Parallel Solvers for Mixed Integer Linear Optimization

In this article, we provide an overview of the current state of the art with respect to solution of mixed integer linear optimization problems (MILPS) in parallel. Sequential algorithms for solving MILPs have improved substantially in the last two decades and commercial MILP solvers are now considered effective off-the-shelf tools for optimization. Although concerted development … Read more

Packing, Partitioning, and Covering Symresacks

In this paper, we consider symmetric binary programs that contain set packing, partitioning, or covering inequalities. To handle symmetries as well as set packing, partitioning, or covering constraints simultaneously, we introduce constrained symresacks which are the convex hull of all binary points that are lexicographically not smaller than their image w.r.t. a coordinate permutation and … Read more

Optimizing regular symmetric timetables: a method to reach the best modal split for railway

A regular timetable is a collection of events that repeat themselves every specific time span. This even structure, whenever applied at a whole network, leads to several benefits both for users and the company, although some issues are introduced, especially about dimensioning the service. It is therefore fundamental to properly consider the interaction between the … Read more

Airport Capacity Extension, Fleet Investment, and Optimal Aircraft Scheduling in a Multi-Level Market Model: On the Effects of Market Regulations

In this paper we present a four-level market model that accounts for airport capacity extension, fleet investment, aircraft scheduling, and ticket trade in a liberalized aviation market with independent decision makers. In particular, budget-constrained airports decide on the first level on their optimal runway capacity extension and on a corresponding airport charge. Airports anticipate optimal … Read more

Outer-Product-Free Sets for Polynomial Optimization and Oracle-Based Cuts

Cutting planes are derived from specific problem structures, such as a single linear constraint from an integer program. This paper introduces cuts that involve minimal structural assumptions, enabling the generation of strong polyhedral relaxations for a broad class of problems. We consider valid inequalities for the set $S\cap P$, where $S$ is a closed set, … Read more

A Branch-and-Cut Algorithm for Mixed Integer Bilevel Linear Optimization Problems and Its Implementation

In this paper, we describe an algorithmic framework for solving mixed integer bilevel linear optimization problems (MIBLPs) by a generalized branch-and-cut approach. The framework presented merges features from existing algorithms (for both traditional mixed integer linear optimization and MIBLPs) with new techniques to produce a flexible and robust framework capable of solving a wide range … Read more

Generation techniques for linear and integer programming instances with controllable properties

This paper addresses the problem of generating synthetic test cases for experimentation in linear programming. We propose a method which maps instance generation and instance space search to an alternative encoded space. This allows us to develop a generator for feasible bounded linear programming instances with controllable properties. We show that this method is capable … Read more

Small and Strong Formulations for Unions of Convex Sets from the Cayley Embedding

There is often a significant trade-off between formulation strength and size in mixed integer programming (MIP). When modeling convex disjunctive constraints (e.g. unions of convex sets), adding auxiliary continuous variables can sometimes help resolve this trade-off. However, standard formulations that use such auxiliary continuous variables can have a worse-than-expected computational effectiveness, which is often attributed … Read more

MIP-Based Instantaneous Control of Mixed-Integer PDE-Constrained Gas Transport Problems

We study the transient optimization of gas transport networks including both discrete controls due to switching of controllable elements and nonlinear fluid dynamics described by the system of isothermal Euler equations, which are partial differential equations in time and 1-dimensional space. This combination leads to mixed-integer optimization problems subject to nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations … Read more

Lifted Polymatroid Inequalities for Mean-Risk Optimization with Indicator Variables

We investigate a mixed 0-1 conic quadratic optimization problem with indicator variables arising in mean-risk optimization. The indicator variables are often used to model non-convexities such as fixed charges or cardinality constraints. Observing that the problem reduces to a submodular function minimization for its binary restriction, we derive three classes of strong convex valid inequalities … Read more