A novel hybrid IWO/WDO algorithm for nulling pattern synthesis of uniformly spaced linear and non-uniform circular array antenna

This paper introduces a new, fast, efficient and global optimization algorithm called hybrid invasive weed optimization (IWO) and wind driven optimization (WDO). The hybrid algorithm is verified with six standard benchmark functions and implemented to the nulling pattern synthesis of a uniform linear array (ULA) and non-linear circular array (NUCA) antenna having a minimum side lobe level (SLL), and beam width to minimize the interference effect by optimizing the parameters of array elements. Two examples of ULA pattern synthesis with broad null at desired direction are considered to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. The results are compared with those obtained by BEES, PGSA, BFO, WDO and MTACO algorithms. Further, one design example of NUCA antenna is considered and the results obtained by hybrid algorithm is compared with those obtained by other evolutionary algorithms such as GA, PSO, CS, FA, BBO, COA, and MIWO. Simulation studies demonstrate the improved performance of hybrid IWO/WDO algorithm in terms of synthesizing broad null, minimum SLL, beam width control and the rate of convergence for nulling pattern synthesis of ULA and NUCA antenna compared to other twelve reported algorithms. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.