Continuous global optimization: An introduction to models, solution approaches, tests and applications

First, we present a discussion of the global optimization (GO) paradigm, and the challenges inherent to multiextremal mathematical programming. Next, a concise review of the most frequently applied model versions and solution strategies for analyzing and solving continuous GO problems is presented. This is followed by comments on GO software, a list of some popular test problem types, and several prominent areas of (primarily scientific and engineering) GO applications. A brief discussion of LGO, an integrated GO model development and solver program system, is also provided. The review is supplemented by a fairly detailed (but far from exhaustive) list of references. These include some of the key recent literature on GO, and several informative WWW sites related to the subjects discussed.