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A BEM‐based genetic algorithm for identification of polarization curves in cathodic protection systems
Author(s) -
Miltiadou Panayiotis,
Wrobel Luiz C.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.413
Subject(s) - conjugate gradient method , polarization (electrochemistry) , inverse problem , cathodic protection , algorithm , finite element method , boundary element method , genetic algorithm , inverse , computer science , mathematical optimization , mathematics , engineering , mathematical analysis , geometry , physics , structural engineering , chemistry , electrochemistry , electrode , quantum mechanics
Abstract The purpose of this work is to apply an inverse boundary element formulation in order to develop efficient algorithms for identification of polarization curves in a cathodic protection system. The problem is to minimize an objective function measuring the difference between observed and BEM‐predicted surface potentials. The numerical formulation is based on the application of genetic algorithms, which are robust search techniques emulating the natural process of evolution as a means of progressing towards an optimum solution. Examples of application are included in the paper for different types of polarization curves in finite and infinite electrolytes. The accuracy and efficiency of the numerical results are verified by comparison with standard conjugate gradient techniques. As a result of this research, the genetic algorithm approach is shown to be more robust, independent of the position of the sensors and of initial guesses, and will be further developed for three‐dimensional applications. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.