Graph transformations in evolutionary design

Abstract

This paper deals with the problems of hierarchical representation of skeletal structures and their optimization by means of an evolutionary algorithm. We describe the main advantages of using hierarchical graph structures to represent the designed objects as well as specialized genetic operators able to work on these graphs A top-down algorithm allowing for optimization of structures at different levels of hierarchy is also introduced. We illustrate the proposed method with examples of its application to the problem of designing optimal transmission towers.