A lagrangean relaxation algorithm for the constrained matrix problem

We present variants of a convergent Lagrangean relaxation algorithm for minimizing a strictly convex separable quadratic function over a transportation polytope. The algorithm alternately solves two “subproblems,” each of which has an objective function that is defined by using Lagrange multipliers derived from the other. Motivated by the natural separation of the subproblems into independent and very easily solved “subsubproblems,” the algorithm can be interpreted as the cyclic coordinate ascent method applied to the dual problem. We exhibit our computational results for different implementations of the algorithm applied to a set of large constrained matrix problems.     

超精密铣削的三维微加工工艺

本研究旨在对用于获取有雕刻表面金属工件的超精密微加工工艺进行探讨。研究中使用的是车床型的超精密铣床,由分辨率为1nm的X和Z向运动工作台及分辨率为0.0001度的可定位的C轴组成。作为一种铣削工具,一种改进型的由一颗水晶钻构成的“仿球尖铣刀”被放置在X轴的高速气浮轴承之上。这样一来,X轴和C轴的协调运动就可产生三维铣削的效果。为提高表面粗糙度,通过模拟我们研究的刀具边沿和工件表面的接触情况,结果发现,刀具低速进给时切削比较有效。作为三维微加工工艺的一个例子,运用数字仪提供的扫描数据在一个直径为3mm的铜表面上制作一个传统的NOH面罩。经证明,超精密铣床有潜力加工出表面粗糙度为69nm(P—V值)的工件。     

On ordering perishable inventory under erlang demand

Existing models for describing optimal ordering policies for perishable inventory cast the problem as a multidimensional dynamic program, the dimensionality being one less than the product lifetime in periods. An approach developed in previous work takes explicit account of outdating in the single period model. Formulas for the expected quantity of any new order which will outdate are developed for the case where the demand has a stationary Erlang distribution. A modified version of the one period model is shown to yield a reasonable approximation to the stationary optimal policy.     

A proportional defense model

This paper considers the problem of defending a set of point targets of differing values. The defense is proportional in that it forces the offense to pay a price, in terms of reentry vehicles expended, that is proportional to the value of the target. The objective of the defense is to balance its resources so that no matter what attack is launched, the offense will have to pay a price greater than or equal to some fixed value for every unit of damage inflicted. The analysis determines which targets should be defended and determines the optimal firing doctrine for interceptors at defended targets. A numerical example is included showing the relationship between the total target damage and the size of the interceptor force for different values of p, the interceptor single shot kill probability. Some generalizations are discussed.     

A mixed optimization technique for the generalized machine replacement problem

A mixed optimization technique for optimal machine replacement is presented which allows much more flexibility than previous models. Optimal purchase, maintenance and sale of a given machine between any two given points in time is treated as a subproblem, which one may choose to solve via control theory, dynamic programming, or practical engineering considerations. (A control theory formulation is used in the paper as an illustration.) These subproblem solutions are then incorporated into a Wagner-Whitin formulation for solution of the full problem. The technique is particularly useful for problems with such asymmetries as an existing initial machine or uneven technological change. A simple numerical example is solved in the Appendix.     

A note on a comparison of confidence interval techniques in truncated life tests

Several approximate procedures are available in the literature for obtaining confidence intervals for the parameter A of an exponential distribution based on time truncated samples. This paper contains the results of an empirical study comparing three of these procedures.     

A branch-bound algorithm for the capacitated facilities location problem

This paper discusses a mixed integer programming method for solving the Facilities Location Problem with capacities on the facilities. The algorithm uses a Decomposition technique to solve the dual of the associated continuous problem in each branch-bound iteration. The method was designed to produce the global optimum solution for problems with up to 100 facilities and 1,000 customers. Computational experience and a complete example are also presented in the appendix.     

A note on cycling in the simplex method

Although cycling in the simplex method has long been known, a number of theoretical questions concerning cycling have not been fully answered. One of these, stated in [3], is to find the smallest example of cycling, and Beale's example with three equations and seven variables is conjectured to be the smallest one. The exact bounds on dimensions of cycling examples are established in this paper. We show that Beale's example is the smallest one which cycles at a non-optimal solution, that a smaller one can cycle at the optimum, and that, in general (including the completely degenerate case), a cycling example must have at least two equations, at least six variables, and at least three non-basic variables. Examples and geometries are given for the extreme cases, showing that the bounds are sharp.