A Learning-based Innovized Progress Operator for Faster Convergence in Evolutionary Multi-objective Optimization

Learning effective problem information from already explored search space in an optimization run, and utilizing it to improve the convergence of subsequent solutions, have represented important directions in Evolutionary Multi-objective Optimization (EMO) research. In this article, a machine learning (ML)-assisted approach is proposed that: (a) maps the solutions from earlier generations of an EMO run to the current non-dominated solutions in the decision space ; (b) learns the salient patterns in the mapping using an ML method, here an artificial neural network (ANN); and (c) uses the learned ML model to advance some of the subsequent offspring solutions in an adaptive manner. Such a multi-pronged approach, quite different from the popular surrogate-modeling methods, leads to what is here referred to as the Innovized Progress (IP) operator. On several test and engineering problems involving two and three objectives, with and without constraints, it is shown that an EMO algorithm assisted by the IP operator offers faster convergence behavior, compared to its base version independent of the IP operator. The results are encouraging, pave a new path for the performance improvement of EMO algorithms, and set the motivation for further exploration on more challenging problems.

The Recent Progress China Has Made in the Backfill Mining Method, Part III: Practical Engineering Problems in Stope and Goaf Backfill

With the continuous innovation and development of science and technology, the mining industry has also benefited greatly and improved over time, especially in the field of backfill mining. Mining researchers are increasingly working on cutting-edge technologies, such as applying artificial intelligence to mining production. However, in addition, some problems in the actual engineering are worth people’s attention, and especially in China, such a big mining country, the actual engineering faces many problems. In recent years, Chinese mining researchers have conducted a lot of studies on practical engineering problems in the stope and goaf of backfill mining method in China, among which the three most important points are (1) Calculation problems of backfill slurry transportation; (2) Reliability analysis of backfill pipeline system; (3) Stope backfill process and technology. Therefore, this final part (Part III) will launch the research progress of China’s practical engineering problems from the above two points. Finally, we claim that Part III serves just as a guide to starting a conversation, and hope that many more experts and scholars will be interested and engage in the research of this field.

Y-Mat: an improved hybrid finite-discrete element code for addressing geotechnical and geological engineering problems

PurposeContinua and discontinua coexist in natural rock materials. This paper aims to present an improved approach for addressing the mechanical response of rock masses based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) proposed by Munjiza.Design/methodology/approachSeveral algorithms have been programmed in the new approach. The algorithms include (1) a simpler and more efficient algorithm to calculate the contact force; (2) An algorithm for tangential contact force closer to the actual physical process; (3) a plastic yielding criterion (e.g. Mohr-Coulomb) to modify the elastic stress for fitting the mechanical behavior of elastoplastic materials; and (4) a complete code for the mechanical calculation to be implemented in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB).FindingsThree case studies, including two standard laboratory experiments (uniaxial compression and Brazilian split test) and one engineering-scale anti-dip slop model, are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the Y-Mat code and its ability to deal with multi-scale rock mechanics problems. The results, including the progressive failure process, failure mode and trajectory of each case, are acceptable compared to other corresponding studies. It is shown that, the code is capable of modeling geotechnical and geological engineering problems.Originality/valueThis article gives an improved FDEM-based numerical calculation code. And, feasibility of the code is verified through three cases. It can effectively solve the geotechnical and geological engineering problems.

An Elastic Collision Seeker Optimization Algorithm for Optimization Constrained Engineering Problems

To improve the seeker optimization algorithm (SOA), an elastic collision seeker optimization algorithm (ECSOA) was proposed. The ECSOA evolves some individuals in three situations: completely elastic collision, completely inelastic collision, and non-completely elastic collision. These strategies enhance the individuals’ diversity and avert falling into the local optimum. The ECSOA is compared with the particle swarm optimization (PSO), the simulated annealing and genetic algorithm (SA_GA), the gravitational search algorithm (GSA), the sine cosine algorithm (SCA), the multiverse optimizer (MVO), and the seeker optimization algorithm (SOA); then, fifteen benchmark functions, four PID control parameter models, and six constrained engineering optimization problems were selected for the experiment. According to the experimental results, the ECSOA can be used in the benchmark functions, the PID control parameter optimization, and the optimization constrained engineering problems. The optimization ability and robustness of ECSOA are better.

A Complex-Valued Encoding Multichain Seeker Optimization Algorithm for Engineering Problems

This article comes up with a complex-valued encoding multichain seeker optimization algorithm (CMSOA) for the engineering optimization problems. The complex-valued encoding strategy and the multichain strategy are leaded in the seeker optimization algorithm (SOA). These strategies enhance the individuals’ diversity, enhance the local search, avert falling into the local optimum, and are the influential global optimization strategies. This article chooses fifteen benchmark functions, four proportional integral derivative (PID) control parameter models, and six constrained engineering problems to test. According to the experimental results, the CMSOA can be used in the benchmark functions, in the PID control parameter optimization, and in the optimization of constrained engineering problems. Compared to the particle swarm optimization (PSO), simulated annealing based on genetic algorithm (SA_GA), gravitational search algorithm (GSA), sine cosine algorithm (SCA), multiverse optimizer (MVO), and seeker optimization algorithm (SOA), the optimization ability and robustness of the CMSOA are better than those of others algorithms.

A Survey on Dragonfly Algorithm and its Applications in Engineering

<p></p><p></p><p>The dragonfly algorithm developed in 2016. It is one of the algorithms used by the researchers to optimize an extensive series of uses and applications in various areas. At times, it offers superior performance compared to the most well-known optimization techniques. However, this algorithm faces several difficulties when it is utilized to enhance complex optimization problems. This work addressed the robustness of the method to solve real-world optimization issues, and its deficiency to improve complex optimization problems. This review paper shows a comprehensive investigation of the dragonfly algorithm in the engineering area. First, an overview of the algorithm is discussed. Besides, we also examined the modifications of the algorithm. The merged forms of this algorithm with different techniques and the modifications that have been done to make the algorithm perform better are addressed. Additionally, a survey on applications in the engineering area that used the dragonfly algorithm is offered. The utilized engineering applications are the applications in the field of mechanical engineering problems, electrical engineering problems, optimal parameters, economic load dispatch, and loss reduction. The algorithm is tested and evaluated against particle swarm optimization algorithm and firefly algorithm. To evaluate the ability of the dragonfly algorithm and other participated algorithms a set of traditional benchmarks (TF1-TF23) were utilized. Moreover, to examine the ability of the algorithm to optimize large scale optimization problems CEC-C2019 benchmarks were utilized. A comparison is made between the algorithm and other metaheuristic techniques to show its ability to enhance various problems. The outcomes of the algorithm from the works that utilized the dragonfly algorithm previously and the outcomes of the benchmark test functions proved that in comparison with participated algorithms (GWO, PSO, and GA), the dragonfly algorithm owns an excellent performance, especially for small to intermediate applications. Moreover, the congestion facts of the technique and some future works are presented. The authors conducted this research to help other researchers who want to study the algorithm and utilize it to optimize engineering problems.</p><p></p><p></p>