Parallel Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimization on Large, Heterogeneous Clusters: An Applications Perespective


Abstract

Real-world operational use of parallel multi-objective evolutionary algorithms requires successful searches in constrained wall-clock periods, limited trial-and-error algorithmic analysis, and scalable use of heterogeneous computing hardware. This study provides a cross-disciplinary collaborative effort to assess and adapt parallel multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for operational use in satellite constellation design using large dedicated clusters with heterogeneous processor speeds/architectures. A statistical, metric-based evaluation framework is used to demonstrate how time-continuation, asynchronous evolution, dynamic population sizing, and epsilon dominance archiving can be used to enhance both simple master-slave parallelization strategies and more complex multiple-population schemes. Results for a benchmark constellation design coverage problem show that simple master-slave schemes that exploit time-continuation are often sufficient and potentially superior to complex multiple-population schemes.