Abstract:

A new multi-modal optimization algorithm called the self-organizing worm algorithm (SOWA) is presented for optimization of multi-modal functions. The main idea of this algorithm can be described as follows: disperse some worms equably in the domain; the worms exchange the information each other and creep toward the nearest high point; at last they will stop on the nearest high point. All peaks of multi-modal function can be found rapidly through studying and chasing among the worms. In contrast with the classical multi-modal optimization algorithms, SOWA is provided with a simple calculation, strong convergence, high precision, and does not need any prior knowledge. Several simulation experiments for SOWA are performed, and the complexity of SOWA is analyzed amply. The results show that SOWA is very effective in optimization of multi-modal functions.