Extended Level Set-Based Topology Optimization for Multi-Material Compliant Mechanism

Abstract

Many methodologies have been proposed to apply the level set method to the representation of multiple phases. In this study, we apply the extended level set method (X-LSM), which is a new multi-phase representation method, to the design problem of compliant mechanisms. The X-LSM is characterized by defining an independent level set function for each combination of two phases, and indicating each domain interface by its zero isosurface. First, we formulate the multi-phase representation by X-LSM and apply it to the multi-material topology optimization problem. Then, it is applied to the design problem of multi-material compliant mechanisms. Finally, the validity of the method is confermed by numerical examples.