Research Article

A level set-based structural topology optimization method with centre of mass control

¹ State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, PR China
² State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116081, PR China
³ Smart Structural Health Monitoring and Control Laboratory, DGUT-CNAM, Dongguan University of Technology, Guangdong, 523808, PR China
⁴ ENS -Paris-Saclay University, Centre Borelli, UMR CNRS 9010, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France

^* e-mails: ctpwei@scut.edu.cn; david.bassir@ens-paris-saclay.fr

Received: 27 August 2025
Accepted: 3 September 2025

Abstract

Within the discipline of structural optimization, topology optimization has emerged as a key approach, valued for its broad design flexibility and substantial innovative potential. However, existing studies have paid insufficient attention to the regulation of the global center of mass of structures. This issue is particularly pronounced in three-dimensional contexts, where a systematic and effective mechanism for controlling the center of mass remains lacking. In practical engineering applications, the position of the center of mass plays a pivotal role in determining structural stability, dynamic response, and overall system safety. To address this problem, a level-set-based structural optimization scheme is formulated, in which the regulation of the center of mass is integrated. Specifically, a boundary evolution constraint mechanism driven by center of mass sensitivity is introduced to enable precise regulation of the center of mass. Furthermore, a component-wise tolerance relaxation strategy is developed to enhance the algorithm's search flexibility while preserving target-oriented guidance. Through numerical investigations, it is shown that the developed method achieves effective and adaptable control of the center of mass in 3D structural design, underscoring its feasibility and promise for advanced structural optimization applications.