A mesh evolution algorithm based on the level set method for geometry and topology optimization

We propose an approach for structural optimization which combines the flexibility of the level set method for handling large deformations and topology changes with the accurate description of the geometry provided by an exact mesh of the shape. The key ingredients of our method are efficient algorithms for (i) moving a level set function on an unstructured mesh, (ii) remeshing the surface corresponding to the zero level set and (iii) simultaneously adaptating the volumic mesh which fits to this surfacic mesh.