Cut-Pursuit Algorithm for Regularizing Nonsmooth Functionals with Graph Total Variation

We present an extension of the cut-pursuit algorithm, introduced by Landrieu and Obozinski (2017), to the graph total-variation regularization of functions with a separable nondifferentiable part. We propose a modified algorithmic scheme as well as adapted proofs of convergence. We also present a heuristic approach for handling the cases in which the values associated to … Read more

Combinatorial Integral Approximation for Mixed-Integer PDE-Constrained Optimization Problems

We apply the basic principles underlying combinatorial integral approximation methods for mixed-integer optimal control with ordinary differential equations in general, and the sum-up rounding algorithm specifically, to optimization problems with partial differential equation (PDE) constraints. By doing so, we identify two possible generalizations that are applicable to problems involving PDE constraints with mesh-dependent integer variables, … Read more

FINITE ELEMENT MODEL UPDATING FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS

A novel method for performing model updating on finite element models is presented. The approach is particularly tailored to modal analyses of buildings, by which the lowest frequencies, obtained by using sensors and system identification approaches, need to be matched to the numerical ones predicted by the model. This is done by optimizing some unknown … Read more

A Decision Tool based on a Multi-Objective Methodology for designing High-Pressure Thermal Treatments in Food Industry

In this work, we propose a methodology for designing High-Pressure Thermal processes for food treatment. This approach is based on a multi-objective preference-based evolutionary optimization algorithm, called WASF-GA, combined with a decision strategy which provides the food engineer with the best treatment in accordance with some quality requirements. The resulting method is compared to a … Read more

Optimal Black Start Allocation for Power System Restoration

Equipment failures, operator errors, natural disasters and cyber-attacks can and have caused extended blackouts of the electric grid. Even though such events are rare, preparedness for them is critical because extended power outages endanger human lives, compromise national security, or result in economic losses of billions of dollars. Since most of the generating units cannot … Read more

Robust Optimal Discrete Arc Sizing for Tree-Shaped Potential Networks

We consider the problem of discrete arc sizing for tree-shaped potential networks with respect to infinitely many demand scenarios. This means that the arc sizes need to be feasible for an infinite set of scenarios. The problem can be seen as a strictly robust counterpart of a single-scenario network design problem, which is shown to … Read more

Combining Multi-Level Real-time Iterations of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control to Realize Squatting Motions on Leo

Today’s humanoid robots are complex mechanical systems with many degrees of freedom that are built to achieve locomotion skills comparable to humans. In order to synthesize whole-body motions, real-tme capable direct methods of optimal control are a subject of contemporary research. To this end, Nonlinear Model Predictive Control is the method of choice to realize … Read more

Tight-and-cheap conic relaxation for the AC optimal power flow problem

The classical alternating current optimal power flow problem is highly nonconvex and generally hard to solve. Convex relaxations, in particular semidefinite, second-order cone, convex quadratic, and linear relaxations, have recently attracted significant interest. The semidefinite relaxation is the strongest among them and is exact for many cases. However, the computational efficiency for solving large-scale semidefinite … Read more

Bounding and Counting Linear Regions of Deep Neural Networks

We investigate the complexity of deep neural networks (DNN) that represent piecewise linear (PWL) functions. In particular, we study the number of linear regions, i.e. pieces, that a PWL function represented by a DNN can attain, both theoretically and empirically. We present (i) tighter upper and lower bounds for the maximum number of linear regions … Read more

GEP-MSCRA for computing the group zero-norm regularized least squares estimator

This paper concerns with the group zero-norm regularized least squares estimator which, in terms of the variational characterization of the zero-norm, can be obtained from a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). By developing the global exact penalty for the MPEC, this estimator is shown to arise from an exact penalization problem that not only … Read more