Artificial ecosystem optimization by means of fitness distance balance model for engineering design optimization

Optimization techniques have contributed to significant strides in complex real-world engineering problems. However, they must overcome several difficulties, such as the balance between the capacities for exploitation and exploration and avoiding local optimum. An enhanced Artificial Ecosystem Optimization (AEO) is proposed incorporating Fitness Distance Balance Model (FDB) for handling various engineering design optimization problems. In the proposed optimizer, the combined FDB design aids in selecting individuals who successfully contribute to population-level searches. Therefore, the FDB model is integrated with the AEO algorithm to increase the solution quality in nonlinear and multidimensional optimization situations. The FDBAEO is developed for handling six well-studied engineering optimization tasks considering the welded beam, the rolling element bearing, the pressure vessel, the speed reducer, the planetary gear train, and the hydrostatic thrust bearing design problems. The simulation outcomes were evaluated compared to the systemic AEO algorithm and other recent meta-heuristic approaches. The findings demonstrated that the FDBAEO reached the global optimal point more successfully. It has demonstrated promising abilities. Also, the proposed FDBAEO shows greater outperformance compared to several recent algorithms of Atomic Orbital Search, Arithmetic-Trigonometric, Beluga whale, Chef-Based, and Artificial Ecosystem Optimizers. Moreover, it declares great superiority compared to various reported optimizers.