Purpose This paper aims to present a new physically inspired meta-heuristic algorithm, which is called Plasma Generation Optimization (PGO). To evaluate the performance and capability of the proposed method in comparison to other optimization methods, two sets of test problems consisting of 13 constrained benchmark functions and 6 benchmark trusses are investigated numerically. The results indicate that the performance of the proposed method is competitive with other considered state-of-the-art optimization methods. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a new physically-based metaheuristic algorithm called plasma generation optimization (PGO) algorithm is developed for solving constrained optimization problems. PGO is a population-based optimizer inspired by the process of plasma generation. In the proposed algorithm, each agent is considered as an electron. Movement of electrons and changing their energy levels are based on simulating excitation, de-excitation and ionization processes occurring through the plasma generation. In the proposed PGO, the global optimum is obtained when plasma is generated with the highest degree of ionization. Findings A new physically-based metaheuristic algorithm called the PGO algorithm is developed that is inspired from the process of plasma generation. Originality/value The results indicate that the performance of the proposed method is competitive with other state-of-the-art methods.

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The repetitious nature of propelling a wheelchair has been associated with the high incidence of injury among manual wheelchair users (MWUs), mainly in the shoulder, elbow and wrist. Recent literature has found a link between handrim biomechanics and risk of injury to the upper extremity. The valid measurement of three-dimensional net joint forces and torques, however, can lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of injury, the development of prevention techniques, and the reduction of serious injuries to the joints. In this project, an instrumented wheel system was developed to measure the applied loads dynamically by the hand of the user and the angular position of the wheelchair user's hand on the handrim during the propulsion phase. The system is composed of an experimental six-axis load cell, and a wireless eight channel data logger mounted on a wheel hub. The angular position of the wheel is measured by an absolute magnetic encoder. The angular position of the wheelchair user's hand on the handrim during the propulsion phase (ɸ) or point of force application (PFA) is calculated by means of a new-experimental method using 36 pairs of infrared emitter/receiver diodes mounted around the handrim. In this regard, the observed data extracted from an inexperienced able-bodied subject pushed a wheelchair with the instrumented handrim are presented to show the output behavior of the instrumented handrim. The recorded forces and torques were in agreement with previously reported magnitudes. However, this paper can provide readers with some technical insights into possible solutions for measuring the manual wheelchair propulsion biomechanical data.