Introduction to Evolutionary Computation
NASA engineers use evolutionary computation to design tiny satellite antennas. Through a "survival of the fittest" approach, the software examines millions of potential antenna designs before settling on one.Copyright NASA http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/releases/2004/antenna/computer.html
Students are introduced to the concepts of evolution by natural selection and digital evolution software. They learn about the field of evolutionary computation, which applies the principles of natural selection to solve engineering design problems. They learn the similarities and differences between natural selection and the engineering design process.
Engineers apply scientific principles to design and build devices, structures, materials and processes. Typically, engineers identify a problem, brainstorm possible solutions and then create and test prototypes. Creating computational models helps engineers predict how prototypes or design decisions will react given certain parameters. Evolutionary computation applies the principles of evolution by natural selection to identify the best potential solutions and often suggest possible solutions that engineers would never have considered.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Compare and contrast digital evolution with biological evolution.
- Explain how the principles of natural selection can be applied to solve engineering design problems.