Exploiting derivative-free local searches in DIRECT-type algorithms for global optimization

In this paper we consider bound constrained global optimization problems where first-order derivatives of the objective function can be neither computed nor approximated explicitly. For the solution of such problems the DIRECT Algorithm has been proposed which has strong convergence properties and a good ability to locate promising regions of the feasible domain. However, the … Read more

Global optimization on the torus, the sphere and the rotation group

Detecting all local extrema or the global extremum of a polynomial on the torus, the sphere or the rotation group is a tough yet often requested numerical problem. We present a heuristic approach that applies common descent methods like nonlinear conjugated gradients or Newtons methods simultaneously to a large number of starting points. The corner … Read more

Sparsity Optimization in Design of Multidimensional Filter Networks

Filter networks are used as a powerful tool aimed at reducing the image processing time and maintaining high image quality. They are composed of sparse sub-filters whose high sparsity ensures fast image processing. The filter network design is related to solving a sparse optimization problem where a cardinality constraint bounds above the sparsity level. In … Read more

Cutting Planes for RLT Relaxations of Mixed 0-1 Polynomial Programs

The Reformulation-Linearization Technique (RLT), due to Sherali and Adams, can be used to construct hierarchies of linear programming relaxations of mixed 0-1 polynomial programs. As one moves up the hierarchy, the relaxations grow stronger, but the number of variables increases exponentially. We present a procedure that generates cutting planes at any given level of the … Read more

A refined error analysis for fixed-degree polynomial optimization over the simplex

We consider fixed-degree polynomial optimization over the simplex. This problem is well known to be NP-hard, since it contains the maximum stable set problem in combinatorial optimization as a special case. In this paper, we consider a known upper bound by taking the minimum value on a regular grid, and a known lower bound based … Read more

Equivalence and Strong Equivalence between Sparsest and Least l1-Norm Nonnegative Solutions of Linear Systems and Their Application

Many practical problems can be formulated as $\ell_0$-minimization problems with nonnegativity constraints, which seek the sparsest nonnegative solutions to underdetermined linear systems. Recent study indicates that $\ell_1$-minimization is efficient for solving some classes of $\ell_0$-minimization problems. From a mathematical point of view, however, the understanding of the relationship between $\ell_0$- and $\ell_1$-minimization remains incomplete. In … Read more

Reactive Power Management using Firefly and Spiral Optimization under Static and Dynamic Loading Conditions

Power System planning encompasses the concept of minimization of transmission losses keeping in mind the voltage stability and system reliability. Voltage profile decides the state of a system and its control is dependent on Generator source voltage, shunt/series injection, transformer taps etc. Optimal parameter setting in system level is needed for managing the available resources … Read more

A Revisit to Quadratic Programming with One Inequality Quadratic Constraint via Matrix Pencil

The quadratic programming over one inequality quadratic constraint (QP1QC) is a very special case of quadratically constrained quadratic programming (QCQP) and attracted much attention since early 1990’s. It is now understood that, under the primal Slater condition, (QP1QC) has a tight SDP relaxation (PSDP). The optimal solution to (QP1QC), if exists, can be obtained by … Read more

Trust Region Subproblem with a Fixed Number of Additional Linear Inequality Constraints has Polynomial Complexity

The trust region subproblem with a fixed number m additional linear inequality constraints, denoted by (T_m), have drawn much attention recently. The question as to whether Problem ( T_m) is in Class P or Class NP remains open. So far, the only affirmative general result is that (T_1) has an exact SOCP/SDP reformulation and thus … Read more

Application of the Moment-SOS Approach to Global Optimization of the OPF Problem

Finding a global solution to the optimal power flow (OPF) problem is difficult due to its nonconvexity. A convex relaxation in the form of semidefinite programming (SDP) has attracted much attention lately as it yields a global solution in several practical cases. However, it does not in all cases, and such cases have been documented … Read more