虚拟优化设计是多学科先进知识形成的综合技术，是现代机械产品设计的发展方向。作为一种新的设计模式，应用该技术减少了产品开发中设计-试制-试验等过程的重复，设计人员可在虚拟可视化环境中对结构进行分析和优化，有利于缩短产品的设计周期，降低开发成本；分析了产品虚拟设计的特点，提出了机械结构虚拟优化设计的流程，并以数控车床主轴箱体动态优化为例进行了应用研究。

As a new design pattern, virtual optimization design is a multiple subjects crossed synthetical technique and will become the trend of modern mechanical products design. It can avoid the repeated processes from design to trial-manufacture and test. The designers can analyze and optimize the product structures in virtual visualization environment. The design cycle is shortened and the cost is reduced. The paper analyzes the peculiarity of virtual optimization design, and puts forward the thought and procedure to implement virtual optimization design. Finally, the example to optimize the NC lathe headstock is studied.