Heuristic optimization techniques in abrasive water jet hole making – A case study

Abstract

Evolutionary algorithms are commonly used for the purpose of modelling manufacturing processes as they provide results with a great amount of efficiency and accuracy. This article presents a comparison between the two of the most popular optimization techniques namely genetic algorithm and simulated annealing. These techniques have been compared step by step by applying to an abrasive water jet drilling process. The process is represented with the help of both the models and the methods/results are compared. Inputs considered for developing the model are water pressure, abrasive flow volume and standoff distance. The responses selected are overcut, circularity and drill rate. In both the optimization models four stages are reported. Each model is characterized by the change in weights of the factors and the results for the individual cases have been analyzed. The results show that the results obtained from both the techniques is very close but the time required for genetic algorithm is considerably less when compared to the simulated annealing procedure.