Embedded in the Shadow of the Separator

We study the problem of maximizing the second smallest eigenvalue of the Laplace matrix of a graph over all nonnegative edge weightings with bounded total weight. The optimal value is the \emph{absolute algebraic connectivity} introduced by Fiedler, who proved tight connections of this value to the connectivity of the graph. Using semidefinite programming techniques and … Read more

Semidefinite Bounds for the Stability Number of a Graph via Sums of Squares of Polynomials

Lov\’ asz and Schrijver [1991] have constructed semidefinite relaxations for the stable set polytope of a graph $G=(V,E)$ by a sequence of lift-and-project operations; their procedure finds the stable set polytope in at most $\alpha(G)$ steps, where $\alpha(G)$ is the stability number of $G$. Two other hierarchies of semidefinite bounds for the stability number have … Read more

A semidefinite programming based heuristic for graph coloring

The Lovasz theta function is a well-known polynomial lower bound on the chromatic number. . Any near optimal solution of its semidefinite programming formulation carries valuable information on how to color the graph. A self-contained presentation of the role of this formulation in obtaining heuristics for the graph coloring problem is presented. CitationSubmitted to Discrete … Read more

Wavelength Assignment in Multi-Fiber WDM Networks by Generalized Edge Coloring

In this paper, we study wavelength assignment problems in multi-fiber WDM networks. We focus on the special case that all lightpaths have at most two links. This in particular holds in case the network topology is a star. As the links incident to a specific node in a meshed topology form a star subnetwork, results … Read more

Reduction of symmetric semidefinite programs using the regular *-representation

We consider semidefinite programming problems on which a permutation group is acting. We describe a general technique to reduce the size of such problems, exploiting the symmetry. The technique is based on a low-order matrix *-representation of the commutant (centralizer ring) of the matrix algebra generated by the permutation matrices. We apply it to extending … Read more

Semidefinite programming relaxations for graph coloring and maximal clique problems

The semidefinite programming formulation of the Lovasz theta number does not only give one of the best polynomial simultaneous bounds on the chromatic number and the clique number of a graph, but also leads to heuristics for graph coloring and extracting large cliques. This semidefinite programming formulation can be tightened toward either number by adding … Read more

Linear Programming Lower Bounds for Minimum Converter Wavelength Assignment in Optical Networks

In this paper, we study the conflict-free assignment of wavelengths to lightpaths in an optical network with the opportunity to place wavelength converters. To benchmark heuristics for the problem, we develop integer programming formulations and study their properties. Moreover, we study the computational performance of the column generation algorithm for solving the linear relaxation of … Read more

A linear programming approach to increasing the weight of all minimum spanning trees

Given a graph where increasing the weight of an edge has a nondecreasing convex piecewise linear cost, we study the problem of finding a minimum cost increase of the weights so that the value of all minimum spanning trees is equal to some target value. We formulate this as a combinatorial linear program and give … Read more

Finding good nearly balanced cuts in power law graphs

In power law graphs, cut quality varies inversely with cut balance. Using some million node social graphs as a test bed, we empirically investigate this property and its implications for graph partitioning. We use six algorithms, including Metis and MQI (state of the art methods for finding bisections and quotient cuts) and four relaxation/rounding methods. … Read more

Note: A Graph-Theoretical Approach to Level of Repair Analysis

Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) is a prescribed procedure for defence logistics support planning. For a complex engineering system containing perhaps thousands of assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, etc. organized into several levels of indenture and with a number of possible repair decisions, LORA seeks to determine an optimal provision of repair and maintenance facilities to minimize … Read more