March 20 1994. Naperville, Illinois. Technologix Corporation has released
DSNL Optimization Library. DSNL is a robust numerical software for
nonlinear  optimization of multivariable processes, designs, structures,
properties, models and economics.

SCOPE OF THE DSNL LIBRARY. The DSNL library solves the nonlinear
optimization problem (NLP). In the NLP problem, the multivariable
function, F=F(X[1],...,X[NDN]), is subjected to minimization or
maximization. This function is referred to as an objective function. If no
other conditions apply, the optimization is referred to as unconstrained.
Supplementary conditions are called constraints. There are three types of
constraints:
   
   - equality constraints, H(X)=0,         
   - inequality constraints, G(X) < 0,
   - side constraints, L[i]<X[i]<U[i].

Many constraints may apply to a single problem and constraint types can be 
mixed. The DSNL software is capable of solving problems with a number of
variables and constraints limited only by available computer memory.

IMPLEMENTATION. Implementation of the DSNL library is straighforward. A
single loop in FORTRAN or Visual Basic calls the DSNL module. Information
exchange between the DSNL module and the user-program is implemented
exclusively through the DSNL argument list. Documented source code samples
are provided for each language supported, along with several optimization
samples. 

INFORMATION FLOW. The type of problem, and the solution method chosen are
specified by the user in the DSNL arguments list. The INFO parameter
controls the progress of the optimization process. During the optimization
process, the DSNL library changes the value of the INFO to inform the user
that certain actions need to be performed. For example, the objective
function and constraints should be evaluated when INFO=1. The INFO
parameter is reset to zero when optimization is completed. The error flag,
IFLAG, sets warnings and detects errors, if any, providing an error
description.

OPTIONAL ARGUMENTS. Additional control over the progress of optimization is
given with the set of more than 40 optional parameters stored in the
argument list arrays. The user may choose not to change these parameters.
In this case default values are assumed by DSNL. However, optional
parameters provide additional flexibility to the user whenever necessary.
The use of optional parameters makes DSNL easy to use for the
inexperienced user, while providing a seasoned user full optimization
control.

OUTPUT PRINTOUT. Optimization results can be printed to a file with
different levels of detail, depending on how the user sets the print flag.
When the print flag is set to zero, no printout is generated. In this case
the user may supervise the progress of optimization and its results by
monitoring the arguments list.

GRADIENTS. The method of gradient calculation for the objective function
and constraints is governed by the gradints flag. The user may choose to
evaluate gradients in the user-program or leave gradient evaluations to
DSNL.

SCALING. The DSNL automatically scales the objective function, constraints
and variables, unless otherwise specified by the user.

APPLICATIONS RANGE. While it is impossible to identify the whole range of
optimization applications, let us show you just a few examples:

   distillation column sequencing, refinery and petrochemical
   processing, heat exchangers' network design, phase and
   chemical equilibria, physical chip design optimization,
   structural optimization, aircraft design, container cost
   optimization, decontamination of river basin, pressure vessel
   design, production of chemicals, separation, chemical reactors
   design, engineering economics ...

Virtually any process, design, structure or model can be optimized. The
only requirement is to define and evaluate the optimization goal. Benefits
are numerours... lower cost, higher yield, better structure, optimal value
... you name it !

LANGUAGES SUPPORTED. We currently support static libraries for Microsoft
FORTRAN 5.1 and Microsoft PowerStation 1.0. We also supply MS Windows DLL
for Microsoft Visual Basic 3.0 and MS FORTRAN 5.1 (MS Windows 3.1 or
later).

ORDERING INFORMATION. The price for DSNL is $695. This cost includes all
language libraries.   

TECHNOLOGIX CORPORATAION
1750 North Washington St.
Naperville, IL 60563
Tel: 708.505.0556;  Fax: 708.505.0566;  TECHNOLOGIX@delphi.com

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