Optimization of space domes using modified binary particle swarm method (Modified BPSO)

In this paper, the optimal sizing design of space domes with discrete variables is studied using modified binary particle swarm optimization (Modified BPSO). The objective function considered is the total weight of the structure subjected to material and performance constraints in the form of stress and deflection limits. Binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) is cooperative, population based, global search, swarm intelligence and meta-heuristic. The Modified BPSO is population based optimization algorithm which was inspired by the social behavior of animals such as fish´s school and bird flocking. Our implementation of Modified BPSO mimics the social behavior of birds. Individual birds in the flock exchange information about their position, velocity and fitness, and the behavior of the flock is then influenced to increase the probability of migration to regions of high fitness. The calculation results show that the Modified BPSO is able to achieve better results in comparison with conventional mathematical, genetic algorithm and harmony search algorithm methods used in space domes.