On a conjecture in second-order optimality conditions

In this paper we deal with optimality conditions that can be verified by a nonlinear optimization algorithm, where only a single Lagrange multiplier is avaliable. In particular, we deal with a conjecture formulated in [R. Andreani, J.M. Martinez, M.L. Schuverdt, “On second-order optimality conditions for nonlinear programming”, Optimization, 56:529–542, 2007], which states that whenever a … Read more

Strict Constraint Qualifications and Sequential Optimality Conditions for Constrained Optimization

Sequential optimality conditions for constrained optimization are necessarily satisfied by local minimizers, independently of the fulfillment of constraint qualifications. These conditions support the employment of different stopping criteria for practical optimization algorithms. On the other hand, when an appropriate strict constraint qualification associated with some sequential optimality condition holds at a point that satisfies the … Read more

A second-order sequential optimality condition associated to the convergence of optimization algorithms

Sequential optimality conditions have recently played an important role on the analysis of the global convergence of optimization algorithms towards first-order stationary points and justifying their stopping criteria. In this paper we introduce the first sequential optimality condition that takes into account second-order information. We also present a companion constraint qualification that is less stringent … Read more

First order optimality conditions for mathematical programs with second-order cone complementarity constraints

In this paper we consider a mathematical program with second-order cone complementarity constraints (SOCMPCC). The SOCMPCC generalizes the mathematical program with complementarity constraints (MPCC) in replacing the set of nonnegative reals by a second-order cone. We show that if the SOCMPCC is considered as an optimization problem with convex cone constraints, then Robinson’s constraint qualification … Read more

A cone-continuity constraint qualification and algorithmic consequences

Every local minimizer of a smooth constrained optimization problem satisfies the sequential Approximate Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (AKKT) condition. This optimality condition is used to define the stopping criteria of many practical nonlinear programming algorithms. It is natural to ask for conditions on the constraints under which AKKT implies KKT. These conditions will be called Strict Constraint Qualifications … Read more

Constraint Qualification Failure in Action

This note presents a theoretical analysis of disjunctive constraints featuring unbounded variables. In this framework, classical modeling techniques, including big-M approaches, are not applicable. We introduce a lifted second-order cone formulation of such on/off constraints and discuss related constraint qualification issues. A solution is proposed to avoid solvers’ failure. Citation H. L. Hijazi and L.Liberti … Read more

The Slater Conundrum: Duality and Pricing in Infinite Dimensional Optimization

Duality theory is pervasive in finite dimensional optimization. There is growing interest in solving infinite-dimensional optimization problems and hence a corresponding interest in duality theory in infinite dimensions. Unfortunately, many of the intuitions and interpretations common to finite dimensions do not extend to infinite dimensions. In finite dimensions, a dual solution is represented by a … Read more

On local convergence of the method of alternating projections

The method of alternating projections is a classical tool to solve feasibility problems. Here we prove local convergence of alternating projections between subanalytic sets A,B under a mild regularity hypothesis on one of the sets. We show that the speed of convergence is O$(k^{-\rho})$ for some $\rho\in(0,\infty)$. Citation Université de Toulouse, Institut de Mathématiques, december … Read more

Constant rank constraint qualifications: a geometric introduction

Constraint qualifications (CQ) are assumptions on the algebraic description of the feasible set of an optimization problem that ensure that the KKT conditions hold at any local minimum. In this work we show that constraint qualifications based on the notion of constant rank can be understood as assumptions that ensure that the polar of the … Read more

KKT Reformulation and Necessary Conditions for Optimality in Nonsmooth Bilevel Optimization

For a long time, the bilevel programming problem has essentially been considered as a special case of mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPECs), in particular when the so-called KKT reformulation is in question. Recently though, this widespread believe was shown to be false in general. In this paper, other aspects of the difference between both … Read more