Heuristic and Meta-Heuristic Optimization Algorithms

The purpose of this chapter is to review a broad range of optimization principles, techniques, and algorithms collectively referred to as heuristic or meta-heuristic. As the demand for nonlinear optimization with high levels of component and system detail techniques increases so do the benefits of potential tradeoff between precision and computing speed, which is often attempted through the use of “nature” inspired techniques or heuristic optimization. Although the majority of techniques presented and discussed in this chapter have not generally been applied to structural optimization problems, some are readily available in commercial FE packages. This chapter focuses on the potential of developing each individual technique for nonlinear (topology) optimization; this includes reflecting on results from the previous chapters. This chapter also covers some general principles that are not directly optimization related but should be considered in the context of developing nonlinear optimization algorithms and techniques.