Self-correcting geometry in model-based algorithms 
          for derivative-free unconstrained optimization

                K. Scheinberg and Ph. L. Toint
               TR09-06 Dept of Mathematics FUNDP


Several efficient methods for derivative-free optimization (DFO) are based on
the construction and maintenance of an interpolation model for the objective
function. Most of these algorithms use special ``geometry-improving''
iterations, where the geometry (poisedness) of the underlying interpolation
set is made better at the cost of one or more function evaluations. We show
that such geometry improvements cannot be completely eliminated if one wishes
to ensure global convergence, but also provide an algorithm where such steps
only occur in the final stage of the algorithm where criticality of a putative
stationary point is verified. Global convergence for this method is proved by
making use of a self-correction mechanism inherent to the combination of trust
regions and interpolation models.  This mechanism also throws some light on
the surprisingly good numerical results reported by Fasano, Morales and
Nocedal(2009) for a method where no care is ever taken to guarantee poisedness
of the interpolation set.