A new approach for simultaneous shape and topology optimization based on dynamic implicit surface function

In the present paper, a new approach for structural topology optimization based on dynamic implicit surface function (DISF) is proposed. DISF is used to describe the shape/topology of a structure, which is approximated in terms of the nodal values. Then, a relationship is established between the element stiffness and the values of the implicit surface function on its four nodes. In this way and with some non-local treatments of the design sensitivities, not only the shape derivative but also the topological derivative of the optimal design can be incorporated in the numerical algorithm in a unified way. Numerical experiments demonstrate that by employing this approach, the computational efforts associated with DISF (and level set) based algorithms can be diminished. Clear optimal topologies and smooth structural boundaries free from any sign of numerical instability can be obtained simultaneously and efficiently.