Cuckoo Search algorithm: A metaheuristic approach to solving the problem of optimum synthesis of a six-bar double dwell linkage

Abstract

This paper considers dimensional synthesis of a six-bar linkage with turning kinematic pairs, in the literature known as Stephenson III Six-bar linkage. The synthesis procedure started from the requirement that it should be a double dwell mechanism and that the coupler point, during dwell, should pass through the given points belonging to the circular arc. The coordinates of those points are not directly given; they lie on the circular arc defined by the corresponding centre of the curve and the crank angle that corresponds to the circular arc of the path during dwell. These values are obtained at the end of the optimization procedure so that in this case the precision points change their positions with the change of the position of the arc on which they lie. As this is the case with double dwell, the coupler point should describe a curve containing two circular arcs which does not have to be symmetric. A new metaheuristic algorithm, known as Cuckoo Search (CS), was used in the procedure of optimum synthesis of mechanism parameters. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.