9412343 Fourer This objective of this research is to establish a dedicated computing facility for investigating a variety of large scale optimization problems using parallel processor environment. The classes of problems under consideration are combinatorial in nature. The equipment obtained as part of the research will be used by multiple researchers to develop optimization algorithms that can be implemented in a parallel processor network to reduce the taken required to solve large scale optimization problems. The class of problems to which the multi-processor platform will be used under this study include (1) alternative to direct solution of the normal equations in interior-point methods for linear programming, (2) difficult discrete optimization problems using cutting plan methods, and (3) vehicle routing problems. The facility will enable the development of new optimization algorithms and exploitation opportunities for multi-processor optimization environment. The feasible demonstration of parallel processor for solving large scale optimization problems can lead to technology that offers tremendous opportunity in reducing both computational and storage facility requirements. The technology can also be readily transferred to other users and industry.
