Evolution strategies in engineering optimization

The available methods used for the solution of optimization problems in engineering are commonly classified as zero, first and second order methods according to the order of information which is required. In this paper a zero order method based on evolution strategies is described. Evolution strategies are stochastic search methods for solving optimization problems and have their philosophical basis in processes found in nature. The basic evolution strategy is presented first, followed by generalizations for parallel computing and for the solution of discrete and mixed discrete-continuous problems. Some applications to test problems from the literature and to realistic problems of structural optimization are given.