A surrogate-assisted expensive constrained multi-objective global optimization algorithm and application

Expensive multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs) have seen the successful applications of surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms (SAEAs). Nevertheless, the majority of SAEAs are developed for costly unconstrained optimization, and costly constrained MOPs (CMOPs) have received less attention. Therefore, this article proposes a surrogate-assisted global optimization algorithm (named CTEA) for solving CMOPs within a very limited number of fitness evaluations. The proposed algorithm combines two selection frameworks, a bi-level selection framework, and an adaptive sampling framework, to enhance optimization performance. Leveraging on a constraint-improving strategy and a Pareto-based three-indicator criterion (convergence, constraint, and diversity indicators) at the different levels, the proposed bi-level selection framework can select more promising solutions. Moreover, an adaptive sampling framework is developed to prioritize objective and constraint functions and select the candidate solutions for real function evaluations according to the priority. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed CTEA exhibits superior performance when compared with five state-of-the-art algorithms, achieving the best results in 61.9 % out of the 64 test instances. Finally, CTEA is applied to the multidisciplinary design optimization of blended-wing-body underwater gliders, and an impressive solution set is obtained. • CTEA is proposed for expensive constrained multi-objective problems. • Constraint-improving and Pareto-based three-indicator strategies enhance performance. • Adaptive sampling framework prioritizes functions and selects promising solutions. • CTEA demonstrates competitiveness against state-of-the-art methods. • CTEA is applied to carry out the MDO of BWBUGs.