Island model parallel genetic algorithm for optimization of symmetric FRP laminated composites

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to optimal design of composite structures using Island Model Parallel Genetic Algorithm (IMPGA) with a probabilistic migration strategy and in conjunction with 3D Finite Element Method (FEM). The subject problem is computationally intensive and consumes large amount of computer space-time; an attempt has been made to spawn a variable number of processes at each node of IMPGA for FEM analysis. Comparison shows that integrated IMPGA-FEM module outperforms SGA-FEM module with respect to convergence as well as computational time significantly. The present study observes that the speed-up obtained from IMPGA-FEM module is better than the theoretical speed-up. It has also been observed that the incorporation of a probabilistic migration strategy in the IMPGA lead to a much faster and improved converged solution. Results show that for optimization with IMPGA there exists a minimum size of sub-population on each processor below which the performance deteriorates. © 2006 Springer-Verlag.