Optimization Techniques II

This book in two volumes provides an overview of continuous, discrete and
functional optimization techniques. This second volume is devoted to discrete
optimization (problems with integer variables) and functional optimization
(problems where the unknown is a function). The topics covered are: • mixed
linear programming: cutting methods and tree methods; • combinatorial
optimization based on graphs: path, flow, assignment problems ... ; • the
computation of variations based on Euler-Lagrange conditions and their
extensions; • optimal control based on the Pontryaguin maximum principle and
its extensions; • numerical methods: differential equations, direct and
indirect methods. The emphasis is on understanding the principles rather than
on mathematical rigor. Each concept or algorithm is accompanied by a detailed
example to help you grasp the main ideas. This book is the result of 30 years
of experience and is intended for students, researchers and engineers wishing
to acquire a general knowledge in the field of optimization.