Hidden-variables genetic algorithm for variable-size design space optimal layout problems with application to aerospace vehicles

The optimal layout of a complex system such as aerospace vehicles consists in placing given number components container order to minimize one or several objectives under some geometrical functional constraints. This paper presents an extended formulation this problem variable-size design space (VSDS) take into account large architectural choices and allocation during the process. As representative example systems, considering satellite module, VSDS aspect translates fact that optimizer has choose between subdivisions components. For instance, tank fuel might be placed well two smaller tanks three even for same amount fuel. In tackle NP-hard problem, genetic algorithm enhanced by adapted hidden-variables mechanism is proposed. latter illustrated on toy case application real world complexity illustrate performance proposed algorithms. results obtained using are reported analyzed.