Finding acceptable solutions in the pareto-optimal range using multiobjective genetic algorithms

This paper investigates the problem of using a genetic algorithm to converge on a small, user-defined subset of acceptable solutions to multiobjective problems, in the Pareto-optimal (P-O) range. The paper initially explores exactly why separate objectives can cause problems in a genetic algorithm (GA). A technique to guide the GA to converge on the subset of acceptable solutions is then introduced.

The paper then describes the application of six multiobjective techniques (three established methods and three new, or less commonly used methods) to four test functions. The previously unpublished distribution of solutions produced in the P-O range(s) by each method is described. The distribution of solutions and the ability of each method to guide the GA to converge on a small, user-defined subset of P-O solutions is then assessed, with the conclusion that two of the new multiobjective ranking methods are most useful.