Topological shape optimization scheme based on the artificial bee colony algorithm

We propose a new topological shape optimization scheme based on the artificial bee colony algorithm (ABCA). Since the level set method (LSM) and phase field method (PFM) in topological shape optimization have been developed, one of any algorithms in this field has not yet been proposed. To perform the topological shape optimization based on the ABCA, a variable called the “Boundary Element Indicator (BEI),” is introduced, which serves to define the boundary elements whenever a temporary candidate solution is found in the employed and onlooker bee phases. Numerical examples are provided to verify the performance of the suggested ABCA compared with the discrete LSM and the ABCA for topology optimization. The numerical examples showed that holes in the structure are naturally created in the ABCA for topological shape optimization. Moreover, the objective function of the suggested ABCA is lower than that of the ABCA for topology optimization, and is similar to that of the discrete LSM. The convergence rate of the suggested ABCA is the fastest among the comparison methods. Therefore, it can be verified that the suggested topological shape optimization scheme, based on the ABCA, is the most effective among the comparison methods.