Performance of the whale optimization algorithm in space steel frame optimization problems

Abstract

Frame optimization that contains highly non-linear and irregular functions and discrete design variables is one of the most challenging optimization problems. Therefore, gradient-based optimization techniques cannot be successful in such problems. Metaheuristic techniques, especially population-based metaheuristic techniques, perform highly effective in solving the frame optimization problem. However, stochastic processes’ performances included in metaheuristic techniques vary based on the problem. Accordingly, researches on the performance of novel metaheuristic techniques on challenging engineering problems continue. One of the novel metaheuristic techniques is the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) which is inspired by the bubble-net feeding behavior of humpback whales. The aim of this study is testing the performance of WOA for space steel frame optimization problems. For this purpose, WOA-cased frame optimization program will be developed. Benchmark frame structures are selected to compare optimum solutions with literature results. © 2021, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.