A Genetic Algorithm for the Traveling Salesman Problem Using Prufer Number

Prufer 수를 이용한 외판원문제의 유전해법

This study proposes a genetic algorithm using Pr(equation omitted)fer number for the traveling salesman problem(PNGATSP). Nearest neighbor nodes are mixed with randomly selected nodes at the stage of generating initial solutions. Proposed PNGATSP adopts a few ideas which are different from traditional genetic algorithms. For instance, an exponential fitness function and elitism are used and Pr(equation omitted)fer number is used for encoding TSP. Genetic operators are selected by experiments, which make a good solution among four combinations of conventional genetic operators and new genetic operators. For respective combinations, robust set of parameters is determined by the experimental designing approach. The feature of Pr(equation omitted)fer number code for TSP and the search power of GA using Pr(equation omitted)fer number is analysed. The best is a combination of OX(order crossover) and swap, which is superior to the other experimented combinations of genetic operators by 1.0%∼12.8% deviation.