The Use of Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Design Optimization...

Traditional optimization methods operate on a mathematical abstraction of the design problem. These methods usually give only a local optimum. But nontraditional techniques, such as simulated annealing, give near global optimum due to random selection. The cooling phenomenon of molten metals constitutes a search procedure for optimization using simulated annealing. The design optimization of steel and composite leaf springs using the simulated annealing approach is presented. The weight of the leaf spring is reduced from 12.33 to 1.57 kg when a seven-leaf steel spring is replaced by a mono-leaf composite spring with optimization. In this case, around 87.2% weight savings is achieved with same stiffness and strength. Authors: D. Abdul Budan (University BDT College of Engineering, Karnataka, India), S. Arunachalam (University of East London, London, UK), T. Page (Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK).