Value-Estimation Function Method for Constrained Global Optimization1

A novel value-estimation function method for global optimization problems with inequality constraints is proposed in this paper. The value-estimation function formulation is an auxiliary unconstrained optimization problem with a univariate parameter that represents an estimated optimal value of the objective function of the original optimization problem. A solution is optimal to the original problem if and only if it is also optimal to the auxiliary unconstrained optimization with the parameter set at the optimal objective value of the original problem, which turns out to be the unique root of a basic value-estimation function. A logarithmic-exponential value-estimation function formulation is further developed to acquire computational tractability and efficiency. The optimal objective value of the original problem as well as the optimal solution are sought iteratively by applying either a generalized Newton’s method or a bisection method to the logarithmic-exponential value-estimation function formulation. The convergence properties of the solution algorithms guarantee the identification of an approximate optimal solution, up to any predetermined degree of accuracy, of the original problem within finite iterations.