Introduction to Optimum Design, 2nd Edition

16 Genetic Algorithms for Optimum Design

Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:

• Explain basic concepts and terminology associated with genetic algorithms

• Explain basic steps of a genetic algorithm

• Use a software based on genetic algorithm to solve your optimum design problem

Genetic algorithms (GA) belong to the class of stochastic search optimization methods, such as simulated annealing method described in Chapter 15. As you get to know basics of the algorithms, you will see that decisions made in most computational steps of the algorithms are based on random number generation. The algorithms use only the function values in the search process to make progress toward a solution without regard to how the functions are ...