MSC. PATRAN

Patran provides a software environment for its users performing simulation of mechanical products.

Patran enables the user to conceptualize, develop and test a product using computer-based simulation prior to making manufacturing and material commitments.

By using Patran, engineers can create finite element models from their computer-aided design (CAD) parts, submit these models for simulation, and visualize the simulated model behavior.

Patran is installed on orca, rorqual, narwhal, tasman and beluga servers. It needs an X-Windows environment^(*). You can start a Patran session by entering the following command;
    patran

Also you are able to get the PC version of the program source from the following address:

ftp://ftp.cc.metu.edu.tr/PackagePrograms/Msc/Patran2005r1a/

Notice: Users, who would connect to the FTP licensed software site with a browser other than Internet Explorer, shall write ftp://user_name@ftp.cc.metu.edu.tr to the address line. Due to the license agreements that are made, this site is accessible to METU personnel only.

INSTALLATION on WINDOWS (For Windows NT/2000/XP):

Before installing the MSC. Patran software, you should insert the following line under hosts.sam, hosts and lmhosts.sam files in C:/WINDOWS directory.

    144.122.144.11 beluga.cc.metu.edu.tr     #PRE

Please DO NOT copy the line above directly from here. You had better write it once more. (Before writing #PRE, please remember to leave a blank space with "tab" key, not with "space" key).

After you run a custom installation according to your preferences, write the following information in the "server" field;

After this step, you must restart your computer to run the MSC. Patran software on your PC.

To run this software without experiencing an error, you should set your PC's screen area as 1024x768.

Moreover, if, at the beginning of the installation process, you receive a message, which tells that a "Page File Swap" is, required, you should click "Change" button after following Control Panel/Advanced/Performance Options path and then you should specify the value as minimum 200 MB.

Important Notice: The license servers of MSC. Superforge and MSC.Patran software will be transferred from "ccntserver" to server "beluga". Therefore, current users of these software must open the "Environment Variables" window by following this path :

Control Panel --> System --> Advanced --> Environment Variables

and then change the following variable

"LM_LICENSE_FILE" and/or "MSC_LICENSE_FILE" to

"1700@beluga.cc.metu.edu.tr"

on the window.

Frequently Asked Questions About Msc. Patran

Q: I am running out of disc space because of the files that are automatically created whenever I run the software and/or the output files that I myself have created, can you increase my quota limits?
A: We have created a directory named "/temp" on central servers systems (such as beluga, orca, narwhal, rorqual, tasman); so that our users can execute and work with oversize files without experiencing disc space problems. By creating another directory within the "/temp" folder, you can carry out tasks and perform your operations. To create another directory within "/temp" folder, use the following command: "mkdir directory_name". You should be mindful of the fact that other users may also need space within this folder; so, after you are done with your work, do not forget to delete all the files you have created in the folder.

Q: I want to use the software from outside METU. How can I do it?
A: METU is bound by the restrictions which are arranged and specified expressly in the terms of software license agreements. According to these agreements, the licensed software can only be used solely for academic purposes and strictly within the boundaries of METU. It is expressly forbidden to use the software from outside METU.

Q: Before the software starts to operate, it displays a message telling that the license of the software shall expire in a few days. Will I be able to use the software after the next few days?
A: The softwares' licence expiry dates are being monitored and taken care of by Computer Center. The licenses of the software are renewed on a regular basis. Therefore, unless stated otherwise by the announcements, you will not experience a problem about the expiry dates of the licenses.

* Information about XWINPRO and Cygwin/XFree86

You can ask related questions to the e-mail address swadminmetu.edu.tr