In 1996, a superconducting magnetic energy storage arrangement was selected to become a benchmark problem for testing different optimization algorithms, both deterministic and stochastic ones. Since the forward problem can be solved semianalytically by Biot-Savart's law, this benchmark became quite popular. Nevertheless, the demands on optimization software have increased dramatically since then. To give an example, methods looking for Pareto-optimal points rather than for a single solution only have been introduced by several groups. In this paper, a proposal for an extended version of the benchmark problem will be made and some results will be presented.

Real-world optimization problems often require the minimization/maximization of more than one objective, which, in general, conflict with each other. These problems (multiobjective optimization problems, vector optimization problems) are usually treated by using weighted sums or other decision-making schemes. An alternative way is to look for the pareto-optimal front. In this paper, the particle swarm algorithm is modified to detect the pareto-optimal front.

Real world optimisation problems require the minimisation/maximisation of objectives that are often in conflict with one another. These problems (multi-objective optimisation problems, vector optimisation problems) are in general treated by using weighted sums or other decision-making schemes. An alternative way is to look for the Pareto optimal front. The authors modify the particle swarm algorithm to detect the Pareto optimal front. The proposed algorithm shows an excellent performance in minimising the number of solutions of the forward problem and also provides a very reliable representation of the Pareto optimal front.

Nowadays, there are strong movements towards development and usage of multimedia courseware as a means of knowledge transfer. Many authors of textbooks or lecture notes are now striving to redesign the supporting material for their major courses in a structured, highly efficient way, including interactive content and media. Thus, in order to avoid unnecessary work load resulting from updating and publishing various courseware versions, tools for improving document creation and conversion have been developed and are now being applied for the first time on a new “Electrodynamics”‐‐ courseware.