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From: Minopt Software Support <minopt@titan.Princeton.EDU>
Subject: CAST: Announcement of New Software: MINOPT
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Date: Sat, 25 Jul 1998 14:50:41 -0400 (EDT)
Cc: carl@titan.Princeton.EDU (Carl Schweiger),
        floudas@titan.Princeton.EDU (C. A. Floudas)
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************************ SOFTWARE ANNOUNCEMENT ************************

				MINOPT

      A Modeling Language and Algorithmic Framework for Linear,
	 Mixed-Integer, Nonlinear, Dynamic, and Mixed-Integer
		       Nonlinear Optimization

************************ SOFTWARE ANNOUNCEMENT ************************


		  C. A. Schweiger and C. A. Floudas
		  Department of Chemical Engineering
			 Princeton University
		       Princeton, NJ 08544-5263

		  http://titan.princeton.edu/MINOPT/

MINOPT is a comprehensive, powerful, and flexible package for the
solution of various types of optimization problems.  It features both
an ADVANCED MODELING LANGUAGE for the clear and concise representation
of complex mathematical models as well as a ROBUST ALGORITHMIC
FRAMEWORK for the efficient solution of wide variety of mathematical
programming problems.

MINOPT is a flexible tool which can be used in a broad range of
applications:
  o Process Systems Engineering
      - Process Design
      - Process Synthesis
      - Process Control
      - Process Dynamics
  o Optimal Control
  o Parameter Estimation
  o System Identification
  o Process Operations and Operations Research
      - Supply chain management
      - Scheduling
      - Planning
      - Portfolio Optimization
      - Location/Allocation

MINOPT is capable of handling a wide variety of model types:
  o Linear Programs (LP)
  o Mixed Integer Linear Programs (MILP)
  o NonLinear Programs (NLP)
  o NLPs with Differential and Algebraic Constraints (NLP/DAE)
  o Mixed Integer NonLinear Programs (MINLP)
  o Dynamic Simulations
  o MINLPs with Differential and Algebraic Constraints (MINLP/DAE)
  o Optimal Control Problems (OCP)
  o Mixed Integer Optimal Control Problems (MIOCP)

The MINOPT modeling language allows for the natural representation of
mathematical models using an advance modeling architecture.  Large,
complex models can be expressed in a concise, compact, and
understandable form.  Since the models are easy to understand, the can
be easily debugged, modified, and maintained.

MINOPT has some important key features:
  o Clear and concise representation of complex mathematical models
  o Representation of both algebraic and DYNAMIC models
  o Support for a broad variety of natural mathematical expressions
  o Capability to add, change, or delete the sets, variables, data,
      and constraints easily
  o Capability to accept model information and data provided in
      separate input files
  o Checks of model syntax and consistency
  o Efficient solution for MIXED-INTEGER NONLINEAR PROGRAMMING problems
  o Efficient solution for problems with dynamic models
  o Efficient INTEGRATION and SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
  o Connection to Chemkin for kinetic modeling
  o Ability to switch easily among various solvers
  o Ability to fine tune the solution algorithms with an extensive
      list of options

MINOPT has links with many popular solvers:
  o CPLEX
  o LPSOLVE
  o MINOS
  o NPSOL
  o SNOPT
  o DASOLV
  o DAESSA

MINOPT also provides algorithms for the solution of MINLPs
  o Generalized Benders Decomposition (GBD)
  o Outer Approximation and its variants (OA, OA/ER, OA/ER/AP)
  o Generalized Cross Decomposition (GCD)

MINOPT has an extensive set of options as well as access to the solver
options and parameters.  This makes it possible to tune the various
algorithms and select different algorithm parameters.

MINOPT models are portable and can be used across various platforms.
The MINOPT algorithmic framework is currently available for the
following platforms (operating systems):
  o Sun (SunOS 5.5.1)
  o HP (HP-UX 10.20)
  o IBM (AIX 3.2)
  o SGI (IRIX 5.3)
  o Intel (Windows 95/NT) (Available soon)

For more information, visit the MINOPT homepage at
http://titan.princeton.edu/MINOPT/
or email
minopt@titan.princeton.edu

For purchasing and Licensing Information, contact
  Jean A. Mahoney
  Director, Technology Transfer and Trademark Licensing
  New South Building
  P.O. Box 36
  Princeton, NJ  08544-0036
  tel: 609-258-3097
  fax: 609-258-1159
  jean@Princeton.EDU

**************************************************************