Abstract:

The level set method has recently been proposed and studied as a novel structural topology optimizationmethod , which is flexible in handling complex topological changes and concise in describing the boundarγshape of the structure. In this paper , first , some numerical issues are discussed , such as the solution of Hamilton-Jacobi equations , the re-initialization of the level set function and the extension of velocity fields. Then ,several robust and effective numerical technologies , which are important to the implementation of the level setmethod , are proposed. For example , the upwind difference scheme is used to solve Hamilton-Jacobi equations ,the signature function is modified to ensure the numerical stability , and the fast scanning method is developed toconstruct extension velocities. Moreover , based on the level set method , a topology optimization model for compliantmechanisms is presented. Finally , the proposed level set method is illustrated by the topology optimizationof a displacement inverter.

Key words: level set method, compliant mechanism, topology optimization