Adaptive differential search algorithm with multi-strategies for global optimization problems

Differential search (DSA) is a recently proposed evolutionary algorithm mimicking the Brownian motion-like random movement existing in living beings. Though it has displayed promise for global optimization, the original DSA suffers from relatively poor search capability, especially for exploitation. In this study, an augmented DSA (ADSA) is proposed by integrating memetic framework with multiple strategies. In ADSA, a sub-gradient strategy is combined to improve local exploitation, and the dynamic Levy flight technique is developed to strengthen the global exploration. Moreover, a mutation operator based on differential search is used to increase swarm diversity. An intelligent selection method is implemented to adaptively adjust the strategies based on historical performance. To fully benchmark the proposed algorithm, 35 test functions of various properties in 30-D and 100-D are adopted in numerical experiments. Seven canonical optimization algorithms are involved for experimental comparison. In addition, two real-world problems are also tested to verify ADSA’s practical applicability. Numerical results reveal the efficiency and effectiveness of ADSA.