Learn how Helius PFA operates with MSC Nastran.
Helius PFA for MSC Nastran is implemented via the CONNECT SERVICE and GENUDS user defined services. User material definitions are created manually by directly modifying the bulk data file. Note, there are a couple slight differences when running on Windows vs. on Linux operating systems.
Batch Mode for Windows
Helius PFA installs a Windows batch file which makes it simple to run an MSC Nastran bulk data file with Helius PFA from the command line.
This file is located at HPFADIR\bin\msc-helius.bat and can be modified using a text editor to meet your specific needs. To run this file, follow these steps (see image below):
- Save the MSC Nastran bulk data file with a .bdf extension.
- Open the Helius PFA Command Shell using the desktop or start menu shortcut.
- Navigate to the directory which holds the file saved in step 1.
- Run the job using the following command:
msc-helius PATH FILE
where PATH is the path to the nastran.exe file and FILE is the name of the bulk data file.
Note: If you do not know the location of the nastran.exe file, enter msc-helius in the command shell and it will provide you with a valid path.
Batch Mode for Linux
Helius PFA installs a Linux shell script file which makes it simple to run an MSC Nastran bulk data file with Helius PFA from the command line.
This file is located at HPFADIR/bin/msc-compan.sh where HPFADIR is the installation directory on your machine. To run this file, follow the steps below:
- Save the MSC Nastran bulk data file with a .bdf extension.
- Open a Linux command prompt and navigate to the directory containing the file saved in Step 1.
- Run the job by providing the location to the msc-helius.sh file and the Nastran executable file as shown below.
$ /diana/autodesk/hpfa2016/bin/msc-helius.sh /diana/msc/20131/bin/nast20131 Example.bdf