Electron radar search algorithm: a novel developed meta-heuristic algorithm

This paper introduces a new optimization algorithm called electron radar search algorithm (ERSA) inspired by the electron discharge mechanism. It is based on the natural phenomenon of electric flow as the form of electron discharge through a gas, liquid, or solid environment. When the voltage between separated electrodes (anode and cathode) increases, electrons tendency to emission from a low potential state to the higher potential condition is grown up. However, electrons are trying to find the best path with the least resistance in the medium. At each point, electrons evaluate the surrounding environment with a radar mechanism and least resistance path is selected for the next move. Hence, in this paper, a novel developed meta-heuristic algorithm based on the electrons’ search approach is presented and the algorithm is benchmarked on 20 mathematical functions with four well-known methods for validation and verification tests. Moreover, the algorithm is implemented in two engineering design problems (tension/expression spring and welded beam design optimization) and the results demonstrate that the ERSA performs more efficiently for solving unknown search spaces and the algorithm found best solution in approximately 95% of the reviewed benchmark functions.