Patran, one of the world’s most widely used pre- and post-processing software for Finite Element Analysis (FEA), introduces new capabilities in version 2024.1. This release expands Patran’s rotor dynamics capabilities, adds HDF5 support, MSC Nastran Card support, supports the new high-performance solver in SOL400 and enhances the graphic interface.
If you missed any of the previous release announcements, you can find them in the release highlights on SimCompanion.
Patran 2024.1 Release Highlights
Rotordynamics
The new Rotor dynamics capabilities offer faster, more user-friendly solutions. The updated graphical interface eases the flow of analysis and adds additional functionality.
A completely new user interface facilitates job setup for rotordynamics. The interface guides the user through multiple steps, allowing them to specify all relevant parameters, including rotation speed and rotor ID, which makes identifying the rotor in the post-processing phase easier.
Multiple rotors can now be included in the same analysis. Different rotors can also be modelled using different techniques, mixing 1D, 2D, and 3D models. The reference rotor can be easily identified, and different rotational speeds can be assigned to the rotors in the model. The correct critical frequency can also be assigned to each rotor.
Patran also completely supports nonlinear harmonic response for MSC Nastran SOL 128. In Patran 2024.1, harmonic elements (CQUADX/TRIAX/PAXSYMN) and rigid connections via RBAX3D connectors are now supported. Users can now specify loads and boundary conditions in a variety of formats (tabular, product, power, radial gap, squeeze film damper, and 3D bush loadings