Solving the Heilbronn Triangle Problem using Global Optimization Methods

We study the Heilbronn triangle problem, which involves placing \(n\) points in the unit square such that the minimum area of any triangle formed by these points is maximized. A straightforward maximin formulation of this problem is highly non-linear and non-convex due to the existence of bilinear terms and absolute value equations. We propose two … Read more

Combinatorial Benders Decomposition and Column Generation for Optimal Box Selection

We consider a two-stage optimization problem with sparsity constraints, motivated by a common challenge in packaging logistics: minimizing the volume of transported air by optimizing the size and number of available packaging boxes, given the demand for order items. In the first stage, we select the optimal dimensions of the boxes, while in the second … Read more

A Dual Riemannian ADMM Algorithm for Low-Rank SDPs with Unit Diagonal

This paper proposes a dual Riemannian alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) for solving low-rank semidefinite programs with unit diagonal constraints. We recast the ADMM subproblem as a Riemannian optimization problem over the oblique manifold by performing the Burer-Monteiro factorization. Global convergence of the algorithm is established assuming that the subproblem is solved to certain … Read more

A Framework for Handling and Exploiting Symmetry in Benders’ Decomposition

Benders’ decomposition (BD) is a framework for solving optimization problems by removing some variables and modeling their contribution to the original problem via so-called Benders cuts. While many advanced optimization techniques can be applied in a BD framework, one central technique has not been applied systematically in BD: symmetry handling. The main reason for this … Read more

The SCIP Optimization Suite 10.0

The SCIP Optimization Suite provides a collection of software packages for mathematical optimization, centered around the constraint integer programming (CIP) framework SCIP. This report discusses the enhancements and extensions included in SCIP Optimization Suite 10.0. The updates in SCIP 10.0 include a new solving mode for exactly solving rational mixed-integer linear programs, a new presolver … Read more

Structure-Preserving Symmetry Presolving for Mixed-Binary Linear Problems

This paper investigates a presolving method for handling symmetries in mixed-binary programs, based on inequalities computed from so-called Schreier-Sims tables. We show that an iterative application of this method together with merging variables will produce an instance for which the symmetry group is trivial. We then prove that the problem structure can be preserved for … Read more

A One-Extra Player Reduction of GNEPs to NEPs

It is common opinion that generalized Nash equilibrium problems are harder than Nash equilibrium problems. In this work, we show that by adding a new player, it is possible to reduce many generalized problems to standard equilibrium problems. The reduction holds for linear problems and smooth convex problems verifying a Slater-type condition. We also derive … Read more

Inverse Optimization with Discrete Decisions

Inverse optimization (IO) has emerged as a powerful framework for analyzing prescriptive model parameters that rationalize observed or prescribed decisions. Despite the prevalence of discrete decision-making models, existing work has primarily focused on continuous and convex models, for which the corresponding IO problems are far easier to solve. This paper makes three contributions that broaden … Read more

Machine Learning Algorithms for Assisting Solvers for Decision Optimization Problems

Combinatorial decision problems lie at the intersection of Operations Research (OR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), encompassing structured optimization tasks such as submodular selection, dynamic programming, planning, and scheduling. These problems exhibit exponential growth in decision complexity, driven by interdependent choices coupled through logical, temporal, and resource constraints.  Classical optimization frameworks—including integer programming, submodular optimization, and … Read more