Development of evolutionary algorithm for determining the k most vital arcs in shortest path problem

The purpose of this study is to present a method for determining the k most vital arcs in shortest path problem using an evolutionary algorithm. The problem of finding the k most vital arcs in shortest path problem is to find a set of k arcs whose simultaneous removal from the network causes the greatest increase in the total length of shortest path. The problem determining the k most vital arcs in shortest path problem has known as NP-hard. Therefore, in order to deal with the problem of real world the heuristic algorithm is needed. In this study we propose to the method of finding the k-MVA in shortest path problem using an evolutionary algorithm which known as the most efficient algorithm among heuristics. For this, the expression method of individuals compatible with the characteristics of shortest path problem, the parameter values of constitution gene, size of the initial population, crossover rate and mutation rate etc. are specified and then the effective genetic algorithm will be proposed. The method presented in this study is developed using the library of the evolutionary algorithm framework (EAF) and then the performance of algorithm is analyzed through the computer experiment.