Abstract: Complex algorithm (CA) has got popular application to the region of nuclear engineering. In connection with the specific features of the application of traditional complex algorithm (TCA) to the optimization design in engineering structures, an improved method, colony complex algorithm (CCA), was developed based on the optimal combination of many complexes, in which the disadvantages of TCA were overcame. The optimized results of benchmark function show that CCA has better optimizing performance than TCA. CCA was applied to the highpressure heater optimization design, and the optimization effect is obvious.