The volume algorithm revisited: relation with bundle methods

We revise the Volume Algorithm (VA) for linear programming and relate it to bundle methods. When first introduced, VA was presented as a subgradient-like method for solving the original problem in its dual form. In a way similar to the serious/null steps philosophy of bundle methods, VA produces green, yellow or red steps. In order to give convergence results, we introduce in VA a precise measure for the improvement needed to declare a green or serious step. This addition yields a revised formulation (RVA) that is halfway between VA and a specific bundle method, that we call BVA. We analyze the convergence properties of both RVA and BVA. Finally, we compare the performance of the modified algorithms versus VA on a set of Rectilinear Steiner problems of various sizes and increasing complexity, derived from real world VLSI design instances. Key words. volume algorithm

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: MP
• Authors: Laura Bahiense, Nelson Maculan, Claudia A. Sagastizábal
• Keywords: Algorithm, Bundle Method, MP 2002, Specific Bundle Method