Investigation of PWR core optimization using harmony search algorithms

► Using a harmony search algorithms, PWR core optimization is studied. ► The HS, IHS and HSDM are compared with other heuristic algorithms. ► The performances of HS, IHS and HSDM techniques are well and quiet promising. ► The advantages of IHS and HSDM are illustrated using Shekel's Foxholes. ► The multi objective thermal-neutronic functions are evaluated for three test cases.