Multi-objective optimisation and decision-making of space station logistics strategies

Space station logistics strategy optimisation is a complex engineering problem with multiple objectives. Finding a decision-maker-preferred compromise solution becomes more significant when solving such a problem. However, the designer-preferred solution is not easy to determine using the traditional method. Thus, a hybrid approach that combines the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, physical programming, and differential evolution (DE) algorithm is proposed to deal with the optimisation and decision-making of space station logistics strategies. A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is used to acquire a Pareto frontier and help determine the range parameters of the physical programming. Physical programming is employed to convert the four-objective problem into a single-objective problem, and a DE algorithm is applied to solve the resulting physical programming-based optimisation problem. Five kinds of objective preference are simulated and compared. The simulation results indicate that the proposed approach can produce good compromise solutions corresponding to different decision-makers’ preferences.     

改进非支配排序精英遗传算法的篦冷机参数优化

为优化篦冷机控制参数,提高换热效率,将传热和粘性耗散引起的修正熵产数分别作为目标函数,利用遗传算法对篦冷机参数进行多目标优化.为增加多目标遗传算法的种群多样性,提高算法的局部搜索能力,对传统的非支配排序精英遗传算法(NSGA-Ⅱ)进行部分功能改进.构建多种群、多交叉算子的操作模式,根据子种群对最优解集的贡献量自适应调节子种群规模,利用局部搜索算法提高算法的局部搜索能力.通过标准多目标优化问题验证所提出算法的有效性,并根据优化得到的篦冷机熵产数的最优解集,给出冷却风机功率最小的最优控制方案,通过与生产线的实际数据进行对比验证其优化效果.     

A hybrid CMA-ES and HDE optimisation algorithm with application to solar energy potential

This paper describes the results of initial experiments to apply computational algorithms to explore a large parameter space containing many variables in the search for an optimal solution for the sustainable design of an urban development using a potentially complicated fitness function. This initial work concentrates on varying the placement of buildings to optimise solar irradiation availability. For this we propose a hybrid of the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES) and hybrid differential evolution (HDE) algorithms coupled with an efficient backwards ray tracing technique. In this paper we concentrate on the formulation of the new hybrid algorithm and its testing using standard benchmarks as well as a solar optimisation problem. The new algorithm outperforms both the standalone CMA-ES and HDE algorithms in benchmark tests and an alternative multi-objective optimisation tool in the case of the solar optimisation problem.     

A statistical model-based algorithm for ‘black-box’ multi-objective optimisation

The problem of multi-objective optimisation with ‘expensive’ ‘black-box’ objective functions is considered. An algorithm is proposed that generalises the single objective P-algorithm constructed using the statistical model of multimodal functions and concepts of the theory of rational decisions under uncertainty. Computational examples are included demonstrating that the algorithm proposed possess several expected properties.     

Handling many-objective optimisation problems with R2 indicator and decomposition-based particle swarm optimiser

An R2 indicator-based multi-objective particle swarm optimiser (R2-MOPSO) can obtain well-convergence and well-distributed solutions while solving two and three objectives optimisation problems. However, R2-MOPSO faces difficulty to tackle many-objective optimisation problems because balancing convergence and diversity is a key issue in high-dimensional objective space. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes a novel algorithm, named R2-MaPSO, which combines the R2 indicator and decomposition-based archiving pruning strategy into particle swarm optimiser for many-objective optimisation problems. The innovations of the proposed algorithm mainly contains three crucial factors: (1) A bi-level archiving maintenance approach based on the R2 indicator and objective space decomposition strategy is designed to balance convergence and diversity. (2) The global-best leader selection is based on the R2 indicator and the personal-best leader selection is based on the Pareto dominance. Meanwhile, the objective space decomposition leader selection adopts the feedback information from the bi-level archive. (3) A new velocity updated method is modified to enhance the exploration and exploitation ability. In addition, an elitist learning strategy and a smart Gaussian learning strategy are embedded into R2-MaPSO to help the algorithm jump out of the local optimal front. The performance of the proposed algorithm is validated and compared with some algorithms on a number of unconstraint benchmark problems, i.e. DTLZ1-DTLZ4, WFG test suites from 3 to 15 objectives. Experimental results have demonstrated a better performance of the proposed algorithm compared with several multi-objective particle swarm optimisers and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for many-objective optimisation problems.     

一种多目标人工蜂群算法

为将标准人工蜂群算法有效应用到多目标优化问题中,设计了一种多目标人工蜂群算法。其进化策略在利用精英解引导搜索的同时结合正弦函数搜索操作来平衡算法对解空间的开发与开采行为。另外,算法借助了外部集合来记录与维护种群进化过程中产生的Pareto最优解。理论分析表明:针对多目标优化问题,本算法能收敛到理论最优解集合。对典型多目标测试问题的仿真实验结果表明:本算法能有效逼近理论最优,具有较好的收敛性和均匀性,并且与同类型算法相比,本算法具有良好的求解性能。     

A polar-based guided multi-objective evolutionary algorithm to search for optimal solutions interested by decision-makers in a logistics network design problem

In practical multi-objective optimization problems, respective decision-makers might be interested in some optimal solutions that have objective values closer to their specified values. Guided multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (guided MOEAs) have been significantly used to guide their evolutionary search direction toward these optimal solutions using by decision makers. However, most guided MOEAs need to be iteratively and interactively evaluated and then guided by decision-makers through re-formulating or re-weighting objectives, and it might negatively affect the algorithms performance. In this paper, a novel guided MOEA that uses a dynamic polar-based region around a particular point in objective space is proposed. Based on the region, new selection operations are designed such that the algorithm can guide the evolutionary search toward optimal solutions that are close to the particular point in objective space without the iterative and interactive efforts. The proposed guided MOEA is tested on the multi-criteria decision-making problem of flexible logistics network design with different desired points. Experimental results show that the proposed guided MOEA outperforms two most effective guided and non-guided MOEAs, R-NSGA-II and NSGA-II.     

A search based approach to fairness analysis in requirement assignments to aid negotiation, mediation and decision making

This paper uses a multi-objective optimisation approach to support investigation of the trade-offs in various notions of fairness between multiple customers. Results are presented to validate the approach using two real-world data sets and also using data sets created specifically to stress test the approach. Simple graphical techniques are used to visualize the solution space. The paper also reports on experiments to determine the most suitable algorithm for this problem, comparing the results of the NSGA-II algorithms, a widely used multi objective evolutionary algorithm, and the Two-Archive evolutionary algorithm, a recently proposed alternative.     

最大化个人偏好的多目标优化进化算法

针对多目标优化过程中如何将个人偏好信息融入寻优搜索过程的问题,本文提出一种最大化个人偏好 以确定搜索方向的多目标优化进化算法．该算法首先采用权重和法将多目标问题转换为单目标问题,再利用遗传算 法进行全局搜索,在满足个人偏好约束条件下,每一代进化结束后通过解约束优化问题获得能够使种群综合适应度 具有最大方差的权重组合,从而最大化个人偏好以选择综合最优的个体进行遗传操作．按照不同个人偏好应用于传 动系统进行控制器设计,仿真结果表明该算法能够获得满足个人偏好约束条件下的全局最优解．     

A hybrid particle swarm optimization for a university course scheduling problem with flexible preferences

The timetabling problem at universities is an NP-hard problem concerned with instructor assignments and class scheduling under multiple constraints and limited resources. A novel meta-heuristic algorithm that is based on the principles of particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed for course scheduling problem. The algorithm includes some features: designing an ‘absolute position value’ representation for the particle; allowing instructors that they are willing to lecture based on flexible preferences, such as their preferred days and time periods, the maximum number of teaching-free time periods and the lecturing format (consecutive time periods or separated into different time periods); and employing a repair process for all infeasible timetables. Furthermore, in the original PSO algorithm, particles search solutions in a continuous solution space. Since the solution space of the course scheduling problem is discrete, a local search mechanism is incorporated into the proposed PSO in order to explore a better solution improvement. The algorithms were tested using the timetabling data from a typical university in Taiwan. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid algorithm yields an efficient solution with an optimal satisfaction of course scheduling for instructors and class scheduling arrangements. This hybrid algorithm also outperforms the genetic algorithm proposed in the literature.     

An effective hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm for multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling problem

Flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) is an extension of the classical job-shop scheduling problem. Although the traditional optimization algorithms could obtain preferable results in solving the mono-objective FJSP. However, they are very difficult to solve multi-objective FJSP very well. In this paper, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and a tabu search (TS) algorithm are combined to solve the multi-objective FJSP with several conflicting and incommensurable objectives. PSO which integrates local search and global search scheme possesses high search efficiency. And, TS is a meta-heuristic which is designed for finding a near optimal solution of combinatorial optimization problems. Through reasonably hybridizing the two optimization algorithms, an effective hybrid approach for the multi-objective FJSP has been proposed. The computational results have proved that the proposed hybrid algorithm is an efficient and effective approach to solve the multi-objective FJSP, especially for the problems on a large scale.     

Multi-objective mixture design and optimisation of steel fiber reinforced UHPC using machine learning algorithms and metaheuristics

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a recent class of concrete with improved durability, rheological and mechanical and durability properties compared to traditional concrete. The production cost of UHPC is considerably high due to a large amount of cement used, and also the high price of other required constituents such as quartz powder, silica fume, fibres and superplasticisers. To achieve specific requirements such as desired production cost, strength and flowability, the proportions of UHPC’s constituents must be well adjusted. The traditional mixture design of concrete requires cumbersome, costly and extensive experimental program. Therefore, mathematical optimisation, design of experiments (DOE) and statistical mixture design (SMD) methods have been used in recent years, particularly for meeting multiple objectives. In traditional methods, simple regression models such as multiple linear regression models are used as objective functions according to the requirements. Once the model is constructed, mathematical programming and simplex algorithms are usually used to find optimal solutions. However, a more flexible procedure enabling the use of high accuracy nonlinear models and defining different scenarios for multi-objective mixture design is required, particularly when it comes to data which are not well structured to fit simple regression models such as multiple linear regression. This paper aims to demonstrate a procedure integrating machine learning (ML) algorithms such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) to develop high-accuracy models, and a metaheuristic optimisation algorithm called Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) algorithm for multi-objective mixture design and optimisation of UHPC reinforced with steel fibers. A reliable experimental dataset is used to develop the models and to justify the final results. The comparison of the obtained results with the experimental results validates the capability of the proposed procedure for multi-objective mixture design and optimisation of steel fiber reinforced UHPC. The proposed procedure not only reduces the efforts in the experimental design of UHPC but also leads to the optimal mixtures when the designer faces strength-flowability-cost paradoxes.

     

基于灰色综合关联分析的多目标优化方法

针对现有多目标优化方法存在的搜索性能弱、效率低等问题,提出一种基于灰色综合关联分析的多目标优化方法.该多目标优化方法采用单目标优化算法构建高质量的参考序列,计算参考序列与优化解的目标函数值序列之间的灰色综合关联度,定义基于灰色综合关联度的解支配关系准则,将灰色综合关联度作为多目标优化算法的适应度值.以带顺序相关调整时间的多目标流水车间调度问题作为应用对象,建立总生产成本、最大完工时间、平均流程时间及机器平均闲置时间的多目标函数优化模型.提出基于灰色关联分析的多目标烟花算法,对所建立的多目标优化模型进行优化求解.仿真实验表明,所提出多目标烟花算法的性能优于3种基于不同多目标优化方法的烟花算法及两种经典多目标算法,验证了所提出的多目标优化方法及多目标算法的可行性和有效性.     

Multi-objective partial parallel disassembly line balancing problem using hybrid group neighbourhood search algorithm

To reduce waste during disassembly production and improve disassembly efficiency, this study investigates a type of partial parallel disassembly line applicable for the simultaneous disassembly of different products. A multi-objective mathematical model for a partial parallel disassembly line balancing problem is built considering four optimisation goals, namely, the minimisation of the cycle time, number of workstations, idle index, and quantity of disassembly resources. In addition, a novel multi-objective hybrid group neighbourhood search algorithm is proposed. First, a certain set of neighbourhood individuals (from the current population of individuals) is generated via neighbourhood search mechanisms based on optimal embedding and exchange operations. Then, a Pareto filtering process is performed on a mixed population composed of the individuals of the current population and all neighbourhoods. Subsequently, the current population individuals are renewed based on the mixed population. To prevent the algorithm from falling into a local optimum and to enhance the algorithm’s global search performance, we conduct a local search strategy based on a simulated annealing operation on the newly generated population individuals. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm are proven by solving two complete disassembly line balancing problems at different scales and a partial disassembly line balancing problem, and also by comparison with several algorithms investigated in existing literature. Finally, the proposed model and algorithm are applied to a partial parallel disassembly line designed for the simultaneous disassembly of two types of waste products in a household appliance disassembly enterprise. The results of the partial parallel disassembly line are compared with those of an initial single-product straight disassembly line, and the comparison results show that the solution results of the optimisation goals for the partial parallel disassembly line are more superior than those of the initial single-product straight disassembly line.     

泛集群环境中计算密集型任务流调度策略

针对计算节点较多的泛集群环境下难以快速、合理地制定计算密集型任务流调度方案的问题,提出一种基于多目标连续竞买博弈的任务调度策略.建立多目标优化调度模型,降低多目标优化函数维度,并采用线性加权和法将其转化为总和目标函数,以保证最优解的合理性.为提高最优解搜索速度,引入ETC矩阵作为最优解表达形式,设计连续竞买博弈算法.模拟真实场景并通过与同类算法的对比,表明了调度策略在泛集群环境下的响应速度、资源性价比和总成本支出等方面具有明显优势.     

Memetic algorithm with Preferential Local Search using adaptive weights for multi-objective optimization problems

Evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithms are generally employed to generate Pareto optimal solutions by exploring the search space. To enhance the performance, exploration by global search can be complemented with exploitation by combining it with local search. In this paper, we address the issues in integrating local search with global search such as: how to select individuals for local search; how deep the local search is performed; how to combine multiple objectives into single objective for local search. We introduce a Preferential Local Search mechanism to fine tune the global optimal solutions further and an adaptive weight mechanism for combining multi-objectives together. These ideas have been integrated into NSGA-II to arrive at a new memetic algorithm for solving multi-objective optimization problems. The proposed algorithm has been applied on a set of constrained and unconstrained multi-objective benchmark test suite. The performance was analyzed by computing different metrics such as Generational distance, Spread, Max spread, and HyperVolume Ratio for the test suite functions. Statistical test applied on the results obtained suggests that the proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-art multi-objective algorithms like NSGA-II and SPEA2. To study the performance of our algorithm on a real-world application, Economic Emission Load Dispatch was also taken up for validation. The performance was studied with the help of measures such as Hypervolume and Set Coverage Metrics. Experimental results substantiate that our algorithm has the capability to solve real-world problems like Economic Emission Load Dispatch and is able to produce better solutions, when compared with NSGA-II, SPEA2, and traditional memetic algorithms with fixed local search steps.     

Hindrances for robust multi-objective test problems

Despite the significant number of benchmark problems for evolutionary multi-objective optimisation algorithms, there are few in the field of robust multi-objective optimisation. This paper investigates the characteristics of the existing robust multi-objective test problems and identifies the current gaps in the literature. It is observed that the majority of the current test problems suffer from simplicity, so five hindrances are introduced to resolve this issue: bias towards non-robust regions, deceptive global non-robust fronts, multiple non-robust fronts (multi-modal search space), non-improving (flat) search spaces, and different shapes for both robust and non-robust Pareto optimal fronts. A set of 12 test functions are proposed by the combination of hindrances as challenging test beds for robust multi-objective algorithms. The paper also considers the comparison of five robust multi-objective algorithms on the proposed test problems. The results show that the proposed test functions are able to provide very challenging test beds for effectively comparing robust multi-objective optimisation algorithms. Note that the source codes of the proposed test functions are publicly available at www.alimirjalili.com/RO.html.     

Spiral water cycle algorithm for solving multi-objective optimization and truss optimization problems

This paper addresses multi-objective optimization and the truss optimization problem employing a novel meta-heuristic that is based on the real-world water cycle behavior in rivers, rainfalls, streams, etc. This meta-heuristic is called multi-objective water cycle algorithm (MOWCA) which is receiving great attention from researchers due to the good performance in handling optimization problems in different fields. Additionally, the hyperbolic spiral movement is integrated into the basic MOWCA to guide the agents throughout the search space. Consequently, under this hyperbolic spiral movement, the exploitation ability of the proposed MOSWCA is promoted. To assess the robustness and coherence of the MOSWCA, the performance of the proposed MOSWCA is analysed on some multi-objective optimisation benchmark functions; and three truss structure optimization problems. The results obtained by the MOSWCA of all test problems were compared with various multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms reported in the literature. From the empirical results, it is evident that the suggested approach reaches an excellent performance when solving multi-objective optimization and the truss optimization problems.

     

An imperialist competitive algorithm for virtual machine placement in cloud computing

Abstract

Cloud computing, the recently emerged revolution in IT industry, is empowered by virtualisation technology. In this paradigm, the user’s applications run over some virtual machines (VMs). The process of selecting proper physical machines to host these virtual machines is called virtual machine placement. It plays an important role on resource utilisation and power efficiency of cloud computing environment. In this paper, we propose an imperialist competitive-based algorithm for the virtual machine placement problem called ICA-VMPLC. The base optimisation algorithm is chosen to be ICA because of its ease in neighbourhood movement, good convergence rate and suitable terminology. The proposed algorithm investigates search space in a unique manner to efficiently obtain optimal placement solution that simultaneously minimises power consumption and total resource wastage. Its final solution performance is compared with several existing methods such as grouping genetic and ant colony-based algorithms as well as bin packing heuristic. The simulation results show that the proposed method is superior to other tested algorithms in terms of power consumption, resource wastage, CPU usage efficiency and memory usage efficiency.     

基于改进混沌优化的多目标遗传算法

针对多目标遗传算法存在的缺陷,提出了基于改进混沌优化的多目标遗传算法．引入基于改Tent映射的自适应变尺度混沌优化方法细化搜索空间和高效寻优,结合非支配排序的群体分级机制和精英保留等多目标优化策略,保持种群多样性的同时保证了进化向Pareto优解集的方向进行．多目标测试函数的数值仿真和电力系统无功优化的算例分析表明了该算法的有效性和可行性．