A level set method using the signed distance function (Q1859350)

The following information is taken from the introduction: ``We propose a level set method based on the piecewise linear finite element approximation of the signed distance function, which includes the finite difference method proposed by \textit{M. Kimura} [Convergence of a level set method for a moving boundary problem. INSAM Report (Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University), No. 52, 99-113 (1999) and RIMS Kōkyūroku 1145, 95-104 (2000; Zbl 0968.65532)] as a special case. As a prototype of our level set method, we consider a level set discretization of the mean curvature flow problem. We give not only a discretized problem but also an effective algorithm. Concerning the reliability of our method, in addition to the mathematical work in the above cited papers, we give a theoretical background of our algorithm based on the discrete maximum principle. A two-phase generalized Stefan problem and an exterior one-phase Hele-Shaw problem are also solved as applications of our level set method. Through the simulations of these moving boundary problems, we check reliability, practicality and applicability of our methods, in particular, we observe good experimental orders of convergence. We note that our discretization and algorithm can be applicable to not only two-dimensional but also three-dimensional problems.'' Comparisons with the method proposed by \textit{R. H. Nochetto} and \textit{C. Verdi} [Numer. Math. 74, 105-136 (1996; Zbl 0859.65066)] are provided for the mean curvature flow problem.