Comparison of two multi-objective optimization methods for composite radiation shielding materials.

Combining the SCE algorithm (Shuffled Complex Evolution), MOEA/D algorithm (Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decomposition), MCNP program and several prediction models, two multi-objective optimization methods (priori method and posteriori method) for radiation shielding material, which considering the shielding, mass, volume, mechanical and thermal properties are established. The material is in the form of resin matrix composite. The shielding performance of the material is simulated by MCNP program. The mechanical property and thermal property are calculated by some widely used prediction models. Several materials are optimized by the two methods respectively, and comparisons among the materials are made. The results show that, both the two methods could achieve synergistic optimization of shielding, mass, volume, mechanical properties and thermal properties of material. Differently, the priori method only obtains one solution corresponding to its weight values, while the posteriori method obtains the whole Pareto-optimal set. These two methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, which should be selected according to the actual situation.