Investigating Constraint Relationship in Evolutionary Many-Constraint Optimization

This study contributes to the treatment of numerous constraints in evolutionary many-constraint optimization through consideration of the relationships between pair-wise constraints. In a conflicting relationship, the functional value of one constraint increases as the value in another constraint decreases. In a harmonious relationship, the improvement in one constraint is rewarded with simultaneous improvement in the other constraint. In an independent relationship, the adjustment to one constraint never affects the adjustment to the other. Based on the different features, methods for identifying constraint relationships are investigated, helping to simplify many-constraint optimization problems (MCOPs). Additionally, the transitivity of the relationships is further discussed, facilitating the determination of the relationship in a new pair of constraints.