A MODIFIED FIREFLY ALGORITHM FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS

Abstract

In the present study, some modifications on the firefly algorithm are presented toimprove its performance. The firefly algorithm is a recently developed robust metaheuristicoptimization technique which mimics the social behavior of fireflies based on their flashingcharacteristics. To improve its performance three basic modifications are proposed in the presentwork. These modifications consist of adding memory, adding newborn fireflies and proposing anew updating formula. To evaluate the applicability of the proposed method, three classicalengineering design optimization problems and three sizing optimization of truss structures aresolved and results are compared with those available in the literature. It is observed that theproposed method can effectively be used in solution of engineering design optimization problems.