Flowing Water Algorithm: A New Approach for Combinatorial Optimization Problems

Being greatly inspired by the natural flowing regulation of water, we propose a new meta-heuristic algorithm — Flowing Water Algorithm (FWA) for solution combinatorial optimization problems (COPs). Since space COPs is multidimensional, complex and has many local extreme values, according to our proposed method, it appears be similar an endless hilly area with mountains, valleys plateaus. The downward-flowing water in such finds its way lowest point hill. always flows downward eventually converges at place without any outside intervention except gravity. Such course can deemed as process seek point. derived from flow process. This combines search strategy population-based improve both global abilities. Four operators, including search, overflow, drilling tunnel evaporation-rain are included FWA, making this successfully perform tabu positive feedback, “survival fittest”, optimum escape. Two examples application traveling salesman problem (TSP) show that FWA outperforms benchmark methods quality convergence speed.