Novel derivative of harmony search algorithm for discrete design variables

Calculus has widespread applications in science and engineering. Optimization is one of its major subjects, where a problem can be mathematically formulated and its optimal solution is determined by using derivatives. However, this calculus-based derivative technique can only be applied to real-valued or continuous-valued functions rather than discrete-valued functions while there are many situations where design variables contain not continuous values but discrete values by nature. In order to consider these realistic design situations, this study proposes a novel derivative for discrete design variables based on a harmony search algorithm. Detailed analysis shows how this new stochastic derivative works in the bench-mark function and fluid-transport network design. Hopefully this new derivative, as a fundamental technology, will be utilized in various science and engineering problems. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.