A Quick Group Search Optimizer and Its Application to the Optimal Design of Double Layer Grid Shells

Based on the basic principles of group search optimizer (GSO) algorithm, an optimal algorithm, aimed at improving the efficiency of structural optimization, named quick group search optimizer (QGSO), is presented and successfully applied to the optimal design of a large double layer grid shell structure. The calculation result is compared with that of GSO algorithm and heuristic particle swarm optimizer (HPSO) algorithm. Three improvements, including increasing the number of 'ranger' when the target stops going forward, using the search strategy of particle swarm optimizer (PSO) by considering the best group member and the best personal member, employing the step search strategy to replace the visual search strategy, and reproducing the 'ranger' with hybrid of the best group member and the best personal member, were introduced. The results show that the QGSO has preferable convergence rate and accuracy. it is desired for QGSO to be used effectively for practical structural optimal design problems.