Many-objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Distance Dominance Relation

There are two main aspects of research in multi-objective optimization algorithm, namely, convergence and diversity. While, it is difficult for original algorithms to maintain the diversity of solutions in the high-dimensional objective space. In order to enhance the diversity of algorithms in many-objective optimization problems, a new distance dominance relation is proposed in this paper. First, in order to ensure the convergence of the algorithm, the distance dominance relation calculates the distance from the candidate solution to the ideal point as the fitness value, and selects the candidate solution with good fitness value as the non-dominant solution. Then, in order to enhance the diversity of the algorithm, the distance dominance relation sets each candidate solution to have the same niche and ensures that only one optimal solution is retained in the same territory. Finally, the VaEA algorithm is improved based on the proposed distance dominance relation. On the DTLZ and IDTLZ test of 5–15 dimensional targets, the improved algorithm is compared with six commonly used algorithms. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm is highly competitive and can significantly enhance the diversity of the algorithm.