Patran -> Abaqus input file translation problems

[laszlo75]

I'm using MSC.Patran 2005 as preprocessor and Abaqus 6.5 as solver (on Windows XP). My problem is that Patran generates Abaqus input files (.inp) with errors. I'm aware of that and Patran also notifies it ( <input_file_name.msg.0[n]> ) with messages like:
*** ERROR: <RBE2> MPC type is not supported.
*** ERROR: The Plastic Option is not supported.

Can someone tell me the best strategy handling Patran & Abaqus? I also tried translating Nastran input files (.bdf) using
"abaqus fromnastran job=job-name"; but also here occur errors.

With my model I calculate ultimate loads for metallic stiffened panels; this nonlinear analysis includes a lot of other potential error sources and sometimes I get just a mess of different errors. Any information is appreciated!!

 

[johnhors]

laszlo

Patran primarily creates data files for their own version of Nastran and processes the results. Support for third party solvers like Abaqus has been on the decline ever since MSC bought out PDA (the original developers of Patran when it was not aligned to any particular solver). I doubt if you will overcome these problems easily if at all. Amusingly when a colleague recently tried to import Abaqus results into Patran, the process failed and Patran displayed a message putting all the blame on to the third party libraries supplied to them by HKS (a name not used by Abaqus for some years!).

Do you really have to use Patran? There are plenty of other pre and post processors available which are much more user friendly and do a better job. You will also have the option of using Abaqus/CAE.

 

[laszlo75]

johnhors, thanks for the quick answer!

I have Abaqus/CAE, Hypermesh and Patran available. I tried out CAE but got frustrated by it's logic; I cannot particulary name it. Hypermesh I just briefly looked at; probably I should try it again.

The point is that our project partners use Patran & Abaqus and I just want to use the same tools as them.