Simulated annealing and genetic algorithms in topology optimization tools: A comparison through the design of a Switched Reluctance Machine

This paper deals with the design of electromagnetic actuator via topology optimization methods. It proposes an original topology optimization tool based on a simulated annealing algorithm. This new tool is compared with another topology optimization tool using a genetic algorithm. This comparison is performed on a practical case, the design of a Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM). The results show the gain brought by the simulated annealing algorithm for this type of problem.