
154 Optimization: Algorithms and Applications
5.3 Simulated Annealing
Simulated annealing (SA) is an optimization technique that has derived its
name from the process of annealing of solids where the solid is heated and
then allowed to cool slowly until its molecules reach the minimum energy
state. The solid in this state will be free from defects. In a similar manner,
the optimization problem is transformed into an “ordered state” or a desired
optimized state (solution). In the high-energy state, the molecules are free
to move and their freedom gets restricted as the temperature is reduced
(cooled). In a similar manner, SA methodo