Topology Optimization of Compliant Mechanism

In our proposed method, the compliant mechanism design problem is recast as an infinite dimensional optimization problem, where the design variable is the geometric shape of the compliant mechanism
and the goal is to find a suitable shape in the admissible design space so that the objective functional can reach a minimum. The geometric shape of the compliant mechanism is represented as the zero level
set of a one-higher dimensional level set function, and the dynamic variations of the shape are governed by the Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation. The application of level set methods endows
the optimization process with the particular quality that topological changes of the boundary, such as merging or splitting, can be handled in a natural fashion. By making a connection between the velocity
fields in the Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation with the shape gradient of the objective functional, we go further to transform the optimization problem into that of finding a steady state solution of the partial differential equation.

Representative publications:

Journal:

MY Wang, S Chen, X Wang, Y Mei, “Design of multi-material compliant mechanisms using level– set methods ”, Journal of Mechanical Design 127(5), 941-956

S Chen, W Chen, S Lee, “Level set based robust shape and topology optimization under random field uncertainties”, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 41 (4), 507-524

MY Wang, S Chen, “ Compliant mechanism optimization: analysis and design with intrinsic characteristic stiffness”, Mechanics based design of structures and machines 37(2), 183-200

S Chen, MY Wang, AQ Liu, “Shape feature control in structural topology optimization” Computer-Aided Design 40(9), 951-962

Chen, Shikui, and Michael Yu Wang. “Conceptual design of compliant mechanisms using level set method” Frontiers of Mechanical Engineering in China 1.2 (2006): 131-145

Conference:

Chen, Shikui, and Michael Yu Wang. “ Designing distributed compliant mechanisms with characteristic stiffness.” ASME 2007 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and information in Engineering Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2007.

Chen, Shikui, and Michael Yu Wang. "Geometric width control in topology optimization using level set method and a quadratic energy functional."ASME 2006 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2006.

Chen, Shikui, et al. "Optimal synthesis of compliant mechanisms using a connectivity preserving level set method." ASME 2005 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2005.

Demonstration