An Efficient Algorithm for Determining the Length of the Longest Dead Path in a “LIFO” Branch-and-Bound Exploration Schema

Abstract : The length of the longest dead path (LLDP) is a widely used parameter in estimating the efficiency of branch-and-bound optimization algorithms that employ the LIFO exploration schema. Thanks to two original theorems, we are able to present a particularly attractive procedure for determining of the LLDP. In fact this procedure requires a number of storage variables which is independent of problem size and very small; moreover, the procedure is self-contained in the sense that it can be externally attached to any LIFO branch-and-bound program without interfering with its algorithms and data structures. (Author)