Globally Convergent Evolution Strategies for Constrained Optimization.

In this work we propose, analyze, and test algorithms for linearly constrained optimization when no use of derivatives of the objective function is made. The proposed methodology is built upon the globally convergent evolution strategies previously introduced by the authors for unconstrained optimization. Two approaches are encompassed to handle the constraints. In a first approach, … Read more

Use of quadratic models with mesh adaptive direct search for constrained black box optimization

We consider a derivative-free optimization, and in particular black box optimization, where the functions to be minimized and the functions representing the constraints are given by black boxes without derivatives. Two fundamental families of methods are available: model-based methods and directional direct search algorithms. This work exploits the flexibility of the second type of methods … Read more

Developments of NEWUOA for unconstrained minimization without derivatives

The NEWUOA software is described briefly, with some numerical results that show good efficiency and accuracy in the unconstrained minimization without derivatives of functions of up to 320 variables. Some preliminary work on an extension of NEWUOA that allows simple bounds on the variables is also described. It suggests a variation of a technique in … Read more

A view of algorithms for optimization without derivatives

Let the least value of a function of many variables be required. If its gradient is available, then one can tell whether search directions are downhill, and first order conditions help to identify the solution. It seems in practice, however, that the vast majority of unconstrained calculations do not employ any derivatives. A view of … Read more