A neural network for solving nonlinear programming problems

Abstract

A neural network for solving convex nonlinear programming problems is proposed in this paper. The distinguishing features of the proposed network are that the primal and dual problems can be solved simultaneously, all necessary and sufficient optimality conditions are incorporated, and no penalty parameter is involved. Based on Lyapunov, LaSalle and set stability theories, we prove strictly an important theoretical result that, for an arbitrary initial point, the trajectory of the proposed network does converge to the set of its equilibrium points, regardless of whether a convex nonlinear programming problem has unique or infinitely many optimal solutions. Numerical simulation results also show that the proposed network is feasible and efficient. In addition, a general method for transforming nonlinear programming problems into unconstrained problems is also proposed.