Parallelized Conflict Graph Cut Generation

Abstract: A conflict graph represents logical relations between binary variables, and effective use of the graph can significantly accelerate branch-and-cut solvers for mixed-integer programming (MIP). In this paper we develop efficient parallel conflict graph management: conflict detection; maximal clique generation; clique extension; and clique merging. We leverage parallel computing in order to intensify computational effort on the conflict graph, thereby generating a much larger pool of cutting planes than what can be practically achieved in serial. Computational experiments demonstrate that the expanded pool of cuts enabled by parallel computing lead to substantial reductions in total MIP solve time, especially for more challenging cases.