Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA)

The Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is a swarm-based metaheuristic introduced by Mirjalili and Lewis in 2016. It models the bubble-net hunting strategy of humpback whales, in which a group of whales spirals around prey while gradually tightening the encirclement. The algorithm balances global exploration and local exploitation through a small set of parameters and has become widely used in continuous engineering optimisation problems.