Engine Component Design Through the Nissan Structural Analysis System

The introduction and development of structural analysis programs, the advances in electronic computer hardware, the development of computer graphics, etc. are all factors that have played an important role in practical applications of structural analysis techniques which are based on finite element methods. The development of the Nissan structural analysis system, which is centered on computer graphics (SAS/graphics), has considerably shortened the time that elapses from the discovery of a problem to the completion of its analysis. This system has become an indispensable instrument in planning and development operations.

This paper explains the Nissan structural analysis system from the viewpoints of both hardware and software. Next, it details the system’s recent applications to engine components and describes the structural analyses of a piston, cylinder block, fuel hose, catalytic converter, etc. Finally, it discusses further subjects which may be solved in order to promote the practical application of structural analysis techniques.