Discrete sizing/layout/topology optimization of truss structures with an advanced Jaya algorithm

Discrete optimization of truss structures is a hard computing problem with many local minima. Metaheuristic algorithms are naturally suited for discrete optimization problems as they do not require gradient information. A recently developed method called Jaya algorithm (JA) has proven itself very efficient in continuous engineering problems. Remarkably, JA has a very simple formulation and does not utilize algorithm-specific parameters. This study presents a novel JA formulation for discrete optimization of truss structures under stress and displacement constraints. The new algorithm, denoted as discrete advanced JA (DAJA), implements efficient search mechanisms for generating new trial designs including discrete sizing, layout and topology optimization variables. Besides the JA’s basic concept of moving towards the best design of the population and moving away from the worst design, DAJA tries to form a set of descent directions in the neighborhood of each candidate designs thus generating high quality trial designs that are very likely to improve current population. Results collected in seven benchmark problems clearly demonstrate the superiority of DAJA over other state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms and multi-stage continuous–discrete optimization formulations.     

Evolutionary constrained optimization using an addition of ranking method and a percentage-based tolerance value adjustment scheme

One of the most important issues in developing an evolutionary optimization algorithm is the proper handling of any constraints on the problem. One must balance the objective function against the degree of constraint violation in such a way that neither is dominant. Common approaches to strike this balance include implementing a penalty function and the more recent stochastic ranking method, but these methods require an extra tuning parameter which must be chosen by the user. The present paper demonstrates that a proper balance can be achieved using an addition of ranking method. Through the ranking of the individuals with respect to the objective function and constraint violation independently, we convert these two properties into numerical values of the same order of magnitude. This removes the requirement of a user-specified penalty coefficient or any other tuning parameters. Direct addition of the ranking terms is then performed to integrate all information into a single decision variable. This approach is incorporated into a (μ, λ) evolution strategy and tested on thirteen benchmark problems, one engineering design problem, and five difficult problems with a high dimensionality or many constraints. The performance of the proposed strategy is similar to that of the stochastic ranking method when dealing with inequality constraints, but it has a much simpler ranking procedure and does not require any tuning parameters. A percentage-based tolerance value adjustment scheme is also proposed to enable feasible search when dealing with equality constraints.     

A hybrid CBO–PSO algorithm for optimal design of truss structures with dynamic constraints

The vibration domain of structures can be reduced by imposing some constraints on their natural frequencies. For this purpose optimal design of structures under frequency constraints is required which involves highly non-linear and non-convex problems. In this paper an efficient hybrid algorithm is developed for solving such optimization problems. This algorithm utilizes the recently developed colliding bodies optimization (CBO) algorithm as the main engine and uses the positive properties of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to increase the efficiency of the CBO. The distinct feature of the present hybrid algorithm is that it requires no parameter tuning. The CBO is known for being parameter independent, and avoiding the use of the traditional penalty method to handle the constraints upholds this property. Two mathematical constrained functions taken from the literature are studied to verify the performance of the algorithm. The algorithm is then applied to optimize truss structures with frequency limitations. The numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of the presented algorithm for this class of problems.     

Truss structure optimization using adaptive multi-population differential evolution

This paper applies multi-population differential evolution (MPDE) with a penalty-based, self-adaptive strategy—the adaptive multi-population differential evolution (AMPDE)—to solve truss optimization problems with design constraints. The self-adaptive strategy developed in this study is a new adaptive approach that adjusts the control parameters of MPDE by monitoring the number of infeasible solutions generated during the evolution process. Multiple different minimum weight optimization problems of the truss structure subjected to allowable stress, deflection, and kinematic stability constraints are used to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is an efficient approach to finding the best solution for truss optimization problems. The optimum designs obtained by AMPDE are better than those found in the current literature for problems that do not violate the design constraints. We also show that self-adaptive strategy can improve the performance of MPDE in constrained truss optimization problems, especially in the case of simultaneous optimization of the size, topology, and shape of truss structures.     

Truss optimization with natural frequency constraints using generalized normal distribution optimization

The newly proposed Generalized Normal Distribution Optimization (GNDO) algorithm is used to design the truss structures with optimal weight. All trusses optimized have frequency constraints, which make them very challenging optimization problems. A large number of locally optimal solutions and non-convexity of search space make them difficult to solve, therefore, they are suitable for testing the performance of optimization algorithm. This work investigates whether the proposed algorithm is capable of coping with such problems. To evaluate the GNDO algorithm, three benchmark truss optimization problems are considered with frequency constraints. Numerical data show GNDO’s reliability, stability, and efficiency for structural optimization problems than other meta-heuristic algorithms. We thoroughly analyse and investigate the performance of GNDO in this engineering area for the first time in the literature.

     

Evolutionary algorithms for constrained engineering problems

Evolutionary computation techniques have been receiving increasing attention regarding their potential as optimization techniques for complex problems. Recently these techniques were applied in the area of industrial engineering; the most-known applications include scheduling and sequencing in manufacturing systems, computer-aided design, facility layout and location problems, distribution and transportation problems, and many others. Industrial engineering problems usually are quite hard to solve due to a high complexity of the objective functions and a significant number of problem-specific constraints; often an algorithm to solve such problems requires incorporation of some heuristic methods. In this paper we concentrate on constraint handling heuristics for evolutionary computation techniques. This general discussion is followed by three test case studies: truss structure optimization problem, design of a composite laminated plate, and the unit commitment problem. These are typical highly constrained engineering problems and the methods discussed here are directly transferrable to industrial engineering problems.     

An evolutionary method for complex-process optimization

In this paper we present a new evolutionary method for complex-process optimization. It is partially based on the principles of the scatter search methodology, but it makes use of innovative strategies to be more effective in the context of complex-process optimization using a small number of tuning parameters. In particular, we introduce a new combination method based on path relinking, which considers a broader area around the population members than previous combination methods. We also use a population-update method which improves the balance between intensification and diversification. New strategies to intensify the search and to escape from suboptimal solutions are also presented. The application of the proposed evolutionary algorithm to different sets of both state-of-the-art continuous global optimization and complex-process optimization problems reveals that it is robust and efficient for the type of problems intended to solve, outperforming the results obtained with other methods found in the literature.     

Blended biogeography-based optimization for constrained optimization

Biogeography-based optimization (BBO) is a new evolutionary optimization method that is based on the science of biogeography. We propose two extensions to BBO. First, we propose a blended migration operator. Benchmark results show that blended BBO outperforms standard BBO. Second, we employ blended BBO to solve constrained optimization problems. Constraints are handled by modifying the BBO immigration and emigration procedures. The approach that we use does not require any additional tuning parameters beyond those that are required for unconstrained problems. The constrained blended BBO algorithm is compared with solutions based on a stud genetic algorithm (SGA) and standard particle swarm optimization 2007 (SPSO 07). The numerical results demonstrate that constrained blended BBO outperforms SGA and performs similarly to SPSO 07 for constrained single-objective optimization problems.     

Hybridizing electromagnetism-like mechanism algorithm with migration strategy for layout and size optimization of truss structures with frequency constraints

The optimal design of a truss structure with dynamic frequency constraints is a highly nonlinear optimization problem with several local optimums in its search space. In this type of structural optimization problems, the optimization methods should have a high capability to escape from the traps of the local optimums in the search space. This paper presents hybrid electromagnetism-like mechanism algorithm and migration strategy (EM–MS) for layout and size optimization of truss structures with multiple frequency constraints. The electromagnetism-like mechanism (EM) algorithm simulates the attraction and repulsion mechanism between the charged particles in the field of the electromagnetism to find optimal solutions, in which each particle is a solution candidate for the optimization problem. In the proposed EM–MS algorithm, two mechanisms are utilized to update the position of particles: modified EM algorithm and a new migration strategy. The modified EM algorithm is proposed to effectively guide the particles toward the region of the global optimum in the search space, and a new migration strategy is used to provide efficient exploitation between the particles. In order to test the performance of the proposed algorithm, this study utilizes five benchmark truss design examples with frequency constraints. The numerical results show that the EM–MS algorithm is an alternative and competitive optimizer for size and layout optimization of truss structures with frequency constraints.     

Exploring new tensegrity structures via mixed integer programming

A tensegrity structure is a prestressed pin-jointed structure consisting of continuously connected tensile members (cables) and disjoint compressive members (struts). Many classical tensegrity structures are prestress stable, i.e., they are kinematically indeterminate but stabilized by introducing prestresses. This paper presents a procedure for generating various prestress stable tensegrity structures. This method is based on truss topology optimization and does not require connectivity relation of cables and struts of a tensegrity structure to be known in advance. Unlike the conventional form-finding methods, the locations of nodes are fixed throughout optimization. The optimization problem with the constraints expressing the definition of tensegrity structure, kinematical indeterminacy, and symmetry of configurations is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. Numerical experiments demonstrate that various tensegrity structures can be generated from one given initial structure by solving the presented MILP problems by using a few control parameters.     

Truss optimization on shape and sizing with frequency constraints based on parallel genetic algorithm

Truss shape and sizing optimization under frequency constraints is extremely useful when improving the dynamic performance of structures. However, coupling of two different types of design variables, nodal coordinates and cross-sectional areas, often lead to slow convergence or even divergence. Because shape and sizing variables coupled increase the number of design variables and the changes of shape and sizing variables are of widely different orders of magnitude. Otherwise, multiple frequency constraints often cause difficult dynamic sensitivity analysis. Thus optimal criteria and mathematical programming methods have considerable limitations on solving the problems because of needing complex dynamic sensitivity analysis and being easily trapped into the local optima. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) show great potentials to solve the truss shape and sizing optimization problems. Since GAs adopt global probabilistic population search techniques and require no gradient information. The improved genetic algorithms can effectively increase the solution quality. However, the serial GA is computationally expensive and is limited on gaining higher quality solutions. To solve the truss shape and sizing optimization problems with frequency constraints more effectively and efficiently, a Niche Hybrid Parallel Genetic Algorithm (NHPGA) is proposed to significantly reduce the computational cost and to further improve solution quality. The NHPGA is to blend the advantages of parallel computing, simplex search and genetic algorithm with niche technique. Several typical truss optimization examples demonstrate that NHPGA can significantly reduce computing time and attain higher quality solutions. It also suggests that the NHPGA provide a potential algorithm architecture, which effectively combines the robust and global search characteristics of genetic algorithm, strong exploitation ability of simplex search and computational speedup property of parallel computing.     

Fuzzy multiobjective optimization of truss-structures using genetic algorithm

In this paper, a method for solving fuzzy multiobjective optimization of space truss with a genetic algorithm is proposed. This method enables a flexible method for optimal system design by applying fuzzy objectives and fuzzy constraints. The displacement, tensile stress, fuzzy sets, membership functions and minimum size constraints are considered in formulation of the design problem. An algorithm was developed by using MATLAB programming. The algorithm is illustrated on 56-bar space truss system design problem and the results are discussed.     

约束进化算法及其应用研究综述

约束优化问题广泛存在于科学研究和工程实践中,其对应的约束优化进化算法也成为了进化领域的重要研究方向。约束优化进化算法的本质问题是如何有效地利用不可行解和可行解的信息,平衡目标函数和约束条件,使得算法更加高效。首先对约束优化问题进行定义;然后详细分析了目前主流的约束进化算法,同时,基于不同的约束处理机制,将这些机制分为约束和目标分离法、惩罚函数法、多目标优化法、混合法和其他算法,并对这些方法进行了详细的分析和总结;接着指出约束进化算法亟待解决的问题,并明确指出未来需要进一步研究的方向;最后对约束进化算法在工程优化、电子和通信工程、机械设计、环境资源配置、科研领域和管理分配等方面的应用进行了介绍。     

A new hybrid particle swarm and simulated annealing stochastic optimization method

A novel hybrid particle swarm and simulated annealing stochastic optimization method is proposed. The proposed hybrid method uses both PSO and SA in sequence and integrates the merits of good exploration capability of PSO and good local search properties of SA. Numerical simulation has been performed for selection of near optimum parameters of the method. The performance of this hybrid optimization technique was evaluated by comparing optimization results of thirty benchmark functions of different dimensions with those obtained by other numerical methods considering three criteria. These criteria were stability, average trial function evaluations for successful runs and the total average trial function evaluations considering both successful and failed runs. Design of laminated composite materials with required effective stiffness properties and minimum weight design of a three-bar truss are addressed as typical applications of the proposed algorithm in various types of optimization problems. In general, the proposed hybrid PSO-SA algorithm demonstrates improved performance in solution of these problems compared to other evolutionary methods The results of this research show that the proposed algorithm can reliably and effectively be used for various optimization problems.     

基于粒子群优化算法的PID控制器参数整定

PID控制器的性能完全依赖于其参数的整定和优化，但参数的整定及在线自适应调整对常规的PID控制器是难以解决的问题。根据粒子群算法具有对整个参数空间进行高效并行搜索的特点，提出了一种基于粒子群优化算法整定PID控制器参数的设计方法，并定义了一种新的性能指标函数来评价PID控制器的性能。现以二阶的船舶控制装置为研究对象，运用粒子群优化方法对PID控制器参数进行了寻优研究。仿真结果表明，该方法比一般PID参数整定方法具有更好的控制性能指标，有着一定的工程应用价值。     

Hybridization of evolutionary algorithms and local search by means of a clustering method.

This paper presents a hybrid evolutionary algorithm (EA) to solve nonlinear-regression problems. Although EAs have proven their ability to explore large search spaces, they are comparatively inefficient in fine tuning the solution. This drawback is usually avoided by means of local optimization algorithms that are applied to the individuals of the population. The algorithms that use local optimization procedures are usually called hybrid algorithms. On the other hand, it is well known that the clustering process enables the creation of groups (clusters) with mutually close points that hopefully correspond to relevant regions of attraction. Local-search procedures can then be started once in every such region. This paper proposes the combination of an EA, a clustering process, and a local-search procedure to the evolutionary design of product-units neural networks. In the methodology presented, only a few individuals are subject to local optimization. Moreover, the local optimization algorithm is only applied at specific stages of the evolutionary process. Our results show a favorable performance when the regression method proposed is compared to other standard methods.     

Fast structural optimization with frequency constraints by genetic algorithm using adaptive eigenvalue reanalysis methods

Structural optimization with frequency constraints is highly nonlinear dynamic optimization problems. Genetic algorithm (GA) has greater advantage in global optimization for nonlinear problem than optimality criteria and mathematical programming methods, but it needs more computational time and numerous eigenvalue reanalysis. To speed up the design process, an adaptive eigenvalue reanalysis method for GA-based structural optimization is presented. This reanalysis technique is derived primarily on the Kirsch’s combined approximations method, which is also highly accurate for case of repeated eigenvalues problem. The required number of basis vectors at every generation is adaptively determined and the rules for selecting initial number of basis vectors are given. Numerical examples of truss design are presented to validate the reanalysis-based frequency optimization. The results demonstrate that the adaptive eigenvalue reanalysis affects very slightly the accuracy of the optimal solutions and significantly reduces the computational time involved in the design process of large-scale structures.     

Some aspects of truss topology optimization

The present paper studies some aspects of formulations of truss topology optimization problems. The ground structure approach-based formulations of three types of truss topology optimization problems, namely the problems of minimum weight design for a given compliance, of minimum weight design with stress constraints and of minimum weight design with stress constraints and local buckling constraints are examined. The common difficulties with the formulations of the three problems are discussed. Since the continuity of the constraint or/and objective function is an important factor for the determination of the mathematical structure of optimization problems, the issue of the continuity of stress, displacement and compliance functions in terms of the cross-sectional areas at zero area is studied. It is shown that the bar stress function has discontinuity at zero crosssectional area, and the structural displacement and compliance are continuous functions of the cross-sectional area. Based on the discontinuity of the stress function we point out the features of the feasible domain and global optimum for optimization problems with stress and/or local buckling constraints, and conclude that they are mathematical programming with discontinuous constraint functions and that they are essentially discrete optimization problems. The difference between topology optimization with global constraints such as structural compliance and that with local constraints on stress or/and local buckling is notable and has important consequences for the solution approach.     

Hybrid evolutionary algorithm and application to structural optimization

This paper introduces a new evolutionary algorithm with a globally stochastic but locally heuristic search strategy. It is implemented by incorporating a modified micro-genetic algorithm with two local optimization operators. Performance tests using two benchmarking functions demonstrate that the new algorithm has excellent convergence performance when applied to multimodal optimization problems. The number of objective function evaluations required to obtain global optima is only 3.5–3.7% of that of using the conventional micro-genetic algorithm. The new algorithm is used to optimize the design of an 18-bar truss, with the aim of minimizing its weight while meeting the stress, section area, and geometry constraints. The corresponding optimal design is obtained with considerably fewer computational operations than required for the existing algorithms.     

Evaluation of hybrid optimization methods for the optimal design of heat integrated distillation sequences

Optimal process design often requires the solution of mixed integer non-linear programming problems. Optimization procedures must be robust and efficient if they are to be incorporated in automated design systems. For heat integrated separation process design, a natural hybrid evolutionary/local search method with these properties is possible. The method is based on the use of local search methods for the continuous design parameters for the units in the process and the use of an evolutionary optimization procedure for the design of the heat exchanger network. The use of a stochastic method for the heat exchanger network aspect introduces noise in the evaluation of the objective function used by the local search methods. A smoothing procedure has been designed and implemented to improve the efficacy of the hybrid approach.This paper presents the evaluation of a variety of local search methods. It is shown that the Hooke and Jeeves algorithm, combined with a simple genetic algorithm, provides a robust, efficient and effective solution procedure for optimizing heat integrated distillation sequences.