Synthesis of planar mechanisms using evolutionary algorithms

There are many optimization methods, but use of Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) has been increased due to the best results they offer in recent years. They have been very popular for solving nonlinear problems in engineering. EAs show varying degrees of success for different engineering applications. The optimal solution depends on the formulation of the problem. Genetic algorithm (GA) is an evolutionary optimization technique based on genetics principles and natural selection. Evolutionary algorithms are studied in general. Genetic Algorithm Toolbox, Optimization Toolbox Matlab© is explored and presented with examples in this study.This study presents an optimization approach for synthesis of planar mechanisms. Since four bar mechanism is simple and practically important mechanism, it is chosen in here. This mechanism is studied with the constraints assigned. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied during optimization study. GA is compared with nonlinear constrained numerical optimization command; fmincon in Matlab©. Three different case studies are presented. Different target points are considered for mechanism operation. These mechanisms are drawn using Excel© spread sheet to see their animations also. Performances of both algorithms are compared for their general use in similar problems based on mechanism synthesis.