Parallel Interval Continuous Global Optimization Algorithms

We theorically study, on a distributed memory architecture, the parallelization of Hansen’s algorithm for the continuous global optimization with inequality constraints, using interval arithmetic. We propose a parallel algorithm based on a dynamic redistribution of the working list among the processors. On the other hand, we exploit the reduction technique, developped by Hansen, for computing … Read more

Efficient Algorithms for Large Scale Global Optimization: Lennard-Jones clusters

A standard stochastic global optimization method is applied to the challenging problem of finding the minimum energy conformation of cluster of identical atoms interacting through the Lennard-Jones potential. The method proposed is based on the use of a two-phase local search procedure which is capable of significantly enlarge the basin of attraction of the global … Read more

A General Framework for Convex Relaxation of Polynomial Optimization Problems over Cones

The class of POPs (Polynomial Optimization Problems) over cones covers a wide range of optimization problems such as $0$-$1$ integer linear and quadratic programs, nonconvex quadratic programs and bilinear matrix inequalities. This paper presents a new framework for convex relaxation of POPs over cones in terms of linear optimization problems over cones. It provides a … Read more

Global Optimization: Software, Test Problems, and Applications

We provide a concise review of the most prominent global optimization (GO) strategies currently available. This is followed by a discussion of GO software, test problems and several important types of applications, with additional pointers. The exposition is concentrated around topics related to continuous GO, although in certain aspects it is also pertinent to analogous … Read more

GloptiPoly – Global Optimization over Polynomials withMatlab and SeDuMi

GloptiPoly is a Matlab/SeDuMi add-on to build and solve convex linear matrix inequality relaxations of the (generally non-convex) global optimization problem of minimizing a multivariable polynomial function subject to polynomial inequality, equality or integer constraints. It generates a series of lower bounds monotonically converging to the global optimum. Numerical experiments show that for most of … Read more

The Sample Average Approximation Method for Stochastic Programs with Integer Recourse

This paper develops a solution strategy for two-stage stochastic programs with integer recourse. The proposed methodology relies on approximating the underlying stochastic program via sampling, and solving the approximate problem via a specialized optimization algorithm. We show that the proposed scheme will produce an optimal solution to the true problem with probability approaching one exponentially … Read more

A sequential convexification method (SCM) for continuous global optimization

A new method for continuous global minimization problems, acronymed SCM, is introduced. This method gives a simple transformation to convert the original objective function to an auxiliary function with gradually fewer local minimizers. All Local minimizers except a prefixed one of the auxiliary function is in the region where the function value of the original … Read more

Semidefinite programming vs LP relaxations for polynomial programming

We consider the global minimization of a multivariate polynomial on a semi-algebraic set \Omega defined with polynomial inequalities. We then compare two hierarchies of relaxations, namely, LP-relaxations based on products of the original constraints, in the spirit of the RLT procedure of Sherali and Adams and recent SDP (semi definite programming) relaxations introduced by the … Read more

Products of positive forms, linear matrix inequalities, and Hilbert 17-th problem for ternary forms

A form p on R^n (homogeneous n-variate polynomial) is called positive semidefinite (psd) if it is nonnegative on R^n. In other words, the zero vector is a global minimizer of p in this case. The famous 17th conjecture of Hilbert (later proven by Artin) is that a form p is psd if and only if … Read more

New Classes of Globally Convexized Filled Functions for Global Optimization

We propose new classes of globally convexized filled functions. Unlike the globally convexized filled functions previously proposed in literature, the ones proposed in this paper are continuously differentiable and, under suitable assumptions, their unconstrained minimization allows to escape from any local minima of the original objective function. Moreover we show that the properties of the … Read more