MINLP Problems and Explanation-based Constraint Programming

Abstract. Numerous industrial problems can be modelled as MINLP problems combining both numeric and integer variables. Several methods were proposed to solve these problems. But industrial applications need more than solving problems: dynamic problems, over-constrained problems, or explaining solver behaviour are features required by industrial applications. Explanation-based constraint programming offers such tools. In this paper, we show how to apply explanation-based mechanisms for mixed problems thanks to a generic framework. Last, some first experimental results are exposed: the overhead due to explanation managing is acceptable and can even speed up some resolutions