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Towards a closer integration of finite domainpropagation and simplex-based algorithms

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Abstract

This paper describes our experience in implementing an industrial application using thefinite domain solver of the ECLi PSe constraint logic programming (CLP) system, inconjunction with the mathematical programming (MP) system, FortMP. In this technique,the ECLi PSe system generates a feasible solution that is adapted to construct a starting point(basic solution) for the MP solver. The basic solution is then used as an input to the FortMPsystem to warm-start the simplex (SX) algorithm, hastening the solution of the linearprogramming relaxation, (LPR). SX proceeds as normal to find the optimal integer solution.Preliminary results indicate that the integration of the two environments is suitable for thisapplication in particular, and may generally yield significant benefits. We describe adaptationsrequired in the hybrid method, and report encouraging experimental results for thisproblem.

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Hajian, M.T., El-Sakkout, H., Wallace, M. et al. Towards a closer integration of finite domainpropagation and simplex-based algorithms. Annals of Operations Research 81, 421–433 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018977712248

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