With the increase in the capabilities of computers in recent years, the technology for
optimizing a structural shape by automatically repeating FEM analysis several times is
approaching practical application. So far, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has established
expertise on structural optimization that can be adapted to its various products, loading conditions
and manufacturing conditions, and has been promoting the development of original tools. By
applying structure optimization technology, the optimum structure can be determined at the initial
stage of design, and a design and development process in which there is no starting over can be
established. In addition, entirely new structural concepts can often be devised and substantial
reductions in weight can be expected.
