Genetic Algorithms and Engineering Design

The last few years have seen important advances in the use of genetic algorithms to address challenging optimization problems in industrial engineering. Genetic Algorithms and Engineering Design is the only book to cover the most recent technologies and their application to manufacturing, presenting a comprehensive and fully up-to-date treatment of genetic algorithms in industrial engineering and operations research. Beginning with a tutorial on genetic algorithm fundamentals and their use in solving constrained and combinatorial optimization problems, the book applies these techniques to problems in specific areas—sequencing, scheduling and production plans, transportation and vehicle routing, facility layout, location-allocation, and more. Each topic features a clearly written problem description, mathematical model, and summary of conventional heuristic algorithms. All algorithms are explained in intuitive, rather than highly-technical, language and are reinforced with illustrative figures and numerical examples. Written by two internationally acknowledged experts in the field, Genetic Algorithms and Engineering Design features original material on the foundation and application of genetic algorithms, and also standardizes the terms and symbols used in other sources—making this complex subject truly accessible to the beginner as well as to the more advanced reader. Ideal for both self-study and classroom use, this self-contained reference provides indispensable state-of-the-art guidance to professionals and students working in industrial engineering, management science, operations research, computer science, and artificial intelligence.