Somersault Foraging and Elite Opposition-Based Learning Dung Beetle Optimization Algorithm

To tackle the shortcomings of the Dung Beetle Optimization (DBO) Algorithm, which include slow convergence speed, an imbalance between exploration and exploitation, and susceptibility to local optima, a Somersault Foraging and Elite Opposition-Based Learning Dung Beetle Optimization (SFEDBO) Algorithm is proposed. This algorithm utilizes an elite opposition-based learning strategy as the method for generating the initial population, resulting in a more diverse initial population. To address the imbalance between exploration and exploitation in the algorithm, an adaptive strategy is employed to dynamically adjust the number of dung beetles and eggs with each iteration of the population. Inspired by the Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (MRFO) algorithm, we utilize its somersault foraging strategy to perturb the position of the optimal individual, thereby enhancing the algorithm’s ability to escape from local optima. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed improvements, the SFEDBO algorithm is utilized to optimize 23 benchmark test functions. The results show that the SFEDBO algorithm achieves better solution accuracy and stability, outperforming the DBO algorithm in terms of optimization results on the test functions. Finally, the SFEDBO algorithm was applied to the practical application problems of pressure vessel design, tension/extension spring design, and 3D unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning, and better optimization results were obtained. The research shows that the SFEDBO algorithm proposed in this paper is applicable to actual optimization problems and has better performance.