Testing Nelder-Mead based repulsion algorithms for multiple roots of nonlinear systems via a two-level factorial design of experiments

PLoS One. 2015 Apr 13;10(4):e0121844. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121844. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

This paper addresses the challenging task of computing multiple roots of a system of nonlinear equations. A repulsion algorithm that invokes the Nelder-Mead (N-M) local search method and uses a penalty-type merit function based on the error function, known as 'erf', is presented. In the N-M algorithm context, different strategies are proposed to enhance the quality of the solutions and improve the overall efficiency. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Computing Methodologies
  • Humans
  • Hydrocarbons / chemistry
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
  • Nonlinear Dynamics*
  • Normal Distribution
  • Probability

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons

Grants and funding

This work has been supported by CIDEM (Centre for Research & Development in Mechanical Engineering, Portugal) and FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) within the Projects Scope: PEst-OE/EME/UI0615/2014 and PEst-OE/EEI/UI0319/2014. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.