Five-elements cycle optimization algorithm for solving continuous optimization problems

The Five-elements Cycle Optimization Algorithm (FECO) is proposed in this paper inspired by the theory of Five-elements in Chinese traditional culture. It is built for finding the optimal solution of continuous functions based on the Five-elements Cycle Model which characterizes the mechanism of generation and restriction among five elements. The comparison with 11 optimization algorithms based on various mechanisms for 23 benchmark functions is given, which indicates the suitability and universality of FECO.