Aqua Search: A New Metaheuristic Modified Firefly Algorithm for Topology Optimisation of Continuum Structures

Abstract

The focus of the paper is to propose a new search algorithm which requires less computational effort to perform topology optimisation of continuum structures. The basic idea is based on performing underwater search operations by a group of divers in a school. This algorithm is named as Aqua Search (AS). The design domain here is compared to the water body. The AS algorithm is an improvement over the conventional Firefly algorithm. The diver makes his decision based on the base station information, his intuition and the field conditions such as visibility and feasibility. These are represented by relevant Mathematical expressions which can be used to determine the subsequent step length and the direction. This search algorithm is tested further using a few benchmark examples from the literature and the convergence is compared.