LAUSR

PurposeBat algorithm (BA) is a global optimization method, but has a worse performance on engineering optimization problems. The purpose of this study is to propose a novel chaotic bat algorithm based on catfish effect (CE-CBA), which can effectively deal with optimization problems in real-world applications.Design/methodology/approachIncorporating chaos strategy and catfish effect, the proposed algorithm can not only enhance the ability for local search but also improve the ability to escape from local optima traps. On the one hand, the performance of CE-CBA has been evaluated by a set of numerical experiment based on classical benchmark functions. On the other hand, five benchmark engineering design problems have been also used to test CE-CBA.FindingsThe statistical results of the numerical experiment show the significant improvement of CE-CBA compared with the standard algorithms and improved bat algorithms. Moreover, the feasibility and effectiveness of CE-CBA in solving engineering optimization problems are demonstrated.Originality/valueThis paper proposed a novel BA with two improvement strategies including chaos strategy and catfish effect for the first time. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm can be used to solve many real-world engineering optimization problems with several decision variables and constraints.