Topological optimization of ballistic protective structures through genetic algorithms in a vulnerability-driven environment

Reducing the vulnerability of a platform,i.e.,the risk of being affected by hostile objects,is of paramount importance in the design process of vehicles,especially aircraft.A simple and effective way to decrease vulnerability is to introduce protective structures to intercept and possibly stop threats.However,this type of solution can lead to a significant increase in weight,affecting the performance of the aircraft.For this reason,it is crucial to study possible solutions that allow reducing the vulnerability of the aircraft while containing the increase in structural weight.One possible strategy is to optimize the topology of protective solutions to find the optimal balance between vulnerability and the weight of the added structures.Among the many optimization techniques available in the literature for this purpose,multiobjective genetic algorithms stand out as promising tools.In this context,this work proposes the use of a in-house software for vulnerability calculation to guide the process of topology optimization through multi-objective genetic algorithms,aiming to simultaneously minimize the weight of protective structures and vulnerability.In addition to the use of the in-house software,which itself represents a novelty in the field of topology optimization of structures,the method incorporates a custom mutation function within the genetic algorithm,specifically developed using a graph-based approach to ensure the continuity of the generated structures.The tool developed for this work is capable of generating protections with optimized layouts considering two different types of impacting objects,namely bullets and fragments from detonating objects.The software outputs a set of non-dominated solutions describing different topologies that the user can choose from.

Design Optimization of CFRP Stacking Sequence Using a Multi-Island Genetic Algorithms Under Low-velocity Impact Loads

A method to improve the low-velocity impact performance of composite laminate is proposed, and a multi-island genetic algorithm is used for the optimization of composite laminate stacking sequence under low-velocity impact loads based on a 2D dynamic impact finite element analysis. Low-velocity impact tests and compression-after impact（CAI） tests have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of optimization method. Experimental results show that the impact damage areas of the optimized laminate have been reduced by 42.1% compared to the baseline specimen, and the residual compression strength has been increased by 10.79%, from baseline specimen 156.97 MPa to optimized 173.91 MPa. The tests result shows that optimization method can effectively enhance the impact performances of the laminate.

Combining the genetic algorithms with artificial neural networks for optimization of board allocating

This paper introduced the Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), which have been widely used in optimization of allocating. The combination way of the two optimizing algorithms was used in board allocating of furniture production. In the experiment, the rectangular flake board of 3650 mm 1850 mm was used as raw material to allocate 100 sets of Table Bucked. The utilizing rate of the board reached 94.14 % and the calculating time was only 35 s. The experiment result proofed that the method by using the GA for optimizing the weights of the ANN can raise the utilizing rate of the board and can shorten the time of the design. At the same time, this method can simultaneously searched in many directions, thus greatly in-creasing the probability of finding a global optimum.

APPROXIMATION TECHNIQUES FOR APPLICATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS TO STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Although the genetic algorithm (GA) has very powerful robustness and fitness, it needs a large size of population and a large number of iterations to reach the optimum result. Especially when GA is used in complex structural optimization problems, if the structural reanalysis technique is not adopted, the more the number of finite element analysis (FEA) is, the more the consuming time is. In the conventional structural optimization the number of FEA can be reduced by the structural reanalysis technique based on the approximation techniques and sensitivity analysis. With these techniques, this paper provides a new approximation model-segment approximation model, adopted for the GA application. This segment approximation model can decrease the number of FEA and increase the convergence rate of GA. So it can apparently decrease the computation time of GA. Two examples demonstrate the availability of the new segment approximation model.

Optimization of Linear Antenna Arrays Based on Genetic Algorithms

The methods of moment and genetic algorithm (GA) are combined to optimize the Yagi Uda antenna array and Log periodic dipole antenna (LPDA) array. The element lengths and spacing are optimized for the Yagi Uda array; while the ratio factor of spacing to length as well as the ratio of length to diameter of the elements are optimized for LPDA array. The results show that the main parameters, such as gain and pattern, have been improved apparently; and the high back lobe level of LPDA can be reduced greatly, therefore, GA is a very competent method for optimizing the linear array as well as in other fields.

MOALG: A Metaheuristic Hybrid of Multi-Objective Ant Lion Optimizer and Genetic Algorithm for Solving Design Problems

This study proposes a hybridization of two efficient algorithm’s Multi-objective Ant Lion Optimizer Algorithm(MOALO)which is a multi-objective enhanced version of the Ant Lion Optimizer Algorithm(ALO)and the Genetic Algorithm(GA).MOALO version has been employed to address those problems containing many objectives and an archive has been employed for retaining the non-dominated solutions.The uniqueness of the hybrid is that the operators like mutation and crossover of GA are employed in the archive to update the solutions and later those solutions go through the process of MOALO.A first-time hybrid of these algorithms is employed to solve multi-objective problems.The hybrid algorithm overcomes the limitation of ALO of getting caught in the local optimum and the requirement of more computational effort to converge GA.To evaluate the hybridized algorithm’s performance,a set of constrained,unconstrained test problems and engineering design problems were employed and compared with five well-known computational algorithms-MOALO,Multi-objective Crystal Structure Algorithm(MOCryStAl),Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization(MOPSO),Multi-objective Multiverse Optimization Algorithm(MOMVO),Multi-objective Salp Swarm Algorithm(MSSA).The outcomes of five performance metrics are statistically analyzed and the most efficient Pareto fronts comparison has been obtained.The proposed hybrid surpasses MOALO based on the results of hypervolume(HV),Spread,and Spacing.So primary objective of developing this hybrid approach has been achieved successfully.The proposed approach demonstrates superior performance on the test functions,showcasing robust convergence and comprehensive coverage that surpasses other existing algorithms.

Optimized parameters of downhole all-metal PDM based on genetic algorithm

Currently,deep drilling operates under extreme conditions of high temperature and high pressure,demanding more from subterranean power motors.The all-metal positive displacement motor,known for its robust performance,is a critical choice for such drilling.The dimensions of the PDM are crucial for its performance output.To enhance this,optimization of the motor's profile using a genetic algorithm has been undertaken.The design process begins with the computation of the initial stator and rotor curves based on the equations for a screw cycloid.These curves are then refined using the least squares method for a precise fit.Following this,the PDM's mathematical model is optimized,and motor friction is assessed.The genetic algorithm process involves encoding variations and managing crossovers to optimize objective functions,including the isometric radius coefficient,eccentricity distance parameter,overflow area,and maximum slip speed.This optimization yields the ideal profile parameters that enhance the motor's output.Comparative analyses of the initial and optimized output characteristics were conducted,focusing on the effects of the isometric radius coefficient and overflow area on the motor's performance.Results indicate that the optimized motor's overflow area increased by 6.9%,while its rotational speed reduced by 6.58%.The torque,as tested by Infocus,saw substantial improvements of38.8%.This optimization provides a theoretical foundation for improving the output characteristics of allmetal PDMs and supports the ongoing development and research of PDM technology.

Improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA)-II in multi-objective optimization studies of wind turbine blades

The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm （NSGA） is improved with the controlled elitism and dynamic crowding distance. A novel multi-objective optimization algorithm is obtained for wind turbine blades. As an example, a 5 MW wind turbine blade design is presented by taking the maximum power coefficient and the minimum blade mass as the optimization objectives. The optimal results show that this algorithm has good performance in handling the multi-objective optimization of wind turbines, and it gives a Pareto-optimal solution set rather than the optimum solutions to the conventional multi objective optimization problems. The wind turbine blade optimization method presented in this paper provides a new and general algorithm for the multi-objective optimization of wind turbines.

Series-parallel Hybrid Vehicle Control Strategy Design and Optimization Using Real-valued Genetic Algorithm

Despite the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle inherits the performance advantages from both series and parallel hybrid electric vehicle, few researches about the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle have been revealed because of its complex co nstruction and control strategy. In this paper, a series-parallel hybrid electric bus as well as its control strategy is revealed, and a control parameter optimization approach using the real-valued genetic algorithm is proposed. The optimization objective is to minimize the fuel consumption while sustain the battery state of charge, a tangent penalty function of state of charge（SOC） is embodied in the objective function to recast this multi-objective nonlinear optimization problem as a single linear optimization problem. For this strategy, the vehicle operating mode is switched based on the vehicle speed, and an ＂optimal line＂ typed strategy is designed for the parallel control. The optimization parameters include the speed threshold for mode switching, the highest state of charge allowed, the lowest state of charge allowed and the scale factor of the engine optimal torque to the engine maximum torque at a rotational speed. They are optimized through numerical experiments based on real-value genes, arithmetic crossover and mutation operators. The hybrid bus has been evaluated at the Chinese Transit Bus City Driving Cycle via road test, in which a control area network-based monitor system was used to trace the driving schedule. The test result shows that this approach is feasible for the control parameter optimization. This approach can be applied to not only the novel construction presented in this paper, but also other types of hybrid electric vehicles.

Optimization and Simulation of Plastic Injection Process using Genetic Algorithm and Moldflow

The use of plastic-based products is continuously increasing. The increasing demands for thinner products, lower production costs, yet higher product quality has triggered an increase in the number of research projects on plastic molding processes. An important branch of such research is focused on mold cooling system. Conventional cooling systems are most widely used because they are easy to make by using conventional machining processes. However, the non-uniform cooling processes are considered as one of their weaknesses. Apart from the conven- tional systems, there are also conformal cooling systems that are designed for faster and more uniform plastic mold cooling. In this study, the conformal cooling system is applied for the production of bowl-shaped product made of PP AZ564. Optimization is conducted to initiate machine setup parameters, namely, the melting temperature, injection pressure, holding pressure and holding time. The genetic algorithm method and Moldflow were used to optimize the injection process parameters at a minimum cycle time. It is found that, an optimum injection molding processes could be obtained by setting the parameters to the following values： TM=180℃; Pinj = 20MPa; Phold= 16MPa and thold=8s, with a cycle time of 14.11 s. Experiments using the conformal cooling system yielded an average cycle time of 14.19 s. The studied conformal cooling system yielded a volumetric shrinkage of 5.61% and the wall shear stress was found at 0.17 MPa. The difference between the cycle time obtained through simulations and experiments using the conformal cooling system was insignificant （below 1%）. Thus, combining process parameters optimization and simulations by using genetic algorithm method with Moldflow can be considered as valid.

Composite Structural Optimization by Genetic Algorithm and Neural Network Response Surface Modeling

Neural-Network Response Surfaces （NNRS） is applied to replace the actual expensive finite element analysis during the composite structural optimization process. The Orthotropic Experiment Method （OEM） is used to select the most appropriate design samples for network training. The trained response surfaces can either be objective function or constraint conditions. Together with other conven- tional constraints, an optimization model is then set up and can be solved by Genetic Algorithm （GA）. This allows the separation between design analysis modeling and optimization searching. Through an example of a hat-stiffened composite plate design, the weight response surface is constructed to be objective function, and strength and buckling response surfaces as constraints; and all of them are trained through NASTRAN finite element analysis. The results of optimization study illustrate that the cycles of structural analysis ean be remarkably reduced or even eliminated during the optimization, thus greatly raising the efficiency of optimization process. It also observed that NNRS approximation can achieve equal or even better accuracy than conventional functional response surfaces.

Multi-objective optimization of oil well drilling using elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm

A multi-objective optimization of oil well drilling has been carried out using a binary coded elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm.A Louisiana offshore field with abnormal formation pressure is considered for optimization.Several multi-objective optimization problems involving twoand three-objective functions were formulated and solved to fix optimal drilling variables.The important objectives are：（i） maximizing drilling depth,（ii） minimizing drilling time and （iii） minimizing drilling cost with fractional drill bit tooth wear as a constraint.Important time dependent decision variables are：（i） equivalent circulation mud density,（ii） drill bit rotation,（iii） weight on bit and （iv） Reynolds number function of circulating mud through drill bit nozzles.A set of non-dominated optimal Pareto frontier is obtained for the two-objective optimization problem whereas a non-dominated optimal Pareto surface is obtained for the three-objective optimization problem.Depending on the trade-offs involved,decision makers may select any point from the optimal Pareto frontier or optimal Pareto surface and hence corresponding values of the decision variables that may be selected for optimal drilling operation.For minimizing drilling time and drilling cost,the optimum values of the decision variables are needed to be kept at the higher values whereas the optimum values of decision variables are at the lower values for the maximization of drilling depth.

Optimization of perforation distribution for horizontal wells based on genetic algorithms

Early water breakthrough and a rapid increase in water cut are always observed in high- permeability completion intervals when perforations are uniformly distributed in the wellbore in heterogeneous reservoirs. Optimization of perforating parameters in partitioned sections in horizontal intervals helps homogenize the inflow from the reservoir and thus is critically important for enhanced oil recovery. This paper derives a coupled reservoir-wellbore flow model based on inflow controlling theory. Genetic algorithms are applied to solving the model as they excel in obtaining the global optimum of discrete functions. The optimized perforating strategy applies a low perforation density in high- permeability intervals and a high perforation density in low-permeability intervals. As a result, the inflow profile is homogenized and idealized.

Two-Phase Genetic Algorithm Applied in the Optimization of Multi-Modal Function

This paper presents a two-phase genetic algorithm (TPGA) based on the multi- parent genetic algorithm (MPGA). Through analysis we find MPGA will lead the population' s evol vement to diversity or convergence according to the population size and the crossover size, so we make it run in different forms during the global and local optimization phases and then forms TPGA. The experiment results show that TPGA is very efficient for the optimization of low-dimension multi-modal functions, usually we can obtain all the global optimal solutions.

Multi-objective optimization of membrane structures based on Pareto Genetic Algorithm

A multi-objective optimization method based on Pareto Genetic Algorithm is presented for shape design of membrane structures from a structural view point.Several non-dimensional variables are defined as optimization variables,which are decision factors of shapes of membrane structures.Three objectives are proposed including maximization of stiffness,maximum uniformity of stress and minimum reaction under external loads.Pareto Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm is introduced to solve the Pareto solutions.Consequently,the dependence of the optimality upon the optimization variables is derived to provide guidelines on how to determine design parameters.Moreover,several examples illustrate the proposed methods and applications.The study shows that the multi-objective optimization method in this paper is feasible and efficient for membrane structures;the research on Pareto solutions can provide explicit and useful guidelines for shape design of membrane structures.

Improved Ant Colony-Genetic Algorithm for Information Transmission Path Optimization in Remanufacturing Service System

The information transmission path optimization(ITPO) can often a ect the e ciency and accuracy of remanufactur?ing service. However, there is a greater degree of uncertainty and complexity in information transmission of remanu?facturing service system, which leads to a critical need for designing planning models to deal with this added uncer?tainty and complexity. In this paper, a three?dimensional(3D) model of remanufacturing service information network for information transmission is developed, which combines the physic coordinate and the transmitted properties of all the devices in the remanufacturing service system. In order to solve the basic ITPO in the 3D model, an improved 3D ant colony algorithm(Improved AC) was put forward. Moreover, to further improve the operation e ciency of the algorithm, an improved ant colony?genetic algorithm(AC?GA) that combines the improved AC and genetic algorithm was developed. In addition, by taking the transmission of remanufacturing service demand information of certain roller as example, the e ectiveness of AC?GA algorithm was analyzed and compared with that of improved AC, and the results demonstrated that AC?GA algorithm was superior to AC algorithm in aspects of information transmission delay, information transmission cost, and rate of information loss.

A hybrid genetic-simulated annealing algorithm for optimization of hydraulic manifold blocks

This paper establishes a mathematical model of multi-objective optimization with behavior constraints in solid space based on the problem of optimal design of hydraulic manifold blocks （HMB）. Due to the limitation of its local search ability of genetic algorithm （GA） in solving a massive combinatorial optimization problem, simulated annealing （SA） is combined, the multi-parameter concatenated coding is adopted, and the memory function is added. Thus a hybrid genetic-simulated annealing with memory function is formed. Examples show that the modified algorithm can improve the local search ability in the solution space, and the solution quality.

Novel methodology for casting process optimization using Gaussian process regression and genetic algorithm

High pressure die casting (HPDC) is a versatile material processing method for mass-production of metal parts with complex geometries,and this method has been widely used in manufacturing various products of excellent dimensional accuracy and productivity. In order to ensure the quality of the components,a number of variables need to be properly set. A novel methodology for high pressure die casting process optimization was developed,validated and applied to selection of optimal parameters,which incorporate design of experiment (DOE),Gaussian process (GP) regression technique and genetic algorithms (GA). This new approach was applied to process optimization for cast magnesium alloy notebook shell. After being trained,using data generated by PROCAST (FEM-based simulation software),the GP model approximated well with the simulation by extracting useful information from the simulation results. With the help of MATLAB,the GP/GA based approach has achieved the optimum solution of die casting process condition settings.

Kriging Surrogate-Based Genetic Algorithm Optimization for Blade Design of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

Horizontal axis wind turbines are some of the most widely used clean energy generators in the world.Horizontal axis wind turbine blades need to be designed for optimization in order to maximize efficiency and simultaneously minimize the cost of energy.This work presents the optimization of new MEXICO blades for a horizontal axis wind turbine at the wind speed of 10 m/s.The optimization problem is posed to maximize the power coefficient while the design variables are twist angles on the blade radius and rotating axis positions on a chord length of the airfoils.Computational fluid dynamics was used for the aerodynamic simulation.Surrogate-assisted optimization was applied to reduce computational time.A surrogate model called a Kriging model,using a Gaussian correlation function along with various regression models,was applied while a genetic algorithm was used as an optimizer.The results obtained in this study are discussed and compared with those obtained from the original model.It was found that the Kriging model with linear regression gives better results than the Kriging model with second-order polynomial regression.The optimum blade obtained in this study showed better performance than the original blade at a low wind speed of 10 m/s.

Optimization of assembly line balancing using genetic algorithm

In a manufacturing industry, mixed model assembly line(MMAL) is preferred in order to meet the variety in product demand. MMAL balancing helps in assembling products with similar characteristics in a random fashion. The objective of this work aims in reducing the number of workstations, work load index between stations and within each station. As manual contribution of workers in final assembly line is more, ergonomics is taken as an additional objective function. Ergonomic risk level of a workstation is evaluated using a parameter called accumulated risk posture(ARP), which is calculated using rapid upper limb assessment(RULA) check sheet. This work is based on the case study of an MMAL problem in Rane(Madras) Ltd.(India), in which a problem based genetic algorithm(GA) has been proposed to minimize the mentioned objectives. The working of the genetic operators such as selection, crossover and mutation has been modified with respect to the addressed MMAL problem. The results show that there is a significant impact over productivity and the process time of the final assembled product, i.e., the rate of production is increased by 39.5% and the assembly time for one particular model is reduced to 13 min from existing 18 min. Also, the space required using the proposed assembly line is only 200 m2 against existing 350 m2. Further, the algorithm helps in reducing workers fatigue(i.e., ergonomic friendly).