Comparison of various genetic algorithm techniques for optimisation of simple wire antennas

Various selection techniques, mutation rates and mating techniques for the genetic algorithm were compared using a simple test case Yagi antenna. It was determined that the most effective technique was one employing a population decimation selection strategy, a mutation probability of 15% and an adjacent-fitness-pairing or best-mates-worst mating scheme. A genetic algorithm employing these techniques was then used for optimising some simple Yagi and helix antenna designs in SuperNEC. These optimised antenna designs were then compared to textbook designs, and it was found that the optimised designs either matched or exceeded the textbook design performances.