A niching cross-entropy method for multimodal satellite layout optimization design

Satellite layout optimization design (SLOD) relies on solving a high-dimensional and multimodal optimization problem, in which there exist multiple global optimal solutions. Existing algorithms for SLOD focus on seeking only one approximate global optimum. However, finding multiple solutions simultaneously could provide more design diversity for the designers. To alleviate this problem, multimodal optimization method is studied for SLOD in this paper, and an improved niching-based cross-entropy method (INCE) is proposed. INCE consists of an improved niching strategy, cross-entropy method-based offspring generation and a cross operator. CEC2013 benchmarks and satellite layout optimization design problem are investigated to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed INCE. Compared with several state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed algorithm performs better.

Automated summary

This paper explores a multimodal optimization method for satellite layout optimization design and proposes an improved niching-based cross-entropy method. Through investigations on CEC2013 benchmarks and satellite layout optimization design problem, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are validated, showing superior performance compared to several state-of-the-art algorithms.