Abstract
Genetic algorithms are stochastic search approaches based on randomized operators, such as selection, crossover and mutation, inspired by the natural reproduction and evolution of the living creatures. However, few published works deal with their application to the global optimization of functions depending on continuous variables.
A new algorithm called Continuous Genetic Algorithm (CGA) is proposed for the global optimization of multiminima functions. In order to cover a wide domain of possible solutions, our algorithm first takes care over the choice of the initial population. Then it locates the most promising area of the solution space, and continues the search through an “intensification” inside this area. The selection, the crossover and the mutation are performed by using the decimal code. The efficiency of CGA is tested in detail through a set of benchmark multimodal functions, of which global and local minima are known. CGA is compared to Tabu Search and Simulated Annealing, as alternative algorithms.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.References
Baker, J.E. (1985). “Reducing Bias and Inefficiency in the Selection Algorithm.” In Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Genetic Algorithms and their Applications, New Jersey, USA.
Battiti, R. and G. Tecchiolli. (1996). “The Continuous ReactiveTabu Search: Blending Combinatorial Optimization and Stochastic Search for Global Optimization.” Annals of Operations Research 63, 53-188.
Berthiau, G. and P. Siarry. (1997). “AGenetic Algorithm for Globally Minimizing Functions of Several Continuous Variables.” In Second International Conference on Metaheuristics, Sophia-Antipolis (France).
Bilbro, G.L. and W.E. Snyder. (1991). “Optimization of Functions with Many Minima.” IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics 21(4), 840-849.
Chelouah, R. and P. Siarry. (1999). “Enhanced Continuous Tabu Search: An Algorithm for the Global Optimization of Multiminima Function.” In S. Voss, S. Martello, I.H. Osman, and C. Roucairol (eds.), Meta-Heuristics, Advances and Trends in Local Search Paradigms for Optimization. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Chap. 4, pp. 49-61.
Chipperfield, A.J., P.J. Fleming, H. Pohleim, and C.M. Fonseca. (1994). “Genetic Algorithm Toolbox User's Guide.” ACSE Research Report No. 512, University of Sheffield.
Cvijovic, D. and J. Klinowski. (1995). “Taboo Search. An Approach to the Multiple Minima Problem.” Science 667, 664-666.
Goldberg, D.E. (1989). Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization, and Machine Learning. Addison-Wesley.
Holland, J.H. (1962). “Outline for Logical Theory of Adaptative Systems.” J. ACM 3, 297-314.
Holland, J.H. (1975). “Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems.” University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI, Internal Report.
Hu, N. (1992). “Tabu Search Method with Random Moves for Globally Optimal Design.” International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 35, 1055-1070.
De Jong, K.A. (1975). “An Analysis of the Behavior of a Class of Genetic Adaptative Systems.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Ph.D. Thesis.
Michalewicz, Z. (1996). Genetic Algorithms + Data Structures = Evolution Programs. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.
Mühlenbein, H. (1991). “Evolution in Time and Space-The Parallel Genetic Algorithm.” In Gregory J.E. Rawlins (ed.), Foundations of Genetic Algorithms. Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, pp. 316-337.
Mühlenbein H. and D. Schlierkamp-Voosen. (1993). “Analysis of Selection, Mutation and Recombination in Genetic Algorithms.” Technical Report 93/94, GMD.
Mühlenbein, H., M. Schomisch, and J. Born. (1991). “The Parallel Genetic Algorithm as Function Optimizer.” In Proc. of the Fourth International Conference on Genetic Algorithms. San Diego, CA, pp. 271-278.
Reeves, C.R. (ed.). (1995). “Modern Heuristic Techniques for Combinatorial Problems.” In Advanced Topics in Computer Science. McGraw-Hill, Chap. 4.
Siarry, P., G. Berthiau, F. Durbin, and J. Haussy. (1997). “Enhanced Simulated Annealing for Globally Minimizing Functions of Many Continuous Variables.” ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software 23(2), 209-228.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chelouah, R., Siarry, P. A Continuous Genetic Algorithm Designed for the Global Optimization of Multimodal Functions. Journal of Heuristics 6, 191–213 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009626110229
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009626110229