SIMP versus Level Set Function as an Implicit Representation Model for Structural Topology Optimization

摘要

This paper presents a topology optimization for compliance minimization of a two-dimensional linear elastic statically loaded structures. Solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) and level-set function (LSF) as a topology representation model were compared in this research. SIMP model discretizes a design domain as the relative material density raised to some power times of the material properties of solid material. Each grid value ranges from "0" for void to "1" if the material exists and pseudo materials will appear for a grid value between 0 and 1. This is not desirable because no physical material exists with the property described. While LSF model is defined by dividing the design domain into grids as the design variables with different values in each grid. Then, the prescribed threshold value will cut the LSF at a single level where the topology model will be presented by the level set that has a higher value than the threshold. This model can always provide a clear boundary and geometry information during the optimization process. Results show that SIMP model provides a slightly higher compliance than LSF model due to the presence of pseudo material. Thus, LSF model is better than SIMP model in performing minimum compliance optimization and its manufacturing capabilities.