Multi-Objective Optimization of Planetary Gearbox with Adaptive Hybrid Particle Swarm Differential Evolution Algorithm

This paper considers the problem of constrained multi-objective non-linear optimization of planetary gearbox based on hybrid metaheuristic algorithm. Optimal design of planetary gear trains requires simultaneous minimization of multiple conflicting objectives, such as gearbox volume, center distance, contact ratio, power loss, etc. In this regard, the theoretical formulation and numerical procedure for the calculation of the planetary gearbox power efficiency has been developed. To successfully solve the stated constrained multi-objective optimization problem, in this paper a hybrid algorithm between particle swarm optimization and differential evolution algorithms has been proposed and applied to considered problem. Here, the mutation operators from the differential evolution algorithm have been incorporated into the velocity update equation of the particle swarm optimization algorithm, with the adaptive population spacing parameter employed to select the appropriate mutation operator for the current optimization condition. It has been shown that the proposed algorithm successfully obtains the solutions of the non-convex Pareto set, and reveals key insights in reducing the weight, improving efficiency and preventing premature failure of gears. Compared to other well-known algorithms, the numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm shows improved optimization performance in terms of the quality of the obtained Pareto solutions

Multi-Objective Optimization of Planetary Gearbox with Adaptive Hybrid Particle Swarm Differential Evolution Algorithm

This paper considers the problem of constrained multi-objective non-linear optimization of planetary gearbox based on hybrid metaheuristic algorithm. Optimal design of planetary gear trains requires simultaneous minimization of multiple conflicting objectives, such as gearbox volume, center distance, contact ratio, power loss, etc. In this regard, the theoretical formulation and numerical procedure for the calculation of the planetary gearbox power efficiency has been developed. To successfully solve the stated constrained multi-objective optimization problem, in this paper a hybrid algorithm between particle swarm optimization and differential evolution algorithms has been proposed and applied to considered problem. Here, the mutation operators from the differential evolution algorithm have been incorporated into the velocity update equation of the particle swarm optimization algorithm, with the adaptive population spacing parameter employed to select the appropriate mutation operator for the current optimization condition. It has been shown that the proposed algorithm successfully obtains the solutions of the non-convex Pareto set, and reveals key insights in reducing the weight, improving efficiency and preventing premature failure of gears. Compared to other well-known algorithms, the numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm shows improved optimization performance in terms of the quality of the obtained Pareto solutions

Differential evolution with an evolution path: a DEEP evolutionary algorithm

Utilizing cumulative correlation information already existing in an evolutionary process, this paper proposes a predictive approach to the reproduction mechanism of new individuals for differential evolution (DE) algorithms. DE uses a distributed model (DM) to generate new individuals, which is relatively explorative, whilst evolution strategy (ES) uses a centralized model (CM) to generate offspring, which through adaptation retains a convergence momentum. This paper adopts a key feature in the CM of a covariance matrix adaptation ES, the cumulatively learned evolution path (EP), to formulate a new evolutionary algorithm (EA) framework, termed DEEP, standing for DE with an EP. Without mechanistically combining two CM and DM based algorithms together, the DEEP framework offers advantages of both a DM and a CM and hence substantially enhances performance. Under this architecture, a self-adaptation mechanism can be built inherently in a DEEP algorithm, easing the task of predetermining algorithm control parameters. Two DEEP variants are developed and illustrated in the paper. Experiments on the CEC'13 test suites and two practical problems demonstrate that the DEEP algorithms offer promising results, compared with the original DEs and other relevant state-of-the-art EAs

SQG-Differential Evolution for difficult optimization problems under a tight function evaluation budget

In the context of industrial engineering, it is important to integrate efficient computational optimization methods in the product development process. Some of the most challenging simulation-based engineering design optimization problems are characterized by: a large number of design variables, the absence of analytical gradients, highly non-linear objectives and a limited function evaluation budget. Although a huge variety of different optimization algorithms is available, the development and selection of efficient algorithms for problems with these industrial relevant characteristics, remains a challenge. In this communication, a hybrid variant of Differential Evolution (DE) is introduced which combines aspects of Stochastic Quasi-Gradient (SQG) methods within the framework of DE, in order to improve optimization efficiency on problems with the previously mentioned characteristics. The performance of the resulting derivative-free algorithm is compared with other state-of-the-art DE variants on 25 commonly used benchmark functions, under tight function evaluation budget constraints of 1000 evaluations. The experimental results indicate that the new algorithm performs excellent on the 'difficult' (high dimensional, multi-modal, inseparable) test functions. The operations used in the proposed mutation scheme, are computationally inexpensive, and can be easily implemented in existing differential evolution variants or other population-based optimization algorithms by a few lines of program code as an non-invasive optional setting. Besides the applicability of the presented algorithm by itself, the described concepts can serve as a useful and interesting addition to the algorithmic operators in the frameworks of heuristics and evolutionary optimization and computing

Optimization of force-limiting seismic devices connecting structural subsystems

This paper is focused on the optimum design of an original force-limiting floor anchorage system for the seismic protection of reinforced concrete (RC) dual wall-frame buildings. This protection strategy is based on the interposition of elasto-plastic links between two structural subsystems, namely the lateral force resisting system (LFRS) and the gravity load resisting system (GLRS). The most efficient configuration accounting for the optimal position and mechanical characteristics of the nonlinear devices is obtained numerically by means of a modified constrained differential evolution algorithm. A 12-storey prototype RC dual wall-frame building is considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the seismic protection strategy