This paper presents a clear monograph on the optimization of thermal instability resistance of the FG (functionally graded) flat structures. For this aim, two FG flat structures, namely an FG beam and an FG circular plate, are considered. These structures are assumed to obey the first-order shear deformation theory, three-parameters power-law distribution of the constituents, and clamped bounda...

In recent years a lot of novel (mostly naturally inspired) search heuristics have been proposed. Among those approaches is Harmony Search. After its introduction in 2000, positive results and improvements over existing approaches have been reported. In this paper, the authors give a review of the developments of Harmony Search during the past decade and perform a rigorous analysis of this appro...

One of the main challenges for any university administrations is building a timetable for course sessions. Such a challenge not only relates to how to build a usable timetable but also how to build an optimal timetable at the same time. The university course timetable is classified as an NP-Complete problem. In general, it means assigning predefined courses to certain rooms and timeslots under ...

Abstract: Recently, common selection schemes used in harmony search algorithm (HSA) are altered in memory consideration operation to imitate the natural selection principle of survival of the fittest. The selection schemes adopted include: random, proportional, tournament, and linear rank. In this paper, these selection schemes are analysed in order to evaluate their effect on the performance o...

This paper thoroughly reviews and analyzes the main characteristics and application portfolio of the so-called Harmony Search algorithm, a meta-heuristic approach that has been shown to achieve excellent results in a wide range of optimization problems. As evidenced by a number of studies, this algorithm features several innovative aspects in its operational procedure that foster its utilizatio...