Particle Swarm optimization for optimal design of broadband multilayer microwave absorber for wide angle of incidence

Abstract

Microwave absorbers find a plethora of applications in the modern-day military and civil industries. This paper compares the performances of different variations of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to obtain optimal designs for multilayer microwave absorber over different frequency ranges, angles of incidence and polarizations. The goal of this optimization is to minimize maximum overall reflection coefficient of the absorber by choosing suitable layers of materials from a predefined database and simultaneously make the overall thickness the least practically possible. Numerical optimal results for each variation of the PSO are presented and the best results are compared with those existing in literature.