Investigations on a Level Set based approach for the optimization of flexible components in multibody systems with a fixed mesh grid

This paper considers the optimization of flexible components in mechanical systems thanks to a "fully integrated" optimization method which includes a flexible multibody system simulation based on nonlinear finite elements. This approach permits to better capture the effects of dynamic loading under service conditions. This process is challenging because most state-of-the-art studies in structural optimization have been conducted under (quasi-)static loading conditions or vibration design criteria and also because this ``fully integrated" optimization method is not a simple extension of static optimization techniques. The present paper proposes an approach based on a Level Set description of the geometry. This method leads to an intermediate level between shape and topology optimizations. Gradient-based optimization methods are adopted for their convergence speed. Numerical applications are conducted on the optimization of a connecting rod of a reciprocating engine with cyclic dynamic loading to show the feasibility and the promising results of this approach.