Research Interests

The goal of Professor Grossmann's work is to develop novel mathematical programming models and techniques for a variety of problems in process systems engineering.

Logic-based and Global Optimization
New modeling and solution methods are being developed for linear and nonlinear discrete-continuous optimization problems. These are based on generalized disjunctive programming in which equations and symbolic logic relations are formulated as part of the optimization problem. Based on recent connections with disjunctive programming theory by Balas, new reformulations based on hull relaxations are being investigated that exhibit tighter relaxations. Global optimization techniques are also being investigated that exploit the mathematical structure of disjunctions of nonconvex functions.

Optimization of Water, Process and Energy Systems
Models and solution techniques based on mixed-integer nonlinear programming are being developed for the synthesis of integrated process water networks, for superstructures of complex distillation and crystallization systems, design of bioethanol plants and for the synthesis of IGCC plants. For water systems effective global optimization techniques are being investigated, while for the other process systems aggregate models are being investigated in order to facilitate the synthesis task.

Planning, Scheduling and Enterprise-wide Optimization
Mixed-integer and disjunctive optimization models and solution techniques are being developed for the planning and scheduling of batch and continuous process systems, and for supply chain optimization. Major applications include design and planning of off-shore oil and gas field facilities, planning of oil refineries, crude oil scheduling, and multi-site batch scheduling. The handling of uncertainties in the oil and gas field problem is being investigated through novel multistage stochastic optimization methods. Decomposition methods based on aggregate models and incorporation of process models are being investigated for planning and scheduling problems. Hybrid mixed-integer/constraint logic programming methods and special decomposition methods are also being investigated for scheduling problems.

Representative Publications

Caballero, J.A., A. Odjo and I. E. Grossmann, “Flowsheet optimization with implicit models and complex cost and size functions using Chemical Process Simulators,” AIChE J., 53, 2351-2366 (2007).

Castro, P.M., M. Erdirik-Dogan and I.E. Grossmann, “Simultaneous batching and scheduling of single stage batch plants with parallel units,” AIChE J., 54, 183-193, 2008.

Erdirik-Dogan, M. and I.E. Grossmann, “Planning Models for Parallel Batch Reactors with Sequence-dependent Changeovers,” AIChE J., 53, 2284-2300 (2007).

Erdirik-Dogan, M. and I.E. Grossmann, “A slot-based formulation for the short-term scheduling of multi-stage, multi-product batch plants with resource constraints and sequence-dependent changeovers,” I&EC Research 47, 1159 (2008).

Ghosh, S., I.E. Grossmann, M.M. Ataai, and M.M. Domach, “A Three-Level Problem-Centric Strategy for Selecting NMR Precursors and Analytes,” Metabolic Engineering, 8, 491-507 (2006).

Goel, V. and I.E. Grossmann, "A Class of Stochastic Programs with Decision Dependent Uncertainty," Mathematical Programming, Ser. B 108, 355-394 (2006).

Karuppiah, R. and I.E. Grossmann, “Global Optimization of Multiscenario Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming Models arising in the Synthesis of Integrated Water Networks under Uncertainty,” Computers and Chemical Engineering, 32, 145-160 (2008).

Karuppiah, R. A. Peschel, M. Martín, I.E. Grossmann , W. Martinson and L. Zullo “Energy Optimization for the Design of Corn-based Ethanol Plants,” AIChE J., 54, 1499-1525 (2008).

Karuppiah, R. and I.E. Grossmann, “A Lagrangean based Branch-and-Cut algorithm for global optimization of nonconvex Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programs with decomposable structures,” Journal of Global Optimization 41, 163 (2008).

Mendez, C.A., J. Cerdá , I. E. Grossmann, I. Harjunkoski, and M. Fahl, "State-Of-The-Art Review of Optimization Methods for Short-Term Scheduling of Batch Processes," Computers & Chemical Engineering 30, 913-946 (2006).

Ponce-Ortega, J.M., A. Jiménez-Gutiérrez, and I.E. Grossmann “Optimal synthesis of heat exchanger networks involving isothermal process streams,” Computers & Chemical Engineering, 32, 1918-1942 (2008).

Sawaya, N.W. and I.E. Grossmann, "Computational Implementation of Non-Linear Convex Hull Reformulation," Computers & Chemical Engineering, 31, 856-866 (2007).

Tarhan, B. and I.E. Grossmann, “A Multistage Stochastic Programming Approach with Strategies for Uncertainty Reduction in the Synthesis of Process Networks with Uncertain Yields,” Computers and Chemical Engineering 32, 766-788 (2008).

Terrazas-Moreno, S., A. Flores-Tlacuahuac and I.E. Grossmann, “Simultaneous Cyclic Scheduling and Optimal Control of Polymerization Reactors,” AIChE J., 53, 2301-2315 (2007).