
doi: 10.1137/090773490
handle: 11583/2380893
Random convex programs (RCPs) are convex optimization problems subject to a finite number $N$ of random constraints. The optimal objective value $J^*$ of an RCP is thus a random variable. We study the probability with which $J^*$ is no longer optimal if a further random constraint is added to the problem (violation probability, $V^*$). It turns out that this probability rapidly concentrates near zero as $N$ increases. We first develop a theory for RCPs, leading to explicit bounds on the upper tail probability of $V^*$. Then we extend the setup to the case of RCPs with $r$ a posteriori violated constraints (RCPVs): a paradigm that permits us to improve the optimal objective value while maintaining the violation probability under control. Explicit and nonasymptotic bounds are derived also in this case: the upper tail probability of $V^*$ is upper bounded by a multiple of a beta distribution, irrespective of the distribution on the random constraints. All results are derived under no feasibility assumptions on the problem. Further, the relation between RCPVs and chance-constrained problems (CCP) is explored, showing that the optimal objective $J^*$ of an RCPV with the generic constraint removal rule provides, with arbitrarily high probability, an upper bound on the optimal objective of a corresponding CCP. Moreover, whenever an optimal constraint removal rule is used in the RCPVs, then appropriate choices of $N$ and $r$ exist such that $J^*$ approximates arbitrarily well the objective of the CCP.
scenario optimization; chance-constrained optimization; randomized methods; robust convex optimization
scenario optimization; chance-constrained optimization; randomized methods; robust convex optimization
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 206 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 1% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 1% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
