Finding Plausible Optimal Solutions in Engineering Problems Using an Adaptive Genetic Algorithm

In engineering, optimization applications are commonly used to solve various problems. As widely known, solution of an engineering problem does not have a unique result; moreover, the solution of a unique problem may totally differ from one engineer to another. On the other hand, one of the most commonly used engineering optimization methods is genetic algorithm that leads us to only one global optimum. As to mention, engineering problems can conclude in different results from the point of different engineers' views. In this study, a modified genetic algorithm named multi-solution genetic algorithm (MsGA) based on clustering and section approaches is presented to identify alternative solutions for an engineering problem. MsGA can identify local optima points along with global optimum and can find numerous solution alternatives. The reliability of MsGA was tested by using a Gaussian and trigonometric function. After testing, MsGA was applied to a truss optimization problem as an example of an engineering optimization problem. The result obtained shows that MsGA is successful at finding multiple plausible solutions to an engineering optima problem