Application of Imperialist Competitive Algorithm to Optimization Problems Arising in Welding Process

The Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) that was recently been introduced has shown its superior performance in optimization problems. This algorithm is inspired by competition mechanism among Imperialists and colonies, in contrast to evolutionary algorithms. This paper presents optimization of bead geometry in welding process using ICA. Therefore, two case studies from literature are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. ICA has demonstrated excellent capabilities such as simplicity, accuracy, faster convergence and better global optimum achievement. The results of ICA were finally compared with the Genetic Algorithm (GA). The outcome indicates the success of ICA in optimizing the weld bead geometry.