Simulated annealing coupled with the tabu search method for continuum optimization in electromagnetics

The simulated annealing algorithm coupled with the tabu search method for continuum optimization problems is presented. Basically, the new algorithm is obtained by assembling certain characteristics of the tabu search method into the standard simulated annealing. The numerical performance of the new algorithm is discussed based on the optimization of some classical test functions. Finally, an electrostatic insulator geometry is optimized using this algorithm coupled with the boundary element method in order to test it in electromagnetics.