Hasty Briefsbeta

Solving the Partridge square packing problem using MiniZinc

14 days ago
  • #minizinc
  • #packing-problem
  • #combinatorial-optimization
  • The Partridge Packing Problem involves packing squares of varying sizes into a larger square, with sizes from 2 to 33 known to have solutions.
  • MiniZinc is used to model and solve the problem, with initial models being inefficient but improved through implied and symmetry-breaking constraints.
  • Key improvements include exact fill constraints and restrictions on edge placements, significantly reducing solving time.
  • OR-Tools CP-SAT performs best among solvers tested, solving sizes up to 11, while specialized solvers like SICStus show promise with custom implementations.
  • The problem illustrates the importance of model refinement and solver selection in combinatorial optimization.