Comparison of multi-objective optimisation approaches for inverse magnetostatic problems

Purpose - The aim of the paper is to compare two different approaches to multi-objective optimisation in magnetostatics; in this way, the case study is investigated as a possible benchmark. Design/methodology/approach - A Tabu search method modified with e-constraint algorithm is compared with a multi-objective multi-individual evolution strategy. The case study is the automated shape design of a magnetic pole. In order to reduce the computational cost of solving the direct problem, which requires repeated analyses of the magnetic field, a neural network has been used to approximate the objective functions that depend on the design variables. Findings - An approximation of the Pareto front for each method is obtained. A twofold comparison between the two methods is made, based on both the result accuracy and the computational cost. Originality/value - Two different methods were already tested on a case study proposed as a benchmark for multi-objective optimization in magnetostatics. The paper represents a contribution to bridge the gap between analytical and numerical benchmarks in electromagnetism.