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This paper presents an accurate implicit re-initialization approach in the framework of a level set method. The improved method includes two schemes for keeping the zero level set unperturbed. The first scheme is to derive and use a new formula for the smoothing parameter in the conventional re-initialization equation based on the principle of the interface not moving. The second scheme is to reduce the local time step to avoid the interface moving across grid points when the sign of the level set function near the interface is changed. The example presented suggests that the new algorithm has a better approximation to the signed distance function and obtains a more accurate interface than the algorithm presented by Sussman et al. (1994). For shape and topology optimization of fluid, the effectiveness of the developed method in this paper was demonstrated by the internal and external flow examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper proposes a new topology optimization method, which can adjust the geometrical complexity of optimal configurations, using the level set method and incorporating a fictitious interface energy derived from the phase field method. First, a topology optimization problem is formulated based on the level set method, and the method of regularizing the optimization problem by introducing fictitious interface energy is explained. Next, the reaction–diffusion equation that updates the level set function is derived and an optimization algorithm is then constructed, which uses the finite element method to solve the equilibrium equations and the reaction–diffusion equation when updating the level set function. Finally, several optimum design examples are shown to confirm the validity and utility of the proposed topology optimization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]