Meade, Andrew J., Jr.2012-09-052012-09-052012-09-052012-09-052012-052012-09-05May 2012Baradaran Nakhjavani, Omid. "Developing Innovative Designs with Manufacturing Capability Using the Level Set Method." (2012) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/64616">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/64616</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/64616This thesis discusses how to use topology and shape optimization, specifically the level set method, for innovative design. The level set method is a numerical algorithm that simulates the expansion of dynamic implicit surfaces. In this research, the equations for manufacturability are generated and solved through use of the level set method joined with the COMSOL multi-physics package. Specific constraints are added to make the optimization practical for engineering design. The resulting method was applied to design the best underlying support structure, conforming to both curvature and manufacturability constraints, for the longerons used with the International Space Station solar panels.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Topology optimizationOptimization & structural optimizationLevel set methodThesis2012-09-05123456789/ETD-2012-05-59