A Particle Swarm Pattern Search Method for Bound Constrained Nonlinear Optimization

A. Ismael F. Vaz (aivazdps.uminho.pt)
Luís N. Vicente (lnvmat.uc.pt)

Abstract: In this paper we develop, analyze, and test a new algorithm for the global minimization of a function subject to simple bounds without the use of derivatives. The underlying algorithm is a pattern search method, more specifically a coordinate search method, which guarantees convergence to stationary points from arbitrary starting points. In the optional search phase of pattern search we apply a particle swarm scheme to globally explore the possible nonconvexity of the objective function. Our extensive numerical experiments showed that the resulting algorithm is highly competitive with other global optimization methods also based on function values.

Keywords: direct search, pattern search, particle swarm, derivative free optimization, global optimization, bound constrained nonlinear optimization

Category 1: Global Optimization

Category 2: Nonlinear Optimization

Category 3: Optimization Software and Modeling Systems (Optimization Software Benchmark )

Citation: Preprint 06-08, Department of Mathematics, University of Coimbra, February 2006.

Download: [PDF]

Entry Submitted: 03/13/2006
Entry Accepted: 03/14/2006
Entry Last Modified: 03/13/2006

Modify/Update this entry