A level set solution to the stress-based structural shape and topology optimization

We present a level set solution to the stress-based structural shape and topology optimization. First, a novel global measure of stress is proposed, and the optimization problem is formulated to minimize the global measure of stress subject to a constraint of material volume. In order to solve this optimization problem, the level set method is employed. The finite element analysis is accomplished by modifying a fixed background mesh, and the artificial weak material that is conventionally used in the level set method to mimic void is avoided in the present work. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.