Engineering Optimisation by Cuckoo Search

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the Cuckoo Search algorithm's effectiveness in engineering optimization, demonstrating its superior performance over particle swarm optimization in design problems like springs and welded beams.

Contribution

It provides an extensive comparison of Cuckoo Search with other methods and applies it successfully to engineering design problems, highlighting its unique search features.

Findings

CS outperforms particle swarm optimizer in engineering problems

CS effectively solves standard and stochastic test functions

The paper discusses the unique search mechanisms of CS

Abstract

A new metaheuristic optimisation algorithm, called Cuckoo Search (CS), was developed recently by Yang and Deb (2009). This paper presents a more extensive comparison study using some standard test functions and newly designed stochastic test functions. We then apply the CS algorithm to solve engineering design optimisation problems, including the design of springs and welded beam structures. The optimal solutions obtained by CS are far better than the best solutions obtained by an efficient particle swarm optimiser. We will discuss the unique search features used in CS and the implications for further research.