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Dissertation Defence: Gradient approximations, Hessian approximations and positive bases: theoretical advancements and their applications in derivative-free optimization algorithms

June 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Gabriel Jarry-Bolduc, supervised by Dr. Warren Hare, will defend their dissertation titled “Gradient approximations, Hessian approximations and positive bases: theoretical advancements and their applications in derivative-free optimization algorithms” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics.

An abstract for Gabriel Jarry-Bolduc’s dissertation is included below.

Examinations are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in person defences.


ABSTRACT

In many optimization problems, the objective function is available only as the output of a blackbox. In this context, derivative-free optimization (DFO) methods can be used to solve the optimization problem. Derivativefree optimization methods may be classified into two main categories: direct search methods and model-based methods. This thesis presents novel theory and algorithms in both categories.

Model-based methods often approximate the gradient or the Hessian of the objective function. The properties of the gradient approximation technique called generalized simplex gradient are scrutinized. Second, two Hessian approximation techniques called generalized simplex Hessian (GSH) and generalized centered simplex Hessian (GCSH) are defined and analyzed. In particular, we investigate how to approximate partial Hessians, and minimize
the number of function evaluations when employing the GSH\GCSH.

A useful notion in direct search methods is that of positive spanning set. In this thesis, we present the first deterministic algorithm to compute the cosine measure of any finite positive spanning set. Then we investigate
the structure of positive bases with maximal cosine measure. We focus on positive bases of intermediate sizes.

Last, the main theoretical concepts discussed in this thesis are utilized in DFO algorithms. The GSH are employed in a derivative-free trust-region algorithm and positive bases with high cosine measure are employed in a direct search algorithm. We examine how the theoretical advancements made in this thesis translate to gains in efficiency in DFO algorithms.

Details

Date:
June 26, 2023
Time:
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Venue

Science Building (SCI)
1177 Research Road
Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7 Canada
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Additional Info

Room Number
396
Registration/RSVP Required
No
Event Type
Thesis Defence
Topic
Research and Innovation, Science, Technology and Engineering
Audiences
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Families, Partners and Industry, Students, Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Associates