
Researchers have developed a cutting-edge optimization algorithm inspired by the remarkable hunting behavior of whales, known as the Spiral-Enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm (SEWOA). This innovative approach combines the power of the original Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) with novel strategies to enhance population diversity and balance exploration and exploitation. By incorporating a nonlinear time-varying adaptive weight optimization dynamic perturbation factor and an Archimedean spiral structure, SEWOA demonstrates superior performance in solving complex optimization problems across various fields, from engineering design to resource allocation. This groundbreaking research not only pushes the boundaries of swarm intelligence but also offers insights into the intricate movements and foraging strategies of these magnificent marine mammals.
Harnessing the Power of Whale Behavior
Optimization problems are ubiquitous in the real world, ranging from resource allocation and equipment deployment to path planning and engineering design. Traditional optimization methods, such as the method’>Newton’s method, often struggle with high computational complexity and strict execution conditions. In recent years, metaheuristic algorithms have emerged as a powerful solution, offering simplicity and superior performance.
One such algorithm, the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), takes inspiration from the hunting behavior of whales. Whales are known to employ three key strategies during their pursuit of prey: encircling, spiral feeding, and random search. By simulating these natural behaviors, the WOA algorithm has demonstrated remarkable success in solving a wide range of optimization problems.
Enhancing the Whale Optimization Algorithm
Despite the impressive performance of the WOA algorithm, researchers have identified two common challenges: insufficient population diversity and an imbalance between exploration and exploitation. To address these limitations, the researchers in this study developed the Spiral-Enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm (SEWOA).
The key innovations of SEWOA include:
1. Nonlinear Time-Varying Adaptive Weight Optimization Dynamic Perturbation Factor:
This dynamic factor adjusts the direction and intensity of the whale’s search behavior, allowing the algorithm to adapt to the complexity and nonlinearity of the problem at hand. By introducing a nonlinear and time-varying component, the algorithm can effectively balance exploration and exploitation throughout the optimization process.

2. Improved Archimedean Spiral Structure:
The original WOA algorithm uses a logarithmic spiral structure to update the position of the whales during the search process. However, this approach can lead to insufficient traversal of the search space. SEWOA addresses this by replacing the logarithmic spiral with an 2014testsuite’>CEC2014 test suite and the swarmoptimization’>Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), algorithm’>Firefly Algorithm (FA).

Furthermore, the researchers applied SEWOA to solve three real-world engineering optimization problems: the design’>tension and compression spring design problem, and the Click Here