Scientific visualization and optimum design of engineering structures

Structural optimization with the aid of scientific visualization, the model establishment visualization (MEV) and design process visualization (DPV), was presented. With MEV, object linking and embeding (OLE) automation technique, objective visualization and optimal model visualization were discussed. As for DPV, the iteration process visualization, control visualization and visualization of the model characteristics were described. By visualization, the process of model establishment and design process becomes much open to user and easier to be interfered, compared with traditional methodology. Consequently, some obstacles that are difficult to be overcome by traditional method become easy to be solved now. And the efficiency and quality of optimization are enhanced to a certain extent. The corresponding computer software VBSOPTI.1 was developed and applied to several examples, the results show the feasibility and efficiency of methodology.