A new meta-heuristic algorithm: vibrating particles system

In this paper, a new meta-heuristic algorithm based on free vibration of single degree of freedom systems with viscous damping is introduced and it is called vibrating particles system (VPS). The solution candidates are considered as particles that gradually approach to their equilibrium positions. Equilibrium positions are achieved from current population and historically best position in order to have a proper balance between diversification and intensification. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, it is applied for sizing optimization of four skeletal structures including trusses and frames. Results show that the proposed algorithm is a robust and reliable method.