.

Table 15-67 Hex Face Numbering

Face ID Sense Edge 1 Edge 2 Edge 3 Edge 4

1 1 1 2 3 4
2 -1 5 6 7 8
3 -1 1 10 5 9
4 -1 2 11 6 10
5 -1 3 12 7 11
6 -1 4 9 8 12

Specific Data - Hex8

Element name = Hex8

Number of nodes = 8

Order = linear
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 308 Options Close

Degenerate element name = Wedge6

Table 15-68 Hex8 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 6
3 6 5
4 5 1
5 4 3
6 3 7
7 7 8
8 8 4
9 1 4
10 2 3
11 6 7
12 5 8

Table 15-69 Hex8 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0
5 -1.0, -1.0, 1.0
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0

For more information, see Hex8 (p. 320).

Specific Data - Hex9

Element name = Hex9

Number of nodes = 9
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 309 Options Close

Order = linear

Degenerate element name = Wedge7

Table 15-70 Hex9 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2

1 1 2
2 2 6
3 6 5
4 5 1
5 4 3
6 3 7
7 7 8
8 8 4
9 1 4
10 2 3
11 6 7
12 5 8

Table 15-71 Hex9 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0
5 -1.0, -1.0, 1.0
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0
9 0.0, 0.0, 0.0

For more information, see Hex9 (p. 321).

Specific Data - Hex20

Element name = Hex20
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 310 Options Close

Number of nodes = 20

Order = quadratic

Degenerate element name = Wedge15

Table 15-72 Hex20 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 9 2
2 2 14 6
3 6 17 5
4 5 13 1
5 4 11 3
6 3 15 7
7 7 19 8
8 8 16 4
9 1 12 4
10 2 10 3
11 6 18 7
12 5 20 8

Table 15-73 Hex20 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0
5 -1.0, -1.0, 1.0
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0
9 0.0, -1.0, -1.0
10 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 311 Options Close

Table 15-73 Hex20 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

11 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
12 -1.0, 0.0, -1.0
13 -1.0, -1.0, 0.0
14 1.0, -1.0, 0.0
15 1.0, 1.0, 0.0
16 -1.0, 1.0, 0.0
17 0.0, -1.0, 1.0
18 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
19 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
20 -1.0, 0.0, 1.0

For more information, see Hex20 (p. 322).

Specific Data - Hex21

Element name = Hex21

Number of nodes = 21

Order = quadratic

Degenerate element name = Wedge16

Table 15-74 Hex21 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 9 2
2 2 14 6
3 6 17 5
4 5 13 1
5 4 11 3
6 3 15 7
7 7 19 8
8 8 16 4
9 1 12 4
10 2 10 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 312 Options Close

Table 15-74 Hex21 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

11 6 18 7
12 5 20 8

Table 15-75 Hex21 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0
5 -1.0, -1.0, 1.0
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0
9 0.0, -1.0, -1.0
10 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
11 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
12 -1.0, 0.0, -1.0
13 -1.0, -1.0, 0.0
14 1.0, -1.0, 0.0
15 1.0, 1.0, 0.0
16 -1.0, 1.0, 0.0
17 0.0, -1.0, 1.0
18 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
19 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
20 -1.0, 0.0, 1.0
21 0.0, 0.0, 0.0

For more information, see Hex21 (p. 323).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 313 Options Close

Specific Data - Hex26

Element name = Hex26

Number of nodes = 26

Order = quadratic

Degenerate element name = Wedge20

Table 15-76 Hex26 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 9 2
2 2 14 6
3 6 17 5
4 5 13 1
5 4 11 3
6 3 15 7
7 7 19 8
8 8 16 4
9 1 12 4
10 2 10 3
11 6 18 7
12 5 20 8

Table 15-77 Hex26 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0
5 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 314 Options Close

Table 15-77 Hex26 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

9 0.0, -1.0, -1.0
10 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
11 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
12 -1.0, 0.0, -1.0
13 -1.0, -1.0, 0.0
14 1.0, -1.0, 0.0
15 1.0, 1.0, 0.0
16 -1.0, 1.0, 0.0
17 0.0, -1.0, 1.0
18 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
19 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
20 -1.0, 0.0, 1.0
21 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
22 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
23 -1.0, 0.0, 0.0
24 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
25 0.0, -1.0, 0.0
26 0.0, 1.0, 0.0

For more information, see Hex26 (p. 326).

Specific Data - Hex27

Element name = Hex27

Number of nodes = 27

Order = quadratic

Degenerate element name = Wedge21

Table 15-78 Hex27 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

1 1 9 2
2 2 14 6
3 6 17 5
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 315 Options Close

Table 15-78 Hex27 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3

4 5 13 1
5 4 11 3
6 3 15 7
7 7 19 8
8 8 16 4
9 1 12 4
10 2 10 3
11 6 18 7
12 5 20 8

Table 15-79 Hex27 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0
5 -1.0, -1.0, 1.0
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0
9 0.0, -1.0, -1.0
10 1.0, 0.0, -1.0
11 0.0, 1.0, -1.0
12 -1.0, 0.0, -1.0
13 -1.0, -1.0, 0.0
14 1.0, -1.0, 0.0
15 1.0, 1.0, 0.0
16 -1.0, 1.0, 0.0
17 0.0, -1.0, 1.0
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 316 Options Close

Table 15-79 Hex27 Node Parametric

Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

18 1.0, 0.0, 1.0
19 0.0, 1.0, 1.0
20 -1.0, 0.0, 1.0
21 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
22 0.0, 0.0, -1.0
23 0.0, 0.0, 1.0
24 -1.0, 0.0, 0.0
25 1.0, 0.0, 0.0
26 0.0, -1.0, 0.0
27 0.0, 1.0, 0.0

For more information, see Hex27 (p. 329).

Specific Data - Hex32

Element name = Hex32

Number of nodes = 32

Order = cubic

Degenerate element name = Wedge24

Table 15-80 Hex32 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 9 10 2
2 2 18 22 6
3 6 26 25 5
4 5 21 17 1
5 4 14 13 3
6 3 19 23 7
7 7 29 30 8
8 8 24 20 4
9 1 16 15 4
10 2 11 12 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 317 Options Close

Table 15-80 Hex32 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

11 6 27 28 7
12 5 32 31 8

Table 15-81 Hex32 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta Node Number Xi/Eta/Zeta

1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0 17 -1.0, -1.0, -1/3
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0 18 1.0, -1.0, -1/3
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0 19 1.0, 1.0, -1/3
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0 20 -1.0, 1.0, -1/3
5 -1.0, -1.0, 1.0 21 -1.0, -1.0, 1/3
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0 22 1.0, -1.0, 1/3
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0 23 1.0, 1.0, 1/3
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0 24 -1.0, 1.0, 1/3
9 -1/3, -1.0, -1.0 25 -1/3, -1.0, 1.0
10 1/3, -1.0, -1.0 26 1/3, -1.0, 1.0
11 1.0, -1/3, -1.0 27 1.0, -1/3, 1.0
12 1.0, 1/3, -1.0 28 1.0, 1/3, 1.0
13 1/3, 1.0, -1.0 29 1/3, 1.0, 1.0
14 -1/3, 1.0, -1.0 30 -1/3, 1.0, 1.0
15 -1.0, 1/3, -1.0 31 -1.0, 1/3, 1.0
16 -1.0, -1/3, -1.0 32 -1.0, -1/3, 1.0

For more information, see Hex32 (p. 330).

Specific Data - Hex64

Element name = Hex64

Number of nodes = 64

Order = cubic
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 318 Options Close

Degenerate element name = Wedge52

Table 15-82 Hex64 Edge Numbering

Edge Number Node 1 Node 2 Node 3 Node 4

1 1 9 10 2
2 2 18 22 6
3 6 26 25 5
4 5 21 17 1
5 4 14 13 3
6 3 19 23 7
7 7 29 30 8
8 8 24 20 4
9 1 16 15 4
10 2 11 12 3
11 6 27 28 7
12 5 32 31 8

Table 15-83 Hex64 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Node Node

Xi/Eta/Zeta Xi/Eta/Zeta Xi/Eta/Zeta
Number Number Number
1 -1.0, -1.0, -1.0 23 1.0, 1.0, 1/3 45 -1/3, -1/3, -1/3
2 1.0, -1.0, -1.0 24 -1.0, 1.0, 1/3 46 1/3, -1/3, -1/3
3 1.0, 1.0, -1.0 25 -1/3, -1.0, 1.0 47 1/3, 1/3, -1/3
4 -1.0, 1.0, -1.0 26 1/3, -1.0, 1.0 48 -1/3, 1/3, -1/3
5 -1.0, -1.0, 1.0 27 1.0, -1/3, 1.0 49 -1/3, -1.0, 1/3
6 1.0, -1.0, 1.0 28 1.0, 1/3, 1.0 50 1/3, -1.0, 1/3
7 1.0, 1.0, 1.0 29 1/3, 1.0, 1.0 51 1.0, -1/3, 1/3
8 -1.0, 1.0, 1.0 30 -1/3, 1.0, 1.0 52 1.0, 1/3, 1/3
9 -1/3, -1.0, -1.0 31 -1.0, 1/3, 1.0 53 1/3, 1.0, 1/3
10 1/3, -1.0, -1.0 32 -1.0, -1/3, -1.0 54 -1/3, 1.0, 1/3
11 1.0, -1/3, -1.0 33 -1/3, -1/3, -1.0 55 -1.0, 1/3, 1/3
12 1.0, 1/3, -1.0 34 1/3, -1/3, -1.0 56 -1.0, -1/3, 1/3
13 1/3, 1.0, -1.0 35 1/3, 1/3, -1.0 57 -1/3, -1/3, 1/3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.7 319 Options Close

Table 15-83 Hex64 Node Parametric Coordinates

Node Node Node

Xi/Eta/Zeta Xi/Eta/Zeta Xi/Eta/Zeta
Number Number Number
14 -1/3, 1.0, -1.0 36 -1/3, 1/3, -1.0 58 1/3, -1/3, 1/3
15 -1.0,1/3, -1.0 37 -1/3, -1.0, -1/3 59 1/3, 1/3, 1/3
16 -1.0, -1/3, -1.0 38 1/3, -1.0, -1/3 60 -1/3, 1/3, 1/3
17 -1.0, -1.0, -1/3 39 1.0, -1/3, -1/3 61 -1/3, -1/3, 1.0
18 1.0, -1.0, -1/3 40 1.0, 1/3, -1/3 62 1/3, -1/3, 1.0
19 1.0, 1.0, -1/3 41 1/3, 1.0, -1/3 63 1/3, 1/3, 1.0
20 -1.0, 1.0, -1/3 42 -1/3, 1.0, -1/3 64 -1/3, 1/3, 1.0
21 -1.0, -1.0, 1/3 43 -1.0, 1/3, -1/3
22 1.0, -1.0, 1/3 44 -1.0, -1/3, -1/3

For more information, see Hex64 (p. 334).

PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 320 Options Close

15.8 MSC.Patran’s Element Library

1 2

1 2

Bar2 Tri3

4
4 3

1 2

Quad4 1 Tet4

7
6

8 6

5
3 3

4 5
4 2
2

1 1
Wedge 6 Hex8
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 321 Options Close

4 3 3

5
4

1 2
1 2
Quad5 Tri4

4 6

3
5
5 7
4
3 2
2

1
1
Tet5 Wedge7

4
5
9 3
6

2
Hex9
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 322 Options Close

6
1 2 5

1 4 2

Bar3 Tri6

4 7 3 4

8 10 9
8 6
3
7 6

1 5 2 1 5 2

Quad8 Tet10

6
7
18
12 14 19 6
15 8 15 17
5 20 3 14
3 8
9 13 16 5 10
4 11 11 2
13
4 9
10 2 12
7 1
1
Wedge15 Hex20
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 323 Options Close

4 7 3 3

9 5
6
8 6 7

1 4 2
1 5 2
Quad9 Tri7

4 6

12 14
15 3
8
16 8 5
10
9
9
11 4 11
13
1
7 3 10 2
5 7
6
1
2
Tet11 Wedge16

19 7
20 16

4 11 15
5 18
21 3
12
17 6
13

1 14 10

9
2
Hex21
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 324 Options Close

Tet14

SURFACE NODES 2

x
5
z 6
9
14 11

8 7
13

4 3
10

SURFACE NODES
2
y

z
9
6

12

3 4
10
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 325 Options Close

Wedge20

LEVEL 1 LEVEL2

1 10

9 19

7 16 20 12
3

8 18
y y

2 11
x z x z

LEVEL3

15 4
4 6
13 14
15
10 12
5
LEVEL 3

1 3 13 17 6
LEVEL 2
11
7 8
LEVEL 1
x 2 14
y
y

z 5
x z
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 326 Options Close

Hex26

LEVEL 1 LEVEL2
11 26
4 3 16 15

12 21 10 23 24

1 2 13 14
9 25

4
LEVEL3
11
16
26 3 19
8 8 7
19
7

12 21
23
20 10
24
22 20 22 18
1

25 2
5
14
17 LEVEL 1
6 5 6
LEVEL 2
17
LEVEL 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 327 Options Close

Tet15

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2
Y Y

X 2 X 2

Z Z

5
9 6 6 9
15 12
1 13

8 7
14

4 3 3 4
10 10

LEVEL 3

Y
Y 2
2

Z X
X

11
11

3 4 4 1
1
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 328 Options Close

Wedge21

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2

1 10

9 20

7 17 21 16 12
3

8 19
y y

2 11
x z x z

LEVEL 3

15 4
4 6
13 14
15
10 12
5
LEVEL 3
21 19
1 3 13 18 6
LEVEL 2

7 8
LEVEL 1
x 2 14
y
y

z 5
x z
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 329 Options Close

Hex27

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2
11 27
4 3 16 15

12 22 10 24 21 25

1 2 13 14
9 26

4
LEVEL 3
11
16
27 3 19
8 8 7
19 15
7

12 22
24
20 10
25
23 20 23 18
1
9
13
25 2
5
14
17 LEVEL 1
6 5 6
LEVEL 2
17
LEVEL 3
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 330 Options Close

8
7
1 3 4 2 9
6

1 4 5 2

Bar4 Tri9

4 10 9 3 4

14 16 15
11 8 13
11 12
12 7 3
9 8
10 7

1 5 6 2 1 5 6 2

Quad12 Tet16

6
7 28
22 29 27
18 6
23 30 23
15 21 26
8 19 22
10 31 3 25
24 3 5 32 18
11 24 5 12
17 13 11
4 20 21 2
20 9 14 14
19 10
12 4 17
16 2 15 9
13 8 16
1
7
1
Wedge24 Hex32
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 331 Options Close

4 10 9 3

11 16 15 8

12 13 14 7

1 5 6 2

Quad16

8 7

12

6
9
13
11
10

1 2
4 5

Tri13
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 332 Options Close

Tet40

SURFACE NODES SURFACE NODES

Y Y

X 2 X 2

Z Z
6 7 7 33 12
12 23
22 18
5
21 17
8
32 31 20 19 8 24 34 15
15 1
11 10
25 26 9
14
35 36
16 13 13 16
4 3 3 4

INTERIOR NODES INTERIOR NODES

(overlapping Nodes in this View)
Y
Y 2
2

Z X
X

38 28
28

39 37 27 29 29 27
40 30
30
4 3 4 1
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 333 Options Close

Wedge 52

24 23
4 6 LEVEL 4
19 22

16 20 21 18 LEVEL 3
39 42
5
13 40 41 15 LEVEL 2
29 32
17
1 30 31 3 LEVEL 1
7 10
14
8 9
2

LEVEL 1 16 LEVEL 3
1
12 44
28 48
25 11 45 43
7 39

27 47
3 18
26 46
8 40 42
10

9 41

2 17

LEVEL 2 LEVEL 4
13 4
34 24
38 52
35 33 49 23
29 19

37 51
15 6
36 50
30 20 22
32

31 21
14 5
PART 3: Finite Element Modeling
The MSC.Patran Element Library §15.8 334 Options Close

Hex64

4
20
24
8 3
19
23
7

1
17
21 2
5 18
22 LEVEL 1
6 LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 3
4 14 13 3 24 54 53 23

15 36 35 12 55 60 59 52

16 33 34 11 56 57 58 51

1 9 10 2 21 49 50 22

LEVEL 2 LEVEL 4
20 42 41 19 8 30 29 7

43 48 47 40 31 64 63 28

44 45 46 39 32 61 62 27

17 37 38 18 5 25 26 6
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Index 335 Options Close

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I N D E X
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

I N D E X
MSC.Patran
Reference
A delete, 9
any, 248
Manual access finite element modeling, 5 DOF List, 258
Part 3: Finite
Element
analysis coordinate frame, 2 element, 255
Modeling any, 248 mesh control, 253
arc method, 82 mesh curve, 251
aspect ratio, 187 mesh seed, 249
associate, 9 mesh solid, 252
curve, 111 mesh surface, 250
node, 114 MPCs, 256
point, 110 node, 254
solid, 113 superelement, 257
surface, 112 delete action, 247
associate action, 109 dependent DOF, 2
attributes, 2 disassociate, 117
Auto TetMesh, 8 elements, 118
node, 119
disassociate action, 117
B
bars, 228
building finite element model, 6 E
edge angle, 193
edit, 225
C editing, 8
collapse, 195 element, 255
connectivity, 2 boundaries, 140
constraint, 2 connectivity, 143
create duplicates, 141
mesh seeding, 19 IDs, 147
meshing curves, 14 Jacobian Ratio, 145
meshing solids, 17 Jacobian Zero, 146
meshing surfaces, 15 normals, 142
remeshing/reseeding, 21 element attributes, 203
create action, 12 element coordinate system, 205
creating finite element model, 8 element topology, 13
curve method, 111 element-element
cyclic symmetry, 2, 62 geometry fit, 144
elements, 76, 77, 78, 105, 132
mirror, 78
D renumber, 105
rotate, 77
degrees-of-freedom, 2, 57 translate, 76
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Index 336 Options Close

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I N D E X
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

equivalence independent DOF, 2

all, 125 IsoMesh, 2, 8, 15
group, 126 2 curve, 39
list, 127 curve, 38
equivalence action, 122 surface, 40
equivalencing, 2, 9
examples, 260
explicit, 2 J
extrude method, 83
Jacobian Ratio, 3
Jacobian Zero, 3
F
FEM data, 97 L
finite element, 2
library, 3
finite element model, 2
list, 127
free edges, 2
loft method, 96
free faces, 2

G M
mesh, 214
glide control, 85
mesh control, 49, 253
glide method, 84
mesh control data, 98
glide-guide control, 88
mesh curve, 251
glide-guide method, 86
mesh paths, 15, 17
graphics, 58
mesh seed, 30, 222, 249
group, 126
curvature based, 33
one way bias, 31
tabular, 34
H two way bias, 32
hex uniform, 30
all, 172 mesh seed attributes, 206
aspect, 174 mesh seeding, 19
edge angle, 175 mesh solid, 252
face skew, 176 mesh surface, 250
face taper, 179 mesh transitions, 19
face warp, 177 meshing curves, 14
twist, 178 meshing solids, 17
meshing surfaces, 15
midnode
I normal offset, 181
tangent offset, 182
implicit, 2
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Index 337 Options Close

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I N D E X
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

modify, 9 optimize action, 130

bars, 228
edit, 225
mesh, 214 P
mesh seed, 222
parameters, 3
MPCs, 242
paths, 3
nodes, 238
paver, 3, 8, 15
quads, 233
point method, 110
trais, 229
modify action, 213
MPC, 3, 208
cyclic symmetry, 62 Q
degrees-of-freedom, 57 quad, 233
graphics, 58 all, 152
sliding surface, 63 aspect, 154
MPC create, 9 skew, 156
MPC terms, 57 taper, 157
MPC types, 56, 60 warp, 155
MPCs, 56, 242, 256
multiple MPCs, 58
R
radial cylindrical method, 90
N radial spherical method, 91
node, 254 reference coordinate frame, 3
IDs, 180 remeshing/reseeding, 21
node distance, 202 renumber, 3, 9
node location, 201 action, 103
nodes, 54, 71, 72, 74, 104, 132, 238 rezoning, 97
mirror, 74
renumber, 104
rotate, 72 S
translate, 71
seeding, 3
non-uniform seed, 3
seeding solid, 19
normal method, 89
seeding surface, 19
normals, 3
shape, 3

O
optimization, 3
optimization method, 133
optimize, 9
nodes/elements, 132
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Index 338 Options Close

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I N D E X
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

show, 9 theory, 184

element attributes, 203 aspect ratio, 187
element coordinate system, 205 collapse, 195
mesh control attributes, 207 edge angle, 193
mesh seed attributes, 206 skew, 184
MPC, 208 taper, 192
node distance, 202 twist, 196
node location, 201 warp, 191
show action, 200 topology, 4
skew, 184 transform, 9
sliding surface, 3, 63 transform action, 70
solid transitions, 4
IsoMesh, 42 tria
TetMesh, 45 all, 148
solid method, 113 aspect, 150
spherical theta method, 92 skew, 151
sub MPC, 3 triangular elements, 19
surface method, 112 trias, 229
sweep, 9 twist, 196
arc, 82 types, 4
extrude, 83
glide, 84
glide-guide, 86 U
loft, 96
uniform seed, 4
normal, 89
radial cylindrical, 90
radial spherical, 91
spherical theta, 92 V
vector field, 94 vector field method, 94
sweep action, 81 verification, 4, 9

T
taper, 192
term, 3
Tet
all, 158
aspect, 160
collapse, 163
edge angle, 161
face skew, 162
TetMesh, 4, 8
parameters, 47
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Index 339 Options Close

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I N D E X
MSC.Patran Reference Manual
Part 3: Finite Element Modeling

verify edge angle, 167

element face skew, 168
boundaries, 140 face taper, 171
connectivity, 143 face warp, 169
duplicates, 141 twist, 170
IDs, 147 verify action, 136
Jacobian Ratio, 145
Jacobian Zero, 146
normals, 142 W
element-element
warp, 191
geometry fit, 144
wedge
hex
all, 164
all, 172
aspect, 166
aspect, 174
edge angle, 167
edge angle, 175
face skew, 168
face skew, 176
face taper, 171
face taper, 179
face warp, 169
face warp, 177
twist, 170
twist, 178
midnode
normal offset, 181
tangent offset, 182
node
IDs, 180
quad
all, 152
aspect, 154
skew, 156
taper, 157
warp, 155
Tet
all, 158
aspect, 160
collapse, 163
edge angle, 161
face skew, 162
tria
all, 148
aspect, 150
skew, 151
wedge
all, 164
aspect, 166