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, new reformulations based on hull relaxations are being that exhibit tighter relaxations are being applied to the global optimization of nonconvexx disjunctive programs. The strengthening of bounds through alternative formulations with redundant equations is also being investigated.

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, multistream heat exchangers, steam and power plants, complex distillation systems, design of bioethanol plants and for the synthesis of IGCC plants. For water systems effective global optimization techniques are being investigated, as well as their incorporation in biofuel plants. The bi-criterion optimization of supply process networks for maximization of net present value and minimization of environbmental impact through life cycle analysis is also being investigated.

Planning, Scheduling and Enterprise-wide Optimization
Mixed-integer and disjunctive optimization models and solution techniques are being developed for the design, planning and scheduling of process supply chain networks. Major applications include design of responsive supply chanis, design of multi-echelon supply chains with inventories under uncertain demands, planning of off-shore oil and gas field facilities, planning of oil refineries, crude oil scheduling, design of reliable integrated sites, and scheduling of continuous multiproduct plants. The handling of uncertainties in the oil and gas field problem is being investigated through novel multistage stochastic optimization methods. Spatial and temporal Lagrangean decomposition methods are being investigated for the solution of large-scale problems.

Representative Publications

Bergamini, M.L., I.E. Grossmann, N. Scenna and P. Aguirre, “An Improved Piecewise Outer-Approximation Algorithm for the Global Optimization of MINLP Models Involving Concave and Bilinear Terms,” Computers and Chemical Engineering 32, 477–493 (2008).

Bonami, P., L.T. Biegler, A.R. Conn, G. Cornuejols, I.E. Grossmann, C.D. Laird, J. Lee, A. Lodi, F. Margot, N. Sawaya, A. Wächter, “An algorithmic framework for convex mixed integer nonlinear programs,” Discrete Optimization 5, 186-204 (2008).

Caballero, J.A. and I.E. Grossmann, “An Algorithm for the Use of Surrogate Models in Modular Flowsheet Optimization,” AIChE J., 54, 2633 -2650 (2008).

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, “Simultaneous Planning and Scheduling of Single-Stage Multiproduct Continuous Plants with Parallel Lines,” Computers and Chemical Engineering 32, 2664-2683 (2008).

Guillen-Gosalbez, G. and I.E. Grossmann, “Optimal design and planning of sustainable chemical supply chains under uncertainty,” AIChE J., 55, 99-121 (2009).

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).

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).

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)

Tarhan, B., V. Goel and I.E. Grossmann, “A Multistage Stochastic Programming Approach for the Planning of Offshore Oil or Gas Field Infrastructure under Decision Dependent Uncertainty,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Research 48, 3078-3097 (2009).

Terrazas-Moreno, S., A. Flores-Tlacuahuac, I.E. Grossmann, “Lagrangean heuristic for the scheduling and control of polymerization reactors,” AIChE J., 54, 63-182, 2008.

You, F. and I.E. Grossmann, “Design of Responsive Process Supply Chains under Demand Uncertainty,” Computers & Chemical Engineering, 32, 3090-3111 (2008).

You, F. and I.E. Grossmann, “Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming Models and Algorithms for Large-Scale Supply Chain Design with Stochastic Inventory Management,” I&EC Research 47, 7802–7817 (2008).

You, F., J.M. Wassick and I.E. Grossmann, “Risk Management for a Global Supply Chain Planning under Uncertainty: Models and Algorithms,” AIChE J. 55, 931-946 (2009).