How do I tune parameters in simulated annealing?

How do I tune parameters in simulated annealing?

Tuning parameters in simulated annealing involves adjusting the temperature schedule, cooling rate, and stopping criteria. Would you like to know more about any specific parameter?

Yes, what is the best way to set the cooling rate?

The cooling rate determines how quickly the temperature decreases. A common approach is to start with a high temperature and reduce it exponentially. You can experiment with different rates to find the optimal one for your problem.

What happens if the cooling rate is too fast?

If the cooling rate is too fast, the algorithm may converge prematurely to a suboptimal solution, missing better solutions that could be found with a slower cooling process.

Are there any guidelines for the initial temperature?

Yes, the initial temperature should be high enough to allow exploration of the solution space. A common method is to set it based on the energy difference of the initial solution and a random solution.