11th International Conference of Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics 2013, ICNAAM 2013, Rhodes, Greece, 21 - 27 September 2013, vol.1558, pp.421-424
In this paper it is intended to present a general look to metaheuristic algorithms and their applications to engineering problems. An assessment is given of metaheuristic algorithms to emphasize their common characteristics. A short literature survey is presented showing engineering problems that are solved by metaheuristic algorithms. The advantages and disadvantages of these new techniques over classical method are discussed. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.