Developing Advanced Technologies

• Casting, forging, and powder metallurgy
• Microstructure control
• Mechanical property evaluation and residual life assessment
• Assessment technology of environmental durability
• Development and evaluation of materials
• Advanced microstructure analysis

We are optimizing casting, forging, powder metallurgy, and other fabrication processes and using surface modifi cations to develop technologies that optimize the properties of metallic materials. We are also developing new materials to reduce weight and enhance heat resistance. We are using advanced analytical instruments to develop residual life assessment technology and are developing new techniques to assess the degradation mechanisms of materials.

Mockup of the SH header for A-USC boiler

• Fracture mechanics and high-temperature strength assessment
• Fatigue strength and environmentally assisted crack growth assessment
• Impact analysis and fluid structure interaction analysis
• Nonlinear structural analysis
• Composite and steel-concrete composite structure assessment
• Quake resistance, seismic isolation, damping, and structural vibration

We ensure the structural integrity and safety of Group products by researching and developing structural strength, analysis, and dynamics technologies. We assess new materials for high temperature components and develop simulation techniques to predict the strength. We also conduct R&D into quake resistance, seismic isolation, damping, and structural vibration technologies that underpin safety and security.

• Machine elements (rotor, bearing, gear, and seal)
• Mechanical vibration
• Friction, wear, and lubrication
• Aerodynamic design
• Flow measurement
• CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)

We use advanced CFD and fl ow measurement technologies to improve the aerodynamics of aircraft engines, turbochargers, industrial compressors, and other high-speed rotating machinery. Mechanical elements include rotors, bearings, seals, and gears. We are focusing on improving performance and reliability and cutting environmental impact through these efforts.

Turbine flow analysis / Turbo compressor

• Heat, fluid, combustion, and wind tunnel testing
• Numerical analysis for heat transfer, phase change, multiphase flow, and combustion
• Heat and fluid measurement and control
• Next-generation energy

It is necessary to understand and evaluate complex heat and flows inside the equipment to improve those performances. We help to improve performance through advanced numerical analysis and testing, measurement, and control techniques. We also focus on developing next-generation energy technologies including hydrogen and renewable energy.

• Detail

Twin IHI Gasifier (TIGAR)

• Topology optimization
• Design management
• Mathematical modeling
• Large-scale simulation
• Data mining utilizing machine learning
• Multi-physics analysis

We are progressing with R&D into numerical analysis and design engineering technology to support developing products offering optimal performance and to drive design advances and efficiencies. Recent focuses have included developing and applying new optimization technologies and multi-physics analysis to address various physical phenomena. We are undertaking R&D into machine learning to extract key features from big data.

Design automation system

• Arc welding and automation
• Laser processing
• Special joining
• Welding phenomena analysis
• Welding material and structural assessment
• Welding testing and evaluation

We are developing brand-new welding and joining processes and new materials welding technologies to accommodate product diversification and deliver high added value. For arc welding and other traditional techniques, we draw on advanced power sources, measurement and observation technology, and assessment techniques to provide intelligent processes and help improve the quality and reliability of our products.

Automatic welding equipment for large boiler pipes

• IoT (Internet of Things)
• Big data analysis
• Sensing
• Communications and networking
• Systems development and operations
• Mobile and cloud service application
• Information security

Information and communications technologies are essential for the IHI Group’s advances in products, services, and manufacturing. We use sophisticated proprietary data analysis algorithms to analyze operating information of products we deliver to customers and production facilities. We draw heavily on advanced information and communications technologies to propose optimal maintenance and operations plans, manufacturing processes, and new businesses.

Preventive maintenance data analysis

• Advanced control and optimization
• Control system and embedded software
• Power electronics
• Motor electromagnetic field analysis
• High-speed analog circuit design
• Secondary battery application
• Energy management

We research and develop technologies of control and optimization, building control systems and embedding software to maximize performances of wide product range from machinery to plants. We are also focusing on electrical and electronics technologies that utilize recent advances in power electronics and on energy management technologies.

Control system building platform / Silicon carbide inverter

• Structural optimization and mechanical design
• Mechanical design for special and clean environments
• Materials handling and factory automation systems
• Undersea and marine instrument design
• Image processing
• Robotics
• Intelligence and autonomous technology

We draw on our mechatronics and system engineering technologies to develop production machinery in-house, as well as factory automation systems employing robots and mechanical systems, including undersea and marine instruments. We are also focusing on R&D in next-generation robots and intelligence technologies and in image processing, three-dimensional data processing, and other recognition technologies.

Robot-controlled finishing system / Rolled glass transport and cutting system

• Energy conversion and usage technology
• Catalyst creation and evaluation
• Process simulation
• Chemical reactor and culture apparatus design
• Application technology of algae and microorganisms
• Microbubble applications and water treatment

We deploy energy and chemical processing technologies in fi elds ranging from plants to manufacturing facilities. We are developing core catalysts for those processes with reactor design technologies, and advanced process optimization technologies. We are developing technologies for utilization of unutilized resource and carbon dioxide capture, high efficient reactors, iPS cell culturing.

iPS cell automated mass-culture instrument

• Numerical simulation
• Evaluation of combustion and flow with visualization test
• Engine measurement
• Engine performance prediction
• Emission estimation and reduction
• Estimation of reliability

The IHI Group manufactures a wide range of diesel and gas engines for ships, power plants, agricultural, and construction machinery. Through collaboration with our business units, we are able to improve thermal effi ciency, reduce emissions, and enhance performance by undertaking R&D that encompasses numerical analysis and elemental tests in order to fully understand phenomena and prototype testing.

Flow analysis inside engine cylinder

• Machining and forming
• Painting, coating, corrosion protection, and surface modification
• Composite materials processing
• Non-destructive inspection and measurement
• Production systems

For innovations in the manufacturing process, by using the latest ICT, we are pursuing sophistication of processing techniques, quality assurance techniques, and production systems that optimizes the manufacturing processes.

Adaptive machining from the integration of measurement and machining