A filter-based level set topology optimization method using a 62-line MATLAB code

Abstract

The present paper proposes a fast and easy to implement level set topology optimization method that is able to adjust the complexity of resulting configurations. While the existing methods solve a large system of linear equations, the proposed method applies a density filter to the level set function in order to smoothen the optimized configurations. Considering the proposed method, the minimum total potential energy problem and optimum design problem of compliant mechanism will be studied in the present study. In topology optimization methods, the topological derivative determines the criteria of removing/adding material from/to the domain of definition of the problem. We utilize the definition of topological derivative to measure the sensitivity of a given objective function when an infinite small hole is inserted at an arbitrary location of the domain. It is shown that a first-order stress field appears in the topological derivative. Moreover, a comprehensive Airy stress function is proposed in order to solve the boundary value problem that governs the appeared first-order stress field. Finally, a simple MATLAB implementation is provided to confirm the effectiveness and utility of the proposed method.