Statistics for This paper deals with optimum shape design of the rotating disks by nonlinear programming method. The shape of the cross section is defined by 5th degree polynomial which is completely determined by the boundary conditions and four design variables. The stress analysis of the disk is carried out by finite element method using isoparametric elements. The optimization technique used is with improved movelimit method of sequential linear programming. Progress of optimization is investigated with three different objective functions. After preliminary studies a weighted objective function is selected for detailed investigation. Optimum shapes are obtained for different speeds and for different fit pressures from hub. The results are presented in non-dimensionalised form. © 1980.