Here we present a center-cut algorithm for convex mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) that can either be used as a primal heuristic or as a deterministic solution technique. Like many other algorithms for convex MINLP, the center-cut algorithm constructs a linear approximation of the original problem. The main idea of the algorithm is to use the … Read more
We apply the basic principles underlying combinatorial integral approximation methods for mixed-integer optimal control with ordinary differential equations in general, and the sum-up rounding algorithm specifically, to optimization problems with partial differential equation (PDE) constraints. By doing so, we identify two possible generalizations that are applicable to problems involving PDE constraints with mesh-dependent integer variables, … Read more
A novel method for performing model updating on finite element models is presented. The approach is particularly tailored to modal analyses of buildings, by which the lowest frequencies, obtained by using sensors and system identification approaches, need to be matched to the numerical ones predicted by the model. This is done by optimizing some unknown … Read more
In this tutorial we discuss several aspects of modeling and solving multistage stochastic programming problems. In particular we discuss distributionally robust and risk averse approaches to multistage stochastic programming, and the involved concept of time consistency. This tutorial is aimed at presenting a certain point of view of multistage stochastic programming, and can be viewed … Read more
We present a new algorithm for solving linear multistage stochastic programming problems with objective function coefficients modeled as a stochastic process. This algorithm overcomes the difficulties of existing methods which require discretization. Using an argument based on the finiteness of the set of possible cuts, we prove that the algorithm converges almost surely. Finally, we … Read more
A strategy is proposed for characterizing the worst-case performance of algorithms for solving nonconvex smooth optimization problems. Contemporary analyses characterize worst-case performance by providing, under certain assumptions on an objective function, an upper bound on the number of iterations (or function or derivative evaluations) required until a pth-order stationarity condition is approximately satisfied. This arguably … Read more
We present a structured quasi-Newton algorithm for unconstrained optimization problems that have unavailable second-order derivatives or Hessian terms. We provide a formal derivation of the well-known BFGS secant update formula that approximates only the missing Hessian terms, and we propose a line-search quasi-Newton algorithm based on a modification of Wolfe conditions that converges to first-order … Read more
The condition number of a smooth convex function, namely the ratio of its smoothness to strong convexity constants, is closely tied to fundamental properties of the function. In particular, the condition number of a quadratic convex function is precisely the square of the diameter-to-width ratio of a canonical ellipsoid associated to the function. Furthermore, the … Read more
We study quadratic optimization with semi-continuous variables and an M-matrix, i.e., PSD with non-positive off-diagonal entries. This structure arises in image segmentation, portfolio optimization, as well as a substructure of general quadratic optimization problems. We prove, under mild assumptions, that the minimization problem is solvable in polynomial time by showing its equivalence to a submodular … Read more
In this work, we propose a methodology for designing High-Pressure Thermal processes for food treatment. This approach is based on a multi-objective preference-based evolutionary optimization algorithm, called WASF-GA, combined with a decision strategy which provides the food engineer with the best treatment in accordance with some quality requirements. The resulting method is compared to a … Read more