Robust handling of non-linear constraints for GA optimization of aerodynamic shapes

• Published in: International journal for numerical methods in fluids Vol. 45; no. 12; pp. 1339 - 1362
• Main Authors: Peigin, S., Epstein, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 30.08.2004; Wiley
• Subjects: aerodynamic design; Aerodynamics; Applied fluid mechanics; Computational methods in fluid dynamics; constrained optimization; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); genetic algorithms; Navier-Stokes solutions; Physics; Geometrical shape; Computational fluid dynamics; Digital simulation; Aerodynamics; Non linear conditions; Optimization; Genetic algorithms; Optimal design; Navier-Stokes equations
• ISSN: 0271-2091; 1097-0363
• DOI: 10.1002/fld.747

A new approach to the robust handling of non‐linear constraints for GAs (genetic algorithms) optimization is proposed. A specific feature of the approach consists of the change in the conventional search strategy by employing search paths which pass through both feasible and infeasible points (contrary to the traditional approach where only feasible points may be included in a path). The method (driven by full Navier–Stokes computations) was applied to the problem of multiobjective optimization of aerodynamic shapes subject to various geometrical and aerodynamic constraints. The results demonstrated that the method retains high robustness of conventional GAs while keeping CFD computational volume to an acceptable level, which allowed the algorithm to be used in a demanding engineering environment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.