Multi-Objective Optimization with an Adaptive Resonance Theory-Based Estimation of Distribution Algorithm: A Comparative Study

Proceedings of: 5th International Conference, LION 5, Rome, Italy, January 17-21, 2011.The introduction of learning to the search mechanisms of optimization algorithms has been nominated as one of the viable approaches when dealing with complex optimization problems, in particular with multi-objective ones. One of the forms of carrying out this hybridization process is by using multi-objective optimization estimation of distribution algorithms (MOEDAs). However, it has been pointed out that current MOEDAs have a intrinsic shortcoming in their model-building algorithms that hamper their performance. In this work we argue that error-based learning, the class of learning most commonly used in MOEDAs is responsible for current MOEDA underachievement. We present adaptive resonance theory (ART) as a suitable learning paradigm alternative and present a novel algorithm called multi-objective ART-based EDA (MARTEDA) that uses a Gaussian ART neural network for model-building and an hypervolume-based selector as described for the HypE algorithm. In order to assert the improvement obtained by combining two cutting-edge approaches to optimization an extensive set of experiments are carried out. These experiments also test the scalability of MARTEDA as the number of objective functions increases.This work was supported by projects CICYT TIN2008-06742-C02-02/TSI, CICYT TEC2008-06732-C02-02/TEC, CAM CONTEXTS (S2009/TIC-1485) and DPS2008-07029-C02-02.Publicad

Experimental measurements of ion cyclotron range of frequency minority-heated fast-ion distributions on Alcator C-Mod

Ion cyclotron resonance heating is the primary auxiliary heating on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak and is commonly used on other devices, and is planned for use on ITER. The RF-power density on C-Mod is above 5 MW m−3 providing for a unique opportunity to study wave–particle effects in the high RF power per particle regime. Minority heating produces a highly energetic tail in the minority distribution function which is measured using a compact neutral particle analyser. In this paper, we present the measurements of the fast-ion spectrum between 200 and 2 MeV, compiled over an entire experimental campaign. We also estimate the effective tail temperatures for the fast-ion distribution. We find that the fast-ion distribution is less energetic and less dense with increasing electron density; is more energetic with increasing plasma current; and is more dense but has no measurable change in energy with increasing RF power. Some possible explanations for these findings are discussed.United States. Dept. of Energy (Award DE-FC02-99ER54512

Gas jet disruption mitigation studies on Alcator C-Mod and DIII-D

High-pressure noble gas jet injection is a mitigation technique which potentially satisfies the requirements of fast response time and reliability, without degrading subsequent discharges. Previously reported gas jet experiments on DIII-D showed good success at reducing deleterious disruption effects. In this paper, results of recent gas jet disruption mitigation experiments on Alcator C-Mod and DIII-D are reported. Jointly, these experiments have greatly improved the understanding of gas jet dynamics and the processes involved in mitigating disruption effects. In both machines, the sequence of events following gas injection is observed to be quite similar: the jet neutrals stop near the plasma edge, the edge temperature collapses and large MHD modes are quickly destabilized, mixing the hot plasma core with the edge impurity ions and radiating away the plasma thermal energy. High radiated power fractions are achieved, thus reducing the conducted heat loads to the chamber walls and divertor. A significant (2 × or more) reduction in halo current is also observed. Runaway electron generation is small or absent. These similar results in two quite different tokamaks are encouraging for the applicability of this disruption mitigation technique to ITER.United States. Dept. of Energy (Coop. Agreements DE-FC02-99ER54512 and DE-FC02-04ER54698, Grants DE-FG02-04ER54758 and DE-FG02-04ER54762, and Contracts DE-AC05-00OR22725, W-7405-ENG-48, and W-7405-ENG-36