PATRAN.HRD File – What is .patran.hrd file and how to open it?

Patran Hardcopy File Definition

A PATRAN.HRD file is a hardcopy plot file used by Patran, a finite element analysis (FEA) software program developed by MSC Software. It contains a representation of the plotted images generated during the analysis process. PATRAN.HRD files are used to store and share graphical data, such as models, results, and annotations, for later retrieval and viewing.

Patran Hardcopy File Structure

PATRAN.HRD files are binary files that follow a specific file format. They include header information, such as the version number and file type, followed by a series of records. Each record contains data about a specific entity in the plot, such as a mesh, element, or load. The data includes geometric information, material properties, and results data. PATRAN.HRD files can be viewed using Patran’s post-processing tools, allowing users to examine the plotted images and analyze the results of their FEA simulations.

Opening PATRAN.HRD Files on Windows

To open a PATRAN.HRD file on a Windows computer, you can use the following steps:

1. Download and install Patran Neutral File Viewer from the MSC Software website.
2. Once installed, launch the viewer and click on the “File” menu.
3. Select “Open” and locate the PATRAN.HRD file you want to open.
4. The file will be opened in the viewer, allowing you to view and navigate its contents.

Opening PATRAN.HRD Files on Mac

To open a PATRAN.HRD file on a Mac computer, you can use the following steps:

1. Download and install Patran Neutral File Viewer from the MSC Software website.
2. Once installed, launch the viewer and click on the “File” menu.
3. Select “Open” and locate the PATRAN.HRD file you want to open.
4. The file will be opened in the viewer, allowing you to view and navigate its contents.

Alternatively, you can use a text editor like TextEdit or Sublime Text to open the PATRAN.HRD file. However, this method will only allow you to view the raw text contents of the file and not its graphical representation.

Structure and Contents of PATRAN.HRD Files

PATRAN.HRD files are formatted text files that contain instructions for generating hardcopy output from PATRAN, a computer-aided engineering (CAE) software for finite element analysis and design. They specify settings for various aspects of the output, including:

• Page size, orientation, and margins
• Plot types, views, and angles
• Layer and object visibility
• Line styles, colors, and fonts
• Text and annotation placement

The instructions in the PATRAN.HRD file are organized into blocks, each representing a specific aspect of the hardcopy output. The blocks are separated by comment lines that start with an asterisk (*). Within each block, commands are used to define the desired settings. For example, the PageBlock defines the page size and orientation, while the ObjectBlock controls the visibility and rendering of objects in the plot.

Applications and Uses

PATRAN.HRD files are primarily used to create high-quality hardcopy output from PATRAN models. They allow engineers and designers to customize the appearance and content of their plots, ensuring that they clearly convey the analysis results and design details. The versatility of the file format makes it suitable for various applications, including:

• Generating technical reports and presentations
• Sharing model views with colleagues and clients
• Archiving analysis results for future reference
• Creating custom templates for specific plots or workflows

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