S15-1 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 SECTION 15 MSC.PATRAN FILES

S15-2 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005

S15-3 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 MSC.PATRAN FILES NameFile TypeComments model_name.dbDatabaseOne per model, relatively large. model_name.db.bkupDatabaseBackup database is created if revert is enabled patran.ses.numberSession fileA Session File is opened at P3 start-up and it is closed when you quit MSC.Patran. model_name.db.jouJournal fileOne per model, record of all PCL commands from database creation to present-concatenated session files. EXTREMELY useful for rebuilding a database model_name.outNeutral fileCreated using Export. Can be used as a backup for analysis model model_name.db_mMarker fileCreated when NFS access method is invoked. Contains absolute pathname CAD_partfile_name.exp.bxpExpress Neutral fileIntermediate file created during CAD model access. The.exp(text) file can be accessed on any platform.

S15-4 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 REVERTING YOUR DATABASE Reverting to original database allows you to eliminate the changes you have made in the current modeling session Reverting to original database occurs if revert_enabled is set to TRUE in the setting.pcl file Edit file manually Or set Enable Revert Operation to on, then, close the database

S15-5 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 REBUILDING A DATABASE Using a Journal File Run MSC.Patran, but, do not open a database Select Rebuild from File/Utilities Select a journal file of choice Apply

S15-6 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 MSC.PATRAN FILES Generating Hardcopy Plots Choice of printing single or multiple viewports or XY windows on a singlepage Supported drivers are: CGM HPGL HPGL/2 Patran Hard PS EPS

S15-7 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 MSC.PATRAN FILES (CONTINUED) Customization Files Add printers by editing the p3_printers.def file p3_printers.def file is located in the $P3_HOME directory Customize printer options by copying the p3_printers.def file to your local or home directory The p3 search path is.,~, $P3_HOME Quickpick.def and toolbar.def files are available to customize

S15-8 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 MSC.PATRAN FILES (CONTINUED) Advanced Start-up Files NameEditLocationComments settings.pclASCII edit with System Editor Working directories, home, or P3_HOME Settings for MSC.Patran variables (hardware or software Imaging, automatic refresh of viewports, plotter parameters, options for warning messages, etc.) p3epilog.pcl p3prolog.pcl ASCII edit with system Editor Working directories, home, or P3_HOME PCL files read at MSC.Patran start-up are used to pre-define PCL variables, precompile PCL functions, and create user-defined or customized widgets template.dbBinary edit within MSC.Patran P3_HOME (default)A pristine database that is copied when a new database is created. Can be preloaded with desired settings, selections, data, etc.

S15-9 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005 MSC.PATRAN FILES (CONCLUDED) Can change which template is copied to be new database By default, MSC.Patran looks in the P3_HOME directory, e.g. /MSC/patran3 Allows you to select a different template database Select Change Template bottom

S15-10 PAT318, Section 15, March 2005