How IHI is Transforming Its Engine Design Process 

"The introduction of Ansys optiSLang software has enabled us to consider tackling challenges that we previously wouldn’t have attempted…Now, thanks to optiSLang software, we can push forward aggressively, which has created momentum to actively take on new challenges.”

— Yoshiyuki Kitamura
Group Manager, Structural and Heat Transfer Technology Group, Engine Technology Department, Technology Development Center, Aerospace & Defense Division, IHI

Challenges

Integrating analysis and design solutions, especially across multiple domains, requires a significant time commitment.

• After each department establishes its local automation processes, data handoffs and process integrations are introduced
• Existing design processes and development environments vary from one department to another
• Teams need to standardize the design process to improve quality and reduce errors
• A great deal of experience and intuition is required to select the complex parameters unique to engine design, and part of the process has become dependent on individual expertise

As a result, adopting integrated multidisciplinary domain optimization (MDO) solutions can be a slow process.

Engineering Solutions 

To aid in the adoption of an integrated analysis and design solution for its engine design process, IHI used Ansys optiSLang software. IHI leveraged Ansys optiSLang software because of its strong compatibility with Ansys Mechanical™ structural finite element analysis software and Ansys Fluent® fluid simulation software.

In addition, IHI relied on Ansys Japan’s technical assistance and paid engineering services to make its integration of workflows smoother, which in turn lowered the barriers to adopting optiSLang software.

 Among various initiatives, the following are highlighted as representative examples of IHI’s use of optiSLang software.

1. MDO of aerodynamic and structural analyses for the aerospace engine fan section, leading to a significant reduction in design effort
2. Optimization of aircraft engine high-pressure compressor (HPC) blades to effectively reduce vibrations
3. Visualization of 1D simulation results for engine system evaluation, enabling a deeper understanding of the overall design

Benefits

The implementation of optiSLang software at IHI resulted in significant improvements in design turnaround time and process efficiency, such as by automating routine and repetitive tasks. This resulted in: 

4,000 hours of time saved annually, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes a:

• 30% reduction in design review time
• 70% reduction in design process time

Aiding in design standardization and ensuring the traceability of IHI’s design data were other benefits gained from using optiSLang software.