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Constrained minimization of a function of many variables

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4305864
Powell's direct search method for finding the minimum or maximum of a function of many variables has been modified to allow inequality and equality constraints ---either or both--to be imposed. The modification involves a tnansformation of the constrained problem into an artificial unconstrained minimization problem by the addition of penalty functions to the actual function being minimized. The technique is of general applicability in optimization problems encountered in engineering and physics. A unique feature is the automatic generation of weighting factors which provide scaling of the constraint function being minimized. Automatic scaling simplifies preparation of the problem and accelerates convergence. (auth)
Research Organization:
California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
NSA Number:
NSA-29-031621
OSTI ID:
4305864
Report Number(s):
UCRL--51517
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English