The presetit invention relates to a struchrre design support device, a structure
design support method, a program, and a recording medium.
Priority is clainled on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-168284, filed on
August 21,2014, and Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2015-131114, filed on Jnne 30,
201 5, the contents of which are incoqorated herein by reference.
[Related Art]
[0002]
In the related art, various stn~ctured esign support devices for perfornling the
evaluation and analysis of a strt~ctorea t a stage of designing various structures have
been proposed. As the stmcture design support device, in general, a computer is used,
and programs for making a computer perfonn the evaluation and analysis of a structure,
or systems with the programs installed therein have been proposed. In such a
struch~red esign support device, a model in which the ~vlloleo f a structure that is a
design target, or each part configuring the structure is expressed to be divided into
snlall areas (elelnents) is constructed, a response to the application of an external force
is simulated by using the model, and a design is performed by using the obtained
results.
[0003]
For example, in Patent Documents 1 aud 2, a stn~cturala nalysis tcchniquc of
analyzing a deformation tllode by the application of an external fol-ce of each part
configuring a structure is described. Specifically, finite clement division of
discretizing the ~vholeo f a structure or each palt configuring the structure into a finite
area called a finite element (mesh) is performed based on the obtained threedimensior~
als hape data or the like of the struchlre. Then, a structural analysis using a
finite ele~nentm ethod is perfomled, and the analysis result (a displacement or
defornlation mode of each part due to the application of an external force) is output.
A designer designs the shape of the opti~nunst~ru cture by applying a COI-rectiotno a
structure shape at the initial stage, frotl~th e analysis result.
[Prior Art Document]
[Patent Document]
[0004]
[Patent Doculllent 11 Japanese Patent No. 5440415
[Patent Docutlient 21 Japanese Unexanlined Patent Application, First
Publication No. 2011-92835
[Disclosure of the Invention]
[Problems to be Solved by the invention]
[OOOS]
When perforn~inga design change on the basis of the result of a structural
analysis (applying a correction to a structure shape), it is required to implement an
appropriate connternleasure according to the purpose such as strengthening the rigidity
of a stmch~ref, or cxanil~le. Ho\vever, in tlie techniques described in Patent
Documents 1 and 2, only infortnation on the displacement or deformation rnode of
each part due to the application of an external force can be obtained, and therefore, it is
insufficient as intonnation on a design cliange according to the purpose. In fact, in
order to reach tlie shape of tlie opti~nums tructure, it is necessary for a designer to
detect a portion to be changed, by trial and error based on an experience.
[0006]
Further, in the analysis methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, only
information on the displacenlent or deformation mode of each part due to the
application of an external force can be obtained, and therefore, there is a problem in
which it is not possible to evaluate tlie possibility of iniprovement in perforlnance by,
for exalnple, the strengthening of joining to another part. hl a struchtral analysis,
originally, an evaluation value of a portion l~avingtl ie high possibility of inlprovenient
in perfornlance per niass doe to a design change should be high. The strengthening of
joining to another part is likely to result in a highly efficient design change such as
operating a part ~vhiclhi as not finlctioned so far. That is, in a structural analysis, it is
important to use an evaluation value which includes the possibility of improvement in
performance by the strengthening ofjoining to another part. For that purpose, it is
necessary to focus attention on a change in relative positional relationship \\?it11 another
part due to the application of an external force.
[0007]
Tlie present invention has been made in view of such circunlstances and has
an object to provide a structure design support device, a structure design support
method, a program, and a recording medium, in which it is possible to more easily
perform a struch~rala nalysis, a crash analysis, or the like at a stage of a design of a
structnre, \vithout recourse to trial and error of a designer. The present inventiou also
has at1 object to provide a structure design support device, a structure design support
neth hod, a program, and a recording inedium, in n4lich it is possible to remove noise
which is independent of the purpose of a stl-uetural analysis, witl~outr ecourse to trial
and error of a desigtler.
weans for Solving the Proble~n]
[OOOS]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
struchlre design support device including: an evaluation point infonnation acquisition
unit which acquires evaluation point infonnatio~re~p resenting a position in a first state
and a position in a second state, of an evaluation point provided in a struch~rew hich is
configured of a plurality of parts, and a part to which the evaluation point belongs,
among the plurality of parts; and an evaluation value calculatio~ul nit \vhich calculates
an evaluation value representing the nlagnitude of a change behveen the first state and
the second state, of a positional relationship behveen a first evaluation point belonging
to a first part and a second evaluation point belonging to a second part different from
the first part to which the first evaluation point belongs, by using the evaluation point
information acquired in the evaluation point information acquisition onit.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in tile stn~ctured esign
support device according to the first aspect, the evaluation value relating to the first
evaluation point ruay represent the magnitude of a change behveen the first state and
the second state, of a distauce between the first evaluation point and the secolid
evaluation point.
[OOI 01
According to a third aspect of tlie present illvention, in the slruch~red esign
support device according to the second aspect, the distance bet\veerl the first evaluation
point and the second evaluation point may bc less than or equal to a threshold value set
in advance.
[OOI 11
According to a fourth aspect of the preseut inventiot~,i n the stntch~red esigu
support device according to the second or third aspect, the secot~de valuation point may
be an evaluatio~pi oint belonging to a part determitied in advance.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the presellt invention, in the structure design
support device accotding to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the evaluatioa
value calculation uuit ~iiayp erform specification of a part to which an evaluation poult
in \\~hiclit he evaluation value is the rnaxiuitluni belongs, among a plurality of parts
different fion~a part to which the evaluation point belongs, and specification of a
direction of the part to which an evaluation point in which the evaluation value is the
maximun~b elol~gs,m hen being based on a position of the part to which the evaluation
point belongs.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of thc present invention, in the structure desig~l
support device according to the fifth aspect, the evaluation value calculation unit may
specify a direction in \vIiich the part to which an evaluation poiut in which tlie
evaluation value is the rnaximt~mb elongs is displaced \vhen a change fro~nth e first
state to the second state is made.
[OOI 41
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the struch~red esign
support device according to any one of tl~efi rst to sixth aspects, the structure design
support device may further include an evaluation result display unit \\~l~icdlils plays the
evaluation value calculated in the evaluation value calculation onit, and the evaluation
result display unit may adopt a configuration of displaying a name of the part to which
the evaluation point corresponding to the evaluation value belongs.
[OOI 51
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the structure design
support device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the structure design
support device may repeatedly cany out a process of calcolating the evaluation value.
[0016]
According to a nu~tlai spect of the present invention, there is provided a
structure design support n~ethodin cluding: a first process ora cquiring evaluation point
infonnation representinga position in a first state and a position in a second state, of an
evaluation point provided in a structure which is configured of a plurality of parts, and
a part to wvl~icht he evaluation point belongs, alnollg the plurality of parts; and a second
process of calculating an evaluation value representing the rnagnihlde of a change
between the first state and the second state, of a positional relationship between a first
evaluation point belonging to a first part and a second evaluation point belonging to a
! second part different from the first part to whioh the first evaluation point belongs, by
using the evaluation point infonnation acquired in the first process.
[OOI 71
According to a tenth aspect of tl~ep resent invention, in the structure design
support method according to the ninth aspect, the evaluatio~v~al ue relating to the first
evaluation point may represent the magnitude of a change between the first state and
the secontl state, of a distance bet\\ree~ti~le first evalr~ationp oint and the second
evaluation point.
[OOI 81
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the stnlcture
design support method according to the tenth aspect, the distance bet~veenth e first
evaluation point and the second evaluation point may be less than or equal to a
threshold value set in advance.
[0019]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the structure design
support method according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the second evaluation point
may be an evaluation point belonging to a part determined in advance.
[0020]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the strncture
design support method according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, in the
second process, specification of a part to which an evaluation point in \vIlich the
evaluation value is the ~ n a s i ~ nble~lonn~gs , among a plurality of parts different from a
part to which the evaluation point belongs, and specification of a direction of the part
to w11ich an evaloation point in \\rhich the evaluation value is the maxinlum belongs,
when being based 011 a position of the part to \\~11icht he evaluation point belongs may
be perfonned.
[0021]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in tl~cst ructul-e
design support method according to the thirteenth aspect, in the second process, a
direction in which the patt to nrllicl~a n evaluation point in which the evaluation value
is thc ~naxinlumb clongs is displaced \\then a change from the first state to the second
state is made may be specified.
[0022]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the structure design
support n~etiloda ccording to my one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects, the struch~re
design support method may fiirther include: a third process of displaying the calculated
evaluation value and displaying a nane of the part to which the evaluation point
corresponding to the evaluation value belongs.
[0023]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the structure
design support method according to any one of the ninth to fifteenth aspects, a process
of calculating the evaluation value may be repeatedly carried out by the second process.
[0024]
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
progratn causing a computer to function as: 31 evaluation point information acquisition
unit which acquires evaluation point infornlation representing a position in a first state
and a position in a second state, of an evaluation point provided in a structure wl~ichis
configured of a plurality of parts, a ~ad pa rt to which the evaluation point belongs,
among the plurality of parts; and an evaluation value calculation unit which calculates
an evaluation value representing the magnitude of a change behveen the first state and
the second state, of a positional relationsliip behveen a first evaluation point belonging
to a first part ant1 a second evaluation point belonging to a second pal-t diSSerent from
the first part to which the first evaluation point belongs, by using the evaluation point
inforn~ationa cquired in tlie evaluation point inforn~ationa cquisition unit.
[0025]
According to an eigl~teentha spect ofthe present invention, in the program
according to the seventeenth aspect, tlie evaluation value relating to the first evaluation
point nlay represent the magnitude of a change between tlie first state and the second
state, of a distance between the first evaluation point and the second evaluation point.
[0026]
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the progran~
according to the eighteenth aspect, tl~ed istance bet~veenth e first evaluation point and
the second evaluation point may be less than or equal to a tl~resl~ovlda lue set in
advance.
[0027]
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the program
according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, the second evaluation point may be an
evaluation point belonging to a part determined in advance.
[002S]
According to a hventy-first aspect of the present invention, in the program
according to any one of the eighteenth to the twentietl~ aspects, the evaluation value
calculation unit may perfornl specification of a part to which an evaluation point in
\vhich the evaluation value is the maximum belongs, among a plurality of patts
different fro111 a part to which the evaluation point belongs, and specification of a
direction of the part to wl~ichx i evaluatio~lp oint in which the evaluatiot~v alue is the
masimttm bclongs, \\4ien being based on a position of tlie part to \vIiicli the evaluation
point belongs.
[0029]
According to a hventy-second aspect of the present invention, in the program
according to the twenty-first aspect, the evaluation value calculation unit may specify a
direction in which the part to \\fhicli an evaluation point in which the evaluation value
is the maximum belongs is displaced when a cllange from the first state to the second
state is made.
[0030]
According to a twenty-third aspect of tlie present invention, in the program
according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-second aspects, the progratn 111ay
further cause the conipttter to function as: an evaluation result display unit which
displays the calculated evaluation value and displays a tiatne of tlie part.
[003 11
According to a twenty-fourth aspect of tlie present invention, in the progranl
according to any otie of tlie seventeenth to hventy-third aspects, the computer may be
made to repeatedly carry out a process of calculating the evaluatioti value.
[0032]
According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
computer-readable recording nledium having the prograni according to any one of the
seventeenth to twenty-fourth aspects recorded therein.
[Effects of the Invention]
[0033]
According to thc respective aspccts of the present invention, it is possible to
more easily perform a structural analysis or a crash analysis at a stage of a design of a
structure, without recourse to trial and error ot'a designer For example, it is possible
to more easily detect a portion to be changed according to a desired purpose such as
increasing the rigidity of a structure, at a stage of a tlesign of the struch~re.
[0034]
Fu~thera, ccording to the respective aspects of the present itivention, it is
possible to remove noise \vhich is independent of tlle purpose of an analysis, in a
struch~rala nalysis at a stage of a design of a structure, without recourse to trial and
error of a designer.
[Brief Description of the Dra\vings]
[0035]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a structure
design support device 10 according to an enlbodiment of tile present invention.
FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of evaluation point infor~nationin the
same embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart describing an operation of an evaluation value
calculatio~ul nit 13 in the same embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram describing the condition that "j is j satisfping tlle
relationship of F0ij5u" in Expression (2) in the same embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an external view (Part 1) of a structure A in Example 1.
FIG. 6 is all external view (Part 2) of the structure A in the same exatnple.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional vicw of the structure A in the same csample
FIG. 8 is a diagran~d escribing a second state in the same example
FIG. 9 is a diagram (Part 1) in which strain energy density when being in the
second state is plotted by shading, as a comparative exanlple with respect to the sanle
cxample.
FIG. 10 is a diagram (Part 2) in which strain energy density when being in the
second state is plotted by shading, as a con~parativee sarnple with respect to the sanle
example.
FIG. 1 I is a diagran~( Part 1) showing a display exanlple by the structure
design support device 10 in the satne example.
FIG. 12 is a diagram (Part 2) showing a display example by the structure
design support device 10 in the same example.
FIG. 13 is a table sho\ving a rigidity i~nprovementr ate when a
coltntertneasure has been irnple~nented on each of portions PA, PB, PC, and PD in the
same exatnple.
FIG. 14 is a diagram describing the second state in Example 2,
FIG. 15 is a diagram in which strain energy density when being in the second
state is plotted by shading, as a comparative example with respect to the same example.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example by the structure design
support device 10 in the same example.
FIG. 17 is a graph showing the effects \vl~eta~ c ountermeasure has been
irnple~nel~tebdas ed on the strain energy densit): as a comparative example with respect
to the same example.
FIG. 18 is a graph showing tile effects when a countenneasr~reto double a
sheet tl~icknessh as been inlplenlented based on the a~~nlysriess ult by the structure
design suppolt device 10 in the same example.
FIG. 19 is graph showing the effects \\rhen a countemieasure to strengthen
joining has been ilnplelllented based on the analysis result by the structure design
support device 10 in the same example.
FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram sho~vinga n example in which t\vo parts are
stiffened by a stiffener.
FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram sho\ving an example in which two parts are
stiffened by a stiffener.
FIG. 20C is a schematic diagram showing an example it1 which t\vo parts are
stiffened by a stiffener.
FIG. 21 is a graph showing the effects when a conntenneasure to strengthen
joining has been implemented based on the analysis resi~ltb y the structure design
support device 10 in Esanlple 3.
FIG. 22 is a graph showing the effects when a countermeasure to strengthen
joining has been in~plclnentedb ased on the analysis result by the structure design
support device 10 in Example 4.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a flo\v of a repeated evaluation in the same.
embodiment.
[Embodiments of the In~~ention]
[0036]
i Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, as an example of the
putpose of a structural analysis in a stage of a design of a struchlre, the purpose of
improving tltc rigidity ofa structure will be described. However, as tl~cpu rpose of a
structural analysis in a stage of a design of a structure, it is not limited to ilnprovement
iu the rigidity of a structure, and it is possible to reduce the rigidity of a structure for a
reduction in weight or to perfortn an analysis of a structure tailored to the needs, such
as a crash analysis of a structnre.
[0037]
FIG. 1 is a schcnlatic block diagram sho\ving the configuration of a struch~re
design support device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
structure design sopport device 10 evaluates the rigidity of a structure colnposed of a
plurality of parts. This structure is made as an assembly of a plurality of parts joined
together by, for example, nrelding, caulking, a bolt, or the like. The structnre design
support device 10 includes an evaluation point information acquisition unit 1 1, an
evaluation point itifonnatiotl storage unit 12, an evaluation value calculation unit 13,
and an evaluation result display unit 14.
[0038]
The evaloation point information acquisition unit 11 acquires evaluation point
infomiation representing the position in a first state and the position in a second state,
of an evaluation point provided in a strnchlre which is an evaluation tat-get, and a part
to \vhich the evaluation point belongs, among the parts configuring the structure. For
example, the first state is a state \vhcre a load is not applied to the strncture, and the
second state is a state \\?here the assumed maximum load is applied to the structure.
i Further, for esample, the evaluation point is an apes (a node) of an element in a finite
element method \\41en the deformation of the structnres in each state is analyzed by the
fiuite element method, and the evaluation point infor~nationis calculated by analyzing
the structure by the finite element metl~od. The evaluatio~lp oint information is not
limited tllcreto and may be calculated by, for exarnple, nunierical simulation other that1
the fuiite elenle~int iethod or may be obtained by caphlring an image of the structure in
each state and detecting the position of at1 observation point marked 011 the surface of
the structure, from the captured image.
[0039]
The evaluation point information storage uuit 12 stores the evaluation point
iufornlation acquired in the evaluation point inforn~ationa cquisition unit 11. The
evaluation value calculatior~ uuit 13 calculates an evaluation value of each evaluation
poitlt by usiug the evaluation point iufomlation stored in the evaluation point
iuforn~ations torage unit 12. Here, the evaluatio~vi alue of the evaluation point is a
value representing the magnitude of a chauge between the first state and the second
state, of the positio~larl elationsl~ipb etween a part to which the evaluatiou point
belongs, and a part different fro111 the part to which the evaluation point belongs.
Details of a method of calculating the evaluation value by the evaluation value
calculatio~u~n it 13 will bedescribed later.
[0040]
The evaluation result display unit 14 creates and displays a three-dimensional
image of the structure, in which the evaluation value calculated in the evaluation value
calculation unit 13 is represented by shading. The evaluation value may be
represented in color, rather than sllading. Further, the evaluatiou result display unit
14 may output image data or an image signal representiug the created tlireeditnensioual
image or may output the evaluation value.
1004 1 j
FIG. 2 is a table si~o\vinga n example ol'the evaluation point information. In
the example shown in FIG. 2, the first state is a non-load state where a load is not
applied to the structure, and the second state is a masitnum load state ~vllereth e
assumed tnaximu~nlo ad is applied to the structure. 111 tlte exatllple sho\vn in FIG. 2,
the evaluation point illformation includes, with respect to each evaluation point, an
evaluation point ID of the evaluation point, a part ID of the part to which the
evaluation point belongs, an X-coordinate, a Y-coordinate, and a Z-coordinate in the
non-load state, and m X-coordinate, a Y-coordinate, and a Z-coordinate in the
nlaximum load state.
[0042]
In FIG. 2, the evaluation point infom~ationa bout the first evaluation point
includes the evaluation point ID "OOOl", the part ID "OOl", the X-coordinate "0.000,
the Y-coordinate "0.000, and the Z-coordinate "0.000 in the non-load state, atid the
X-coordinate "0.000, the Y-coordinate "0.000, and the Z-coordinate "0.000" in the
tllaxit~lu~lolla d state. Similarly, the evaluatio~pl oint iufornlation about the second
evaluation point includes the evaluation point ID "0002", the part ID "OOl", tile Xcoordinate
"0.000, the Y-coordinate "0.000, aud the Z-coordinate "0.100 in the not]-
load state, and the X-coordinate "0.000", the Y-coordinate "0.002", and the Zcoordit~
ate" 0.105" in the tnaxirnutli load state.
[0043j
FIG. 3 is a flo\\.chart describing a1 operation of the evaluation value
calc~tlationi lllit 13. In FIG. 3, a case where the first state is the non-load state where
a load is not applied to the stracture, and the secotld state is the maximotn load state
where the assumed maxi~numlo ad is applied to thc structure is described as an
example. The evaluatio~vi alue calculation unit 13 esecotes processing fsom Step S2
to Step SIO with respect to each evaluation point whicl~is included in the evaluation
point information stored in the evaluation point inforaiation storage unit 12 (Steps S1
to S11). 111 Step S2, the evaluation value calculatiot~ unit 13 reads the position (the Xcoordinate,
the Y-coordinate, and the Z-coordinate) it1 the non-load state and the
position (the X-coordinate, the Y-coordinate, and the Z-coordinate) in the maximum
load state, of 31 evaluation point i of a target from the evaluation point infornlation
storage nnit 12. Next, the evaluation value calculation unit 13 executes processi~ig
from Step S4 to Step S8 with respect to each evaluation point of another part (a part
except for the part to \vhich the evaluation point of the target belongs) (Steps S3 to S9). .
[0044]
111 Step S4, the evaluatior~v aloe calculation unit 13 reads the position in the
non-load state and the position in the n~axirnu~lona d state, of an evaluation point j of
another part from the evaluatio~pl oint inforn~ations torage unit 12. Next, tlie
evaluation value calculation unit 13 calculates a distance FOij in the non-load state
bet\veen the evaluation point i of the target and the evaluation point j of another part by
using the positions read in Steps S2 and S4 (Step S5). For exaniple, when the Xcoordinate,
the Y-coordinate, and the Z-coordinate of the evaluation point i of the
target in the non-load state respectively are Xi, Yi, and Zi, and the X-coordinate, the Ycoordinate,
and the Z-coordinate of the evaluatio~pi oiotj of another part in the nonload
state respectively arc X,, Yj, and Z,, the distance FOij is calculated by the
following Expression (I). ~~~ ~~
[0045]
[Expression 11
The evaluation value calculation unit 13 determines whether or not tlic
distance FOii calculated in Step S5 is less that1 or equal to a tlireshold value a set in
advance (Step S6). When a deternlination that the distance FOij is not less than or
equal to the tl~resholdv alue a is made (Step S6-No), the processing proceeds to Step
S9. That is, if there is an lrnprocessed evaluatio~pi oint in the evaluatio~pi oints of
another part, the evaluation value calculation unit 13 returns back to Step S3 and
executes processing with respect to an evaluation point of the subsequctit other part.
If there is no unprocessed evaluation point in the evaluation points of another part, the
loop fro111 Step S3 to Step S9 is elided and the processing of Step S10 is executed.
[0047]
On the other hand, when a deternlination that the distance FOii is less than or
equal to the tt~resholdv alue a is made in Step S6 (Step S6-Yes), the evaluation value
calculation unit 13 calculates a distance Flij in the maxilnuni load state between the
evaluation point i of the target and the evaluation point j of another part by using the
positions read in Steps S2 aid S4 (Step S7). The evaluation value calculation unit 13
calculates a change rate dFij=(FIij-FOij)lFOij from the distauce FOij to the distance Flij
(Step S8). Next, the processing proceeds to Step S9. That is, if there is an
unprocessed evaluation point in the evaluation points of another part, the evaluation
value calculation unit 13 returns back to Step S4 and executes processing with respect
to an evaluation point of the subsequent other part. If there is no unprocessed
evaluation point in the evaluation points of another part, the loop from Step S3 to Step
S9 is ended and the processing of Step S10 is executed.
(00481
In Step S10, the evaluation value calculation unit 13 calculates the average
value with respect to the evaluation point j of another part, of the absolute value of the
cllange rate dF;, of the distance calculated with respect to the evaluation point of the
target, as an evaluatio~lv alue Ei. In other words, the evaluation vall~eE i is calculated
by the following Expression (2).
[0049] . .
[Expression 21
[OOSO]
However, j is j satisfying the relationship of FOijia, and 11 is the tllnnber ofj
satisfying the relationship of FOii5a. That is, n is a value \vhich is determined based
on the threshold value a.
[005 11
Further, it is possible to eliminate colnpollents of rigid translation and
rotational motioll from positional information between the respective parts by using the
evaluation value E, sho\vn in Expression (2), and therefore, it becomes possible to
remove noise \vhich is independent of the purpose of an analysis.
[0052]
Next, the processing proceeds to Step S11. That is, if there is an .
unprocessed evaluation point in the evaluation points, the evaluation value calculation
unit 13 returns back to Step S1 and executes processing \\,it11 respect to the subsequent
evaluation point. If there is no unprocessed evaluation poi~i~n tt he evaluation points,
the loop from Step SI to Stcp Sl I , that is, the processing is ended.
[0053]
FIG. 4 is a diagram describing the conditio~tlh at "j is j satisfying the
relationship of FOii5u" in Step S6 of FIG. 3, that is, Expression (2). FIG. 4 is a cross
section which includes a part Al and a part B1 which configure a strocture.
~valuatioap oints a1 to a7 are provided in the part Al, and evaluation points bl to b6
are provided in the part B1. FIG. 4 is a diagram describing wvhen calculating an
evaluation value of the evaluation point a4 that is an evaluation target. A circle C
showvn by a dashed line is a cross section of a sphere having a radius a and centered on
the evaluation point a4. The sphere (the circle C) having the radius a corresponds to
an evaluation area, and a point \vhich is located on the inside of the sphere (the circle
C) having the radius a is an evaluation point which is used wvhen calculating the
evaluation value Ei. At this time, the evaluation value calculation unit 13 calculates
the evaluation value Ei by calculating the right-hand side (that is, the average value of
the absolute value of the value obtained by dividing the digerence between the
distance Flij and the distance FOij by the distance FOij) of Expression (2) \\lit11 respect
to the evaluation points b3 and b4 in which the distance FOij is less than or equal to a,
among the evaluation points (in FIG. 4, the evaluation points bl to b6) belonging to a
part (in FIG. 4, the pa~Bt l) except for the part to which the evaluation point a4
belongs.
[0054] i
The value of the threshold value a is set to be a variable according to a target
part, the mesh of the finite element method, a phase of a design, or the like. The
threshold value a may be set in advance or map be set by an operator who operates the
structure design support device 10. It is desirable that tlie value of the tlircshold value
a is a value according to a magnitude in whicll a change in stmcture is possiblc. The
evaluation value calculation unit 13 may be configuretl so as to store the threshold
value a according to a tnagnitudc in wllich a cllange in structure is possible, in advance,
and deterniine, if an operator specifics a magoih~dein \\hicll a change in structure is
possible, the threshold value a according to the magnitude specified by the operator,
according to the storing. In examples described below, the thrcsl~oldv alue (the radius
of the sphere of the evaluation area) a is set to be 100 mm.
[0055]
Further, it is desirable that the evaluation area is set to be a range in ~vl~ica h
change in structure is possible. For this reason, a geometric range of a sphere, a
hexahedron, or the like may be specified, and a configuration niay be made in \vhicIi
only plural parts are selected and only the area between tlie parts is set as the
evaluation area. Further, a con~binationo f the above is also acceptable. However, it
is desirable that in order to secure the nuniber of analysis points falling into the
evaluation area, the evaluation area is larger than a sphere having a diameter of
approximately four or nlore times the distance between the analysis points. Further,
the tnagrlitude of a change in structure that can be taken is different according to the
stage of a design, and therefore, it is conceivable that the evaluation area car1 be
utilized in various design stages by fitting the size of the evaluation area to it.
[0056] I
Further, the evalnation value Ei has been described as being calculated by
Expression (2). However, there is no limitation thereto. For example, as the
distance, a specitic axial distance niap be used. FUI-thert,h e evaluation value Ei may
be calculated by, for example, tlie folio\ving Expression (3) or (4).
[0057]
[Expression 31
[005S]~
[Expression 41
1 "
Ei =-C
11 j=l
[0059]
In Expression (3), the evaluatio~vi alue beheen the respective points is
exponentiated (by nl-th poxver). In this way, it can be expected that it is possible to
takc a value in which a weak portio~is niore emphasized. In Expression (4), tlie
evaluation value beh\reen the respective points is n~ultipliedb y a correction eoeflicietit
using a distance before deforniatio~io r a change in distance. In this way, it can be
expected that a weak portio~in structure can be liiore accurately searched.
[0060]
Further, when calculating the evaluation value E,, the condition that ':j is j
satisfying the relationship of FO,,ia" is set. However, instead of this, tlie condition
that the "evaluation point j is the evaluation point j belonging to a part determined in
advance" may be used. Further, the condition of satisfying both of the condition that
Fii,j- FO,
FO,,
m
. . . (3)
':I isj satisfying the relationship of FOii5un and the condition that the "evaluation point
j is tlie evaluation point j belonging to a patt deterrnir~ed in advance" may be used, and
the condition of satisfying either of both the conditions may be used. Further, in
these conditions, the palt deternlined in advanced may be one, may be a plurality, may
be determined in advance for each evaluation point i of the target, or may be
deterlnined in advance for each part to \\~liicht he evaluation point i of the target
belongs.
[0061]
In the folloiring examples, all the evaluation points j satisfying the conditions
are calculated. Ho\frever, calculation may be perfonned with the nunlber of
evaluation points j limited. For exiunple, it is conceivable to limit the number of
evaluation points j according to the fineness of the mesh of the fitlite element nletltod
in the vicinity of the evaluation point. Further, the size or the shape of the evaluation
area may be changed according to the fineness of the mesh of the finite element
method in the vicinity of the evaluation point.
[0062]
In this manner, the structure design support device 10 calculates an evaluation
value representing the magnitude of a change behveen the first state and the second
state, of the positional relationship of an evaluation point behveen a part to which the
evaluation point belongs and a part different from the part to which tlie evaluation
point belongs.
[0063]
I In this way, a part in which a positional relationship with a peripheral part is
changed when the state is changed is detected. The part in \vhich a positional
relationship with a peripheral part is changed \\rhea the state is changed has weak
joining to the peripheral part, and it is presumed that the rigidity of a structure is
reduced due to the weak joining. For this reason, by strenglhening the joining, it can
be expected that the rigidity of the stn~ch~irse in creased. Further, the strengthening
ofjoining can be perfonned by increasing the number of spot welds or additionally
joining n sn~alsl teel sllcct and therefore, in many cases, weight that increases more
than in the strengthening of a part such as increasing a sheet thickness is less.
Accordingly, it is possible to more easily detect a portion suitable for increasing the
rigidity while suppressing an increase in the weight of a structure.
[0064]
Further, in this enlbodiment, the follo\ving processing may be further
executed.
When obtaining the evaluation value Ei, with respect to the evaluation point i
of the target and the evaluation point j of another part, the change rate dFiSj (i = 1 to n)
from the first state to the second state is integrated. However, at1 evaluation point m
in ~vllicldl Fiaji s the maximum, anlong the plurality of evaluation points j fi = 1 to n), is
extracted. Then, the direction of the evaluation point rn in a case where the
evaluation point i in the first state is set to be the starting point is specified, and a
vector composed of the direction and the maglitude of a change rate dFi, ,,, is set as an
evaluation value. All of these evaluations are pcrfornled in the evaluation value
calculation unit of FIG. 1. In the flo\\~cliarot f FIG. 3, the evaluations are performed
at the same time as the calculation of the evaluation value Ei in Step S10. The vector
obtained as the evaluation value beconles an index indicating a direction in \\~hiclai
part that reduces the rigidity of a structure exists with respect to the part wliich
includes the evaluation point i. 'The result is displayed on the evaluation display unit
14.
[0065]
That is, the evaluation display unit 14 bas a fiu~ctionto display the vector
which is the evaluation value. Further, the evaluation display unit 14 may have a
fnnction to display the name ofa member that is a target, or the like.
[0066]
In this \tray, the part in which a positional relationship xvith tile peripheral part
is changed when the state is changed is nlore accurately specified. The part in \vl~ich
a positional relationship with the peripheral part is changed when the state is changed
has \\leak joining to the peripheral part, and there is a possibility that the rigidity of a
structure may be reduced due to the weak joining. For this reason, by strengthening
the joining, it can be expected that the rigidity of the structure is further increased.
Further, the strengthening ofjoining can be performed by increasing the nunlher of
spot \velds or additionally joining a snlall member, and therefore, in many cases,
weight that increases Inore than in the strengthening of a part such as increasing a sheet
thickness is less. Accordingly, it is possible to easily detect a portion suitable for
further increasing the rigidity wliile suppressing an increase in the weight of a structure.
[0067]
Further, in this embodiment, the evaluation point 111 in which dF,,, is the
maximum, anlong the plurality of evaluation pointsj (i = 1 ton), is extracted, and
thereaftel; the direction of the evaluation point 111 in a case where the evaluation point i
in the first state is set to be the starting point, and the direction of the evaluation point
111 in a case where the evaluation point i in the second state is set to be the starting
point are specified. Further, the difference between the direction of the evaluation
point in with respect to the evaluation point i in the first state and the direction of the
evaluation point 1x1 \vith respect to the evaluation point i in the second state is
determined. The direction which is detern~ined fiom the difference becomes a
displacetncnt direction of a part \\41ich includes the evaluation point m with respect to a
part which includes the evaluation point i, when a change from the first state to the
second state is made. The result is displayed on the evaluation display unit 14.
[0068]
By specifying the displacement direction, it is possible to deternline an
optimum method \rhe~th~e part which i~lcludesth e evaluation point i and the part
which includes the evaluation point m are joined together by using a stiffener. In a
case of stiffening two parts by using a stiffener, it is necessaqr to join the stiffener and
each part together. At this time, it is favorable if thejoining fom~of the stiffener is
selected such that a longitudinal direction of the joint surface behveen each part and
the stiffener is parallel to the displacement direction ofthe part which includes the
evaluation point n~ with respect to the part wvhich includes the evaluation point i when
a change from the first state to the second state is made. The result may be displayed
on the evaluation display unit 14 together.
[0069]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20A, in a case \vhere there is a pair of plateshaped
parts disposed parallel to each other and a change from the first state to the
second state is made, it is assumed that the displacement direction of the upper part is
thc direction indicated by an arro~\r,Ain tile drawing. In this case, in order to stiffen ;
these t\vo parts with a plate-shaped stiffener, for example, a tnethod of performing
joining such that the longitudinal direction of the joint portion between a stiffener 100
and each part is.parallel to the displacement direction A, as shown in FIG. 20B, and a
method of performing joining such that the longitudinal direction of the joint po~tion
betweell the stiffelener 100 and each part is orthogonal to the displacement direction A,
as sho\\ln in FIG. 20C, are conceivable. Both of FIG. 20B and FIG. 20C illustrate a
case \\41crc end portions in the \vidth direction of tbe stiffener and the plate-shaped
parts are butt-iirelded. 111 this case, in terms of an increase in the rigidity of a structure
which includes the hvo parts, it is effective to perform joining such that the
longihldinal direction of the joint portion (the welded portion).behveen the stiffener
100 and each part is parallel to the displace~nentd irection A, as shown in FIG. 20B.
[0070]
Further, a better stroctore can be designed by repeatedly carrying out a
process of detemlining a place on which a countermeasure is to be implemented, by
carrying out this evaluation method, and irnplernenting a counternleasure thereon. By
repeatedly car~yirigo ut the process, a place to which a load is not transn~itteda t the
early stage also starts \orking, and a hidden place on wvhich a countermeasurc is to be
implemented can be found.
[0071]
Further, it is possible to perform an evaluation by adding or changing a
member on the basis of the evaluation at a certain stage and comparing a structure
before the member is added or changed, with a structure after tbe tnernber is added or
changed. For example, it is possible to compare the optimu~nb indel; the optimum
sheet thickness, \vhether there is no adverse effect on other parts, or the like, before :
and after. By repeatedly carrying out the comparison process, it is possible to design
a bettcr struchlrc.
[0072]
FIG. 23 is a flo\vchart showing a flo\v of a repeated evaluation in this csarnple.
First, in Step S21, the processes of Steps S1 to S11 of FIG. 3 is carricd out. In this
way, a place for a countermeasure at this point in time is specified.
[0073]
Nest, in Step S22, a countermeasure to i~nproveri gidity is implemented. As
the countenneasure to inlprove rigidity, a change of a sheet thichcness, strengthening of
joining to another part, or the like is conceivable. Preferably, the strengthening of
joining to another part is carried out. More preferably, it is favorable to carry out it
by the method of the following Example 3 or 4.
[0074]
Next, in Step S23, a loop continuation determination is carried out. It is
favorable that the loop continuation determination is perfot-nied based on the "anlount
of improvement of a rigidity value or the amount of increase of mass" due to a
countenneasure. When the "amount of improve~nento f a rigidity value or the amount
of increase of mass" becomes less than or equal to a certain threshold value, it is
determined to exit the loop (end the repeated evaluation). Further, when the rigidity
value becomes greater than or equal to the threshold value, or when the amount of
improvement of the rigidity value due to the countenneasure becotnes less than or
equal to the thresl~oldv alue, it may be determined to esit the loop (end the repeated
evaluation). In a case where it is not deternlined to esit the loop, the processing
returns back to Step S21 and a place for a counternieasure is specified again.
[0075]
Each step of this example described abovc may be configl~reds uch that the
structure design support device 10 automatically performs it.
[0076]
(Example 1)
In Example 1, an example in which a strocture A sllown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is
analyzed by the structure design snppo~dt evice I0 is sho\vn. FIGS. 5 and 6 arc
external vie\\s of the structure A, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional vie\\' in a cross section
P of the structure A. The structure A is a stnlcture in n'hich steel sheets All and A12
having a sheet thickness of 1 mm and the same shape and pressed so as to have a hat
shape in a cross section are arranged it1 a longih~dinald irection (an X-axis direction)
and steel sheets A21,22, and 23 each havirlg the same \\idth as each of the steel sheets
A1 1 and A12 and a length of 213 of the length of each of the steel sheets All and A12
are spot-nrelded (MI, M2, and the like in FIG. 7) to the steel sheets A1 1 and A1 2 as
back plates at edge portions of the steel plates A1 1 and A12.
[0077]
In this example, the fi~sstt ate is a non-load state where no load is applied to
the strocture A, and the second state is a state where a torsio~iaIl nonlent about the axis
in the longitudinal direction of the structilre A is applied. FIG. 8 is a diagram
describing the second state. As shon~nin FIG. 8, in the second state, a to~sional
moment of 1000 Nmm is applied to one end on the steel sheet A1 1 side and one end on
the steel sheet A12 side is fixed.
[0078]
FIGS. 9 and 10 are diag~amsin .rvhich strain energy de~lsity\\ 41en being in the
secontl state is plotted by shading, as comparative examples. The greater the strain
energy density, the thicker the shading beco~nes. It can be seen that the strain energy
density is concentrated in a place close to the brcak bct\veen the steel sheet A1 1 and
the steel sheet A12, among the spot \\~cldso f the steel sheet A22 to the steel sheet AI I
or the steel sheetA12.
100791
011 the other hand, FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing display examples
by the structure design support device 10. The display examples of FIGS. 11 and 12
are display examples when the structure design support device 10 pcrfor~llsa nd
displays an analysis ~vithre spect to the structure A when the first state is the non-load
state and the second state is the load state shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 11
and 12, the evaluation valoe Ei of a portion in which the steel sheets A1 1 and A12 are
in contact with each other has a large value.
[OOSO]
FIG. 13 is a table showing a rigidity i~nprovementr ate when the follo\\ing
counten~~easuhreas been itnplenlented on each of portions PA, PB, PC, and PD in
FIGS. 11 and 12. In the case of the portion PA, a counternleasure to add a steel sheet
joining the steel sheet A1 1 and the steel sheet A12 together is implenlented on the
upper surface of the hat form. In the case of the portion PB, a countermeasure to add
four spot welding places is implemented. In the case of the portion PC, a
countem~easureto add a steel sheet joining the st6el sheet A21 and the steel sheet A22
together and a steel sheet joining the steel sheet A22 and the steel sheet A23 together is
implemented. Further, in the case of the portion PD, a counternleasure to double the
sheet thickness of the steel sheet A22 is implemented. i
[0081]
The countermeasures \vith respect to the portions PA and PB are
countermeasures to strengthen the joining of portions in \\~liicltih e evaluation value Ei
by the strtrctnre design support device 10 has a large value, in FIGS. 11 and 12. On
the other hand, the countenneasure \vith respect to the portion PC is a comparative
exatnple of the countermeasure \\fit11 respect to the portion PA and is a countenneasure
to strengthen tlie joining of portions in \vhich the portions are similar to the portion PA
as structure, however, the evaluation value Ei is not particularly a large valoe. Further,
the countenneasure with respect to the portion PC is a convetltional countenneasu~-e
teclmiqoe, and a countenneasure is implemented on a portion in which the strain
energy density shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is particularly large.
[OOSZ]
As shown in FIG. 13, in the countem~easuresw ith respect to the portions PA
and PB, the rigidity improve~nentr ates respectively are 11.7 times and 4.8 times, and it
can be seen that the rigidity is greatly improved. On the other hand, in the
countertneasure with respect to tlie portion PC as a comparative example, the rigidity
improvement rate is 1.0 times, and it can be seen that the effect is not obtained.
Furlher, in the countenneasure \\,it11 respect to tlie portion PD which is a conventional
countenneasure techniqoe, the rigidity improvement rate is 3.8 times, and although the
rigidity is improved, the effect to the degree of those of the counternleasures with
respect to the portions PA and PB is not obtained.
[0083]
In this tnanner, by strengthening the joining to the peripheral part, of the
pofi.ion in which the evalnation value Ei by the structure design support device 10 has a
large value, it is possible to efficiently improve the rigidity. Further, in tlie
countern~easurew ith respect to the portioti PA, a steel sheet is merely added to tlie
portion PA, and therefore, increasing weight is small. Further, in tlie countermeasure
with respect to tlie portion PB, only four spot \\(elding points are increased, and
therefore, increasing weight is verp small. Therefore, in t11e structure design support
device 10, it is possible to more easily detect a portiorl suitable for increasi~lgth e
rigidity while suppressing an increase in the \\!eight of a structure.
[0084]
(Exalnple 2)
In Example 2, an example in which a car body as an exanlple of a structure is
analyzed by the structure design snpport device 10 is shown. In this example, the
first state is a non-load state where no load is applied to a car body B. The second
state is a load state assuming a sitnation of tunling a curve. FIG. 14 sho\vs the second
state in Exa~nple2 . The second state in this example is a state where torsion around
an axis ~ IaI vehicle length direction is applied to a front strut atid a rear danlper mount
is fixed.
[0085]
FIG. 15 is a diagram in ~vl~icthhe strain energy density when being in the
second state is plotted by shading, as a comparative exatnple. The greater tlie strain
energy density, tlie thicker the shading becomes. The strain energy density is
concentrated in an A pillar and a portion of a C pillar,
[0086]
FIG. 16 is a diagram sl~o\\linga display example by the structure design
i support device 10. The display example of FIG. 16!is a display example wheo the
structure design support device 10 perfortns and displays at1 analysis with respect to
the car body B \\41e1i the first state is tlie non-load state and the sccond state is the load
state sl~o~vinn FIG. 14. As s l ~ o win ~F~IG . 16, in thc C pillar, the evalr~ationv alue Ei
has a larger value at a portion fiwther on the rear side than the portion in \vhich thc
strain energy density is large in FIG 15.
[00871
FIG. 17 is a graph showing the effects when a countermeasure has bee11
implemented based on the strain energy density. FIG. 18 is a graph showing the
effects when a counternleasure to double a sheet thickness has been implemented
based 011 the analysis result by the stmcture design support device 10. h~ FIG. 17, the
horizontal axis is a ranking from the side on which the strain energy density is high.
In FIG. 18, the horizontal axis is a rarlkirig from the side on which the evalnatio~vl alue
Ei is high. The effect is a value (%/kg) obtained by dividing the anlount of
improve~nent(% ) of rigidity when doubling tlie sheet thickness of the portion of the
ranking, by rnass (kg) increased by doubling the sheet thickness.
[OOSS]
Compared to FIG. 17 which is a comnparative example with respect to this
example, in FIG. 18, greater effects are obtained in many rankings.
Further, FIG. 19 is a graph showing the effects when a countermeasure to
strengthen joining has been itnplemented based on the analysis result by the stn~ctt~re
design support device 10. In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis is a ranking from the side on
~vliichth e evaluation value Ei is high. The effect is a value (%/kg) obtained by
dividing the amount of i~npmvement (%) of rigidity when the joining of the portion of
the ranking has been strengthened, by mass (kg) increased by strengthening the joining.
Comparing FIG. 19 \vith FIG. 17, greater effects are obtained in almost all rankings.
111 particular, in thc first ranking, an appoxi~natelytr iple effect is obtained, aud in the
second ranking, an approximately double effect is obtaillcd.
[0089]
In this manner, by strengthening tlie portion in n~llicltih e evaluation value Ei
by the structure design support device 10 has a large value, it is possible to efficiently
improve the rigidity. Furtiler, by adopting the strengthening of the joining as a
niethod of strengthening the portion in which the evaluatiou value Ei has a large value,
it is possible to more eficiently improve the rigidity. That is, in the structure design
support device 10, it is possible to Illore easily detect a portion suitable for iucreasing
the rigidity \vhile suppressing an increase in the weight of a structure.
[0090]
(Example 3)
In Example 3, siniilar to Exatnple 2, an exaniple in \v11ich a car body as an
exanlple of a structure is analyzed by the structure design support device 10 is sho\vn.
In this example, in addition to the evaluation using the evaluation value Ei in Example
2, the evaluation point 111 in which dFi,j is the maxim nun^, anlong the change rates dFij (i
= 1 to n) used in the calculatio~o~f Ei was extracted, and the direction of the evaluation
point m in a case wilere the evaluation point i is set to be the starting point was
specified. Then, a part which is located in the direction in n~liicltil ie evaluation point
111 exists was extracted, and a countem~easureto joining the part to the part which
includes the evaluation point i by l~singa steel sheet having a sheet thickness of 1 mm
and a ~vidtho f 20 nnn was implemented. The result is slio\vn in FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is
a graph sIlo\ving the effects when a counternleasare has been implemented based on !
the analysis result by the structure design support device 10. In a case where FIG. 21
showing the results of this exa~npleis conlpared \\lit11 FIG. 19 showing the results of
Example 2, it can be seen that in this example, greater effects are obtained in marly
rankings. In particular, in the third ranking and the ninth ranking, an approximately
double effect is obtained, in the eighth ranking and the fifteenth ranking, an
approximately triple effect is obtained, and in the twelfth ranking and the sixteenth
ranking, an approxi~natelyf oorfold effect is obtained.
[009 11
(Example 4)
III Example 4, similar to Example 2, an example in which a car body as an
example of a struch~reis analyzed by the structure design support device 10 is sho\vn.
111t his example, in addition to the evaluation using the evalr~atiotvl alue Ei in Example
2, the evaluation point m in wlvhich dFiSj is the maximum, anlong the change rates dFij (i
= 1 to n) used in the calculation of Ei was extracted, and the direction of the evaluation
point n~ in a case where the evaluation point i is set to be the starting point was
specified. Further, the relative displacement direction of the part which includes the
evaluatio~pl oint nl \\it11 respect to the part which includes the evaluation point i was
specified before and after the applicatio~ol f a load. Then, when joining the part
\\41ich includes the evaluation point m to the part which includes the evaluatiorl point i
by using a steel sheet having a sheet thickness of 1 nlnl and a width of 20 III~It,h e
joining \vas performed such that the longihtdinal direction of the joint portion behveer~
each part and the steel sheet is parallel to the displace~nentd irection previously
specified. The resolt is shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the effects
\\'hen a countermeasure has been implemented based on the analysis result by the
structure design support device 10.
[0092]
In a case where FIG. 22 sllo\ving the results of this example is compared with
FIG. 19 showing the results of Example 2, it can be seen that in this example, greater
effects are obtained in mauy rankings. In particular, in the third ranking, the eleventh
ranking, and the thirteenth ranking, an approximately double effect is obtained, in the
eighth ranking, the ninth ranking, and tile fifteenth ranking, an approximately triple
effect is obtained, in the nineteenth ranking, approximately fourfold effect is obtained,
and in the t\velfth rankitlg and the sixteenth ranking, a ~alp proximately fourfold effect
is obtained.
Further, also in a case where FIG. 22 showing the results of this example is
compared \vith FIG. 21 showing the results of Example 3, it can be seen that in this
example, greater effects are obtained in many rankings. In particular, in the eleventh
ranking and the thirteenth ranking, an approxinlately double effect is obtained, and in
the nu~eteenthra nking, an approxin~atelyf ourfold effect is obtained.
[0093]
Further, the structure design support device 10 may be realized by recording a
program for realizing the functions of the structure design support device 10 in FIG. 1
in a computer-readable recording medium, reading the program recorded in the
recording mediuln into a computer system, and executing the program. The
"computer system" as referred to herein is intended to include an OS or hardware such
as peripheral equipment.
[0094]
Further, the "computer system" is intended to include a homepage providing
environuient (or a display environment) as well, if it is a case of utilizing a WWW
system.
Further, t11e "computer-readable recording inedium" refers to a pol.table
mediuln such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, or a
storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer systeln. Furthel-, the
"coniputer-readable recording tnediun~" is also intended to include a medium that
dynamically retains a progratn for a short period of time, as in a cot~~tnunicatiolnin e in
a case of transmitting a program through a network such as the Internet, or a
comnn~nicationl ine sucll as a phone line, or a medium that retains a program for a
certain period of time, like a volatile nlenlory in a computer system serving as a server
or a client at that case. Further, the above-described prograru nlay be a progratn for
realizing some of the functions described above, or may be a program capable of
realizing the above-described functions in combination with a program already
recorded in a computer system.
[0095]
The embodi~ilenot f the present invention has been described above in detail
\\it11 reference to the drawings. However, the specific confignrations are not li~nited
to this embodiment and design changes and the like in a scope which does not depari
fro111 the gist of the present invention are also included therein.
[Industrial Applicability]
[0096]
'Tile respective aspects of the present invention can be widely applied to a
structure design support device, a structure design support nlethod, a program, and a
recording medium for perfomling the evaluation and analysis of a structnre at a stage
of designing various structures. By tlie respective aspects of the present invention, it
is possible to realize a structure design support device, a structure design support
nletliod, a prograni, and a recording medium, in \\~hicll it is possible to more easily
perfonn a struch~raal nalysis at a stage of a design of a structure, \vithout recourse to
trial arid error of a designer. Further, according to the respective aspects of tlie
present invention, it is possible to realize a str~lctured esign support device, a structure
design support method, a program, and a recording medium, it1 which it is possible to
rerilove noise \vliich is independent of the purpose of an analysis, in a stn~ch~ral
analysis at a stage of a design of a stmch~rew, ithout recourse to trial and error of a
designer.
[Brief Description of the Reference Syn~bols]
[0097]
10: structure design support device
11: evaluation point infornlatio~a~cq oisition unit
12: evaluation point itlforniatio~is torage unit
13: evaluation point calculation tmit
14: evaluation result display unit

CLAIMS
1. A structure design support device comprising:
an evaluation point infor~natioaa cquisition unit which acquires evaluation
point inforn~ationr epresenting a positior~i n a first state and a position in a second state,
of an evaluatio~p~oi nt provided in a structure which is cot~figr~seodf a plurality of pasts,
and a part to \\rhic11 the evaloation poir~bt elongs, anlong the plurality of parts; and
all evaluation value calculation unit which calculates au evaluation value
represeuting the inagnitude of a chauge between the.first state and the second state, of
a positional relationship behveeri a first evaluatior~ point belonging to a first part aud a
second evaluation point belonging to a second part different fiom the first part to
which the first evalr~atiopt~o int belongs, by using the evaluation point information
acquired in the evaluation poiut inforn~ationa cquisition unit.
2. The structure design support device according to Claim 1, wherein the
evaluation value relating to the first evaluation point represents the magnitude of a
change behveen the first state aud the second state, of a distatice behveen the first
evaluation point and the second evaluation point.
3. The structure design support device according to Claim 2, wherein the
distance between the first evaluation point and the second evaluation point is less than
or equal to a threshold value set in advance.
I i
4. The structure design support device according to Clainl2 or 3, wherein
the second evaluation poiut is an evaluatioa point belonging to a part determined ill
advalice.
5. The structure design support device according to any one of Clai~ns2 to 4,
wherein the evaluation value calculation tuiit perfomis
specification of a part to \\~hicIia n evaluation point it1 \vIlich the evaluatiou
value is the maximuni belongs, among a plurality of parts different froni a part to
\vIiicli tlie evaluation poiut belongs, and
specification of a direction of the part to ~vliiclai i evaluation point in which
the evaluation value is tlie maximum belongs, whet1 being based on a position of tlie
part to ~vhichtl ie evaluation point belongs.
6. The structure design support device according to Claim 5, wherein the
evaluation value calculation unit specifies a direction in \vliicIi the part to wvl~icha n
evaluation point in whicli the evaluatioti value is tlie maximum belongs is displaced
when a chauge froni the first state to tlie second state is made.
7. The structure desigu support device according to ally one of Clairils 1 to 6,
further comprising:
an evaluation result display unit which displays tlie evaluation value
calculated ill the evaluation value calculation unit,
wherein the evaluation result display unit displays a name of the patt to \vltich
I tlie evaluation point corresportdiug to the evaluation value belongs.
8. 'l'he structure design support device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7,
wherein the structure desig~ls upport dcvicc repeatedly carries out a process of
calculating the evaluation value.
9. A structure design support method comprising:
a first process of acquiring evaluation point infomiatiot~r epresenting a
position in a first state and a position in a second state, of an evaluation point provided
in a structure which is configured of a pluralit)( of parts, and a part to which tlie
evaluatio~pl oint belongs, among the plurality of parts; and
a second process of calculating an evaluation value representing the
rnag~iitudeo f a cllatlge between the first state atld tlie second state, of a positional
relationship between a first evaluatiou poiut belo~igi~tlog a first part and a second
evaluation point belonging to a second part different from the first part to which tlie
first evaluation point beloags, by using the evaluation point information acquired in the
first process.
10. The structure design support method according to Claim 9, ~vliereint he
evaluation value relating to the first evaluation point represents the magnitude of a
change between the first state and the second state, of a distance behveen the first
evaluation point and the second evaluation point.
11. The st~~~ctduersieg n support method according to Clainl 10, wherein the
distauce between the first evaluation point and the second evaluation point is less than i
or equal to a threshold value set in advaoce.
12. The structure design support niethod according to Claim 10 or 1 I ,
wherein the second evaluation point is an evaluation point belonging to a part
dctcrn~inedin advance.
13. The structure design support tnethod according to any one of Clainis 10
to 12, wherein in the second process,
specificatiou of a part to which an evaluation point in \vliich the evaluation
value is tlie masunum belongs, anlong a plurality of parts different from a part to
which the evaluation point belongs, and
specification of a direction of the palt to \\41ich an evaluation point in which
the evaluation value is the maxunum belongs, \vl~enb eing based on a position of the
part to which the evalua'tion point belongs
are performed.
14. The structure design support inethod according to Claim 13, wherein in
the second.process, a direction in which the part to which an evaluation point in \rhich
the evaluation value is the n~axiniunb~el ongs is displaced when a change from the first
state to the second state is made is specified.
15. The structure design support inetliod according to any one of Claims 9
to 14, fi~rtherc omprising:
a third process of displaying tlie calculated evaluation value and displaying a 4
nanle of the patt to which the evaluation point corresponding to the evaloatiot~v alue
belongs.
16. The structure design support method according to any one of Clainls 9
to 15, wherein a process of calculating the evaluation value is repeatedly carried out by
the second process.
17. A program causing a con~ix~tteor f i~nctiona s:
an evaluation point infornlatio~a~cq uisition unit which acquires evaluation
point infor~nationr epresenting a position it1 a first state and a position in a second state,
of an evaluation point provided in a structure which is configured of a plurality of parts,
and a part to wllich the evaluatio~pl oint belongs, among the plurality of parts; and
an evaluation value calculatiotl unit which calculates evaluation value
representing the magnitude of a change between the first state and the second state, of
a positional relationship between a first evaluation point belonging to a first part a ~ad
second evaluation point belonging to a second part different fi-om the first part to
\vI~ichth e first evaluation point belongs, by using the evaluation point information
acquired in the evaluation point infonllatiotl acquisition unit.
18. The program according to Claim 17, \\'herein the evaluation value
relating to the first evaluatiotl point represents the magnih~deo f a change between the
first state and the second state, of a distance behveen the first evaluation point and the
second evaluation point.
19. Tlle program according to Claim 18, wherein the distance between the
first evaluation point and the second evaluatiou poiut is less thaci or equal to a
tl~resl~olvtal lue set in advance.
20. 'l'lie program according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein the second
evaluation point is an evaluation point belonging to a part dete~~nincind advance
21. The program according to any one of Claims 18 to 20, wherein the
evaluation value calculation unit perfonns
specification of a part to which an evaluation point in n4licli the evaluation
value is the maximum belongs, among a plurality of parts different from a part to
\vliicIi the evaluation point belongs, and
specification of a direction of the palt to wvliich an evaluation point in which
the evaluation value is the maximum belongs, \vhen being based on a position of tllc
part to which the evaluation point belongs.
22. The program according to Claim 21, wherein the evaluation value
calculation unit specifies a direction in \vhich the part to which an evaluation point in
which the evaluation value is the maximum belongs is displaced when a change from
the first state to the second state is made.
23. The prograin according to any one of Claims 17 to 22, further causing
the colnputer to function as: an evaluation result display l~ni~t vllichd isplays the
calculated evaluation value and displays a name of the part.
24. The program according to any one of Claims 17 to 23, wherein the
cornputel is made to repeatedly carly out a process of calculating tlie ev~loationv alue.
25. A computer-readable recording mediu~nh aving tlie program accordiug
to ally one of Claiiiis 17 to 24 recorded therein.