Level Set-based Topological Shape Optimization of Nonlinear Heat Conduction Problems

A level set-based topological shape optimization method is developed for nonlinear heat conduction problems. While minimizing the objective function of instantaneous thermal compliance and satisfying the constraint of allowable volume, solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation leads the initial boundary to an optimal one according to the normal velocity field determined from the descent direction of the Lagrangian. To overcome the convergence difficulty in nonlinear problems resulting from introduction of an approximate boundary, an actual boundary is identified by tracking the level set functions and remeshing using Delaunay triangulation. The velocity field outside the actual domain is determined through a velocity extension scheme.