On the Relation between the Extended Supporting Hyperplane Algorithm and Kelley's Cutting Plane Algorithm

Abstract

Recently, Kronqvist et al.~\cite{KronqvistLundellWesterlund2016} rediscovered the supporting hyperplane algorithm of Veinott~\cite{Veinott1967} and demonstrated its computational benefits for solving convex mixed-integer nonlinear programs. In this paper we derive the algorithm from a geometric point of view. This enables us to show that the supporting hyperplane algorithm is equivalent to Kelley's cutting plane algorithm~\cite{J.E.Kelley1960} applied to a particular reformulation of the problem. As a result, we extend the applicability of the supporting hyperplane algorithm to convex problems represented by general, not necessarily convex, differentiable functions that satisfy a mild condition.