The aim of this paper is to explore the use of the proposed hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization-Simplex
Method (PSO-SM) algorithm to optimize the design of PM couplings subject to several key design constraints.
The proposed hybrid optimization algorithm is constructed based on combining two well-known
optimization techniques: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Simplex Method (SM). The PSO has
obvious capabilities in global search while the SM has exceptional advantages in local search. As a hybrid
algorithm, the PSO-SM has the outstanding feature of combining the ability of global searching and local
canvassing. On the other hand, Permanent Magnet (PM) drive couplings are used in power transmission
in a wide range of industrial applications. A standard coupling design is used as a good starting point
for the conventional Simplex Method and to define the performance constraints for the proposed hybrid
optimization algorithm. New coupling designs are developed and optimized to demonstrate the superior
capabilities of PSO-SM algorithm as a global optimization technique.