Level set topology optimization of synchronous reluctance machines using a body-fitted mesh representation

This paper presents a framework for the topology optimization of electro-mechanical design problems. While the design is parametrized by means of a level set function defined on a fixed mesh of the design domain, mesh adaptation is used to generate a second mesh that conforms to the domain delineated by the iso-zero of the level set function. This body-fitted mesh is used in the finite element simulation of the physical problem in order to accurately represent the electromagnetic interface phenomena. An appropriate combination of the two geometry representations is obtained through the velocity field to ensure a consistent design space as the topology optimization process unfolds. The method is applied to the joint electro-mechanical optimization of a synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM).