Create the Part

Defining the part geometry is generally the first step in the development of a finite element model.

1. Open Patran (2013 or later).
2. Create a new database (File > New) named Tutorial_4_Nastran.db. Make sure the Analysis Code is set to MSC.Nastran and the Analysis Type is set to Structural.
3. Click File > Import and navigate to the location of Tutorial_4_Nastran.bdf. Make sure the Source is set to MSC.Nastran Input.
   Note: The bulk data file Tutorial_4_Nastran.bdf can be downloaded here.
4. Click Apply to import the mesh. The beam should appear as shown below.