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Atomizer/docs/protocols/system/SYS_14_NEURAL_ACCELERATION.md
Anto01 faa7779a43 feat: Add L-BFGS gradient optimizer for surrogate polish phase
Implements gradient-based optimization exploiting MLP surrogate differentiability.
Achieves 100-1000x faster convergence than derivative-free methods (TPE, CMA-ES).

New files:
- optimization_engine/gradient_optimizer.py: GradientOptimizer class with L-BFGS/Adam/SGD
- studies/M1_Mirror/m1_mirror_adaptive_V14/run_lbfgs_polish.py: Per-study runner

Updated docs:
- SYS_14_NEURAL_ACCELERATION.md: Full L-BFGS section (v2.4)
- 01_CHEATSHEET.md: Quick reference for L-BFGS usage
- atomizer_fast_solver_technologies.md: Architecture context

Usage: python -m optimization_engine.gradient_optimizer studies/my_study --n-starts 20

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
2025-12-28 16:36:18 -05:00

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# SYS_14: Neural Network Acceleration
<!--
PROTOCOL: Neural Network Surrogate Acceleration
LAYER: System
VERSION: 2.0
STATUS: Active
LAST_UPDATED: 2025-12-06
PRIVILEGE: user
LOAD_WITH: [SYS_10_IMSO, SYS_11_MULTI_OBJECTIVE]
-->
## Overview
Atomizer provides **neural network surrogate acceleration** enabling 100-1000x faster optimization by replacing expensive FEA evaluations with instant neural predictions.
**Two approaches available**:
1. **MLP Surrogate** (Simple, integrated) - 4-layer MLP trained on FEA data, runs within study
2. **GNN Field Predictor** (Advanced) - Graph neural network for full field predictions
**Key Innovation**: Train once on FEA data, then explore 5,000-50,000+ designs in the time it takes to run 50 FEA trials.
---
## When to Use
| Trigger | Action |
|---------|--------|
| >50 trials needed | Consider neural acceleration |
| "neural", "surrogate", "NN" mentioned | Load this protocol |
| "fast", "acceleration", "speed" needed | Suggest neural acceleration |
| Training data available | Enable surrogate |
---
## Quick Reference
**Performance Comparison**:
| Metric | Traditional FEA | Neural Network | Improvement |
|--------|-----------------|----------------|-------------|
| Time per evaluation | 10-30 minutes | 4.5 milliseconds | **2,000-500,000x** |
| Trials per hour | 2-6 | 800,000+ | **1000x** |
| Design exploration | ~50 designs | ~50,000 designs | **1000x** |
**Model Types**:
| Model | Purpose | Use When |
|-------|---------|----------|
| **MLP Surrogate** | Direct objective prediction | Simple studies, quick setup |
| Field Predictor GNN | Full displacement/stress fields | Need field visualization |
| Parametric Predictor GNN | Direct objective prediction | Complex geometry, need accuracy |
| Ensemble | Uncertainty quantification | Need confidence bounds |
---
## MLP Surrogate (Recommended for Quick Start)
### Overview
The MLP (Multi-Layer Perceptron) surrogate is a simple but effective neural network that predicts objectives directly from design parameters. It's integrated into the study workflow via `run_nn_optimization.py`.
### Architecture
```
Input Layer (N design variables)
Linear(N, 64) + ReLU + BatchNorm + Dropout(0.1)
Linear(64, 128) + ReLU + BatchNorm + Dropout(0.1)
Linear(128, 128) + ReLU + BatchNorm + Dropout(0.1)
Linear(128, 64) + ReLU + BatchNorm + Dropout(0.1)
Linear(64, M objectives)
```
**Parameters**: ~34,000 trainable
### Workflow Modes
#### 1. Standard Hybrid Mode (`--all`)
Run all phases sequentially:
```bash
python run_nn_optimization.py --all
```
Phases:
1. **Export**: Extract training data from existing FEA trials
2. **Train**: Train MLP surrogate (300 epochs default)
3. **NN-Optimize**: Run 1000 NN trials with NSGA-II
4. **Validate**: Validate top 10 candidates with FEA
#### 2. Hybrid Loop Mode (`--hybrid-loop`)
Iterative refinement:
```bash
python run_nn_optimization.py --hybrid-loop --iterations 5 --nn-trials 500
```
Each iteration:
1. Train/retrain surrogate from current FEA data
2. Run NN optimization
3. Validate top candidates with FEA
4. Add validated results to training set
5. Repeat until convergence (max error < 5%)
#### 3. Turbo Mode (`--turbo`) ⚡ RECOMMENDED
Aggressive single-best validation:
```bash
python run_nn_optimization.py --turbo --nn-trials 5000 --batch-size 100 --retrain-every 10
```
Strategy:
- Run NN in small batches (100 trials)
- Validate ONLY the single best candidate with FEA
- Add to training data immediately
- Retrain surrogate every N FEA validations
- Repeat until total NN budget exhausted
**Example**: 5,000 NN trials with batch=100 → 50 FEA validations in ~12 minutes
### Configuration
```json
{
"neural_acceleration": {
"enabled": true,
"min_training_points": 50,
"auto_train": true,
"epochs": 300,
"validation_split": 0.2,
"nn_trials": 1000,
"validate_top_n": 10,
"model_file": "surrogate_best.pt",
"separate_nn_database": true
}
}
```
**Important**: `separate_nn_database: true` stores NN trials in `nn_study.db` instead of `study.db` to avoid overloading the dashboard with thousands of NN-only results.
### Typical Accuracy
| Objective | Expected Error |
|-----------|----------------|
| Mass | 1-5% |
| Stress | 1-4% |
| Stiffness | 5-15% |
### Output Files
```
2_results/
├── study.db # Main FEA + validated results (dashboard)
├── nn_study.db # NN-only results (not in dashboard)
├── surrogate_best.pt # Trained model weights
├── training_data.json # Normalized training data
├── nn_optimization_state.json # NN optimization state
├── nn_pareto_front.json # NN-predicted Pareto front
├── validation_report.json # FEA validation results
└── turbo_report.json # Turbo mode results (if used)
```
---
## Zernike GNN (Mirror Optimization)
### Overview
The **Zernike GNN** is a specialized Graph Neural Network for mirror surface optimization. Unlike the MLP surrogate that predicts objectives directly, the Zernike GNN predicts the full displacement field, then computes Zernike coefficients and objectives via differentiable layers.
**Why GNN over MLP for Zernike?**
1. **Spatial awareness**: GNN learns smooth deformation fields via message passing
2. **Correct relative computation**: Predicts fields, then subtracts (like FEA)
3. **Multi-task learning**: Field + objective supervision
4. **Physics-informed**: Edge structure respects mirror geometry
### Architecture
```
Design Variables [11]
Design Encoder [11 → 128]
└──────────────────┐
Node Features │
[r, θ, x, y] │
│ │
▼ │
Node Encoder │
[4 → 128] │
│ │
└─────────┬────────┘
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ Design-Conditioned │
│ Message Passing (× 6) │
│ │
│ • Polar-aware edges │
│ • Design modulates messages │
│ • Residual connections │
└─────────────┬───────────────┘
Per-Node Decoder [128 → 4]
Z-Displacement Field [3000, 4]
(one value per node per subcase)
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│ DifferentiableZernikeFit │
│ (GPU-accelerated) │
└─────────────┬───────────────┘
Zernike Coefficients → Objectives
```
### Module Structure
```
optimization_engine/gnn/
├── __init__.py # Public API
├── polar_graph.py # PolarMirrorGraph - fixed polar grid
├── zernike_gnn.py # ZernikeGNN model (design-conditioned conv)
├── differentiable_zernike.py # GPU Zernike fitting & objective layers
├── extract_displacement_field.py # OP2 → HDF5 field extraction
├── train_zernike_gnn.py # ZernikeGNNTrainer pipeline
├── gnn_optimizer.py # ZernikeGNNOptimizer for turbo mode
└── backfill_field_data.py # Extract fields from existing trials
```
### Training Workflow
```bash
# Step 1: Extract displacement fields from FEA trials
python -m optimization_engine.gnn.backfill_field_data V11
# Step 2: Train GNN on extracted data
python -m optimization_engine.gnn.train_zernike_gnn V11 V12 --epochs 200
# Step 3: Run GNN-accelerated optimization
python run_gnn_turbo.py --trials 5000
```
### Key Classes
| Class | Purpose |
|-------|---------|
| `PolarMirrorGraph` | Fixed 3000-node polar grid for mirror surface |
| `ZernikeGNN` | Main model with design-conditioned message passing |
| `DifferentiableZernikeFit` | GPU-accelerated Zernike coefficient computation |
| `ZernikeObjectiveLayer` | Compute rel_rms objectives from coefficients |
| `ZernikeGNNTrainer` | Complete training pipeline with multi-task loss |
| `ZernikeGNNOptimizer` | Turbo optimization with GNN predictions |
### Calibration
GNN predictions require calibration against FEA ground truth. Use the full FEA dataset (not just validation samples) for robust calibration:
```python
# compute_full_calibration.py
# Computes calibration factors: GNN_pred * factor ≈ FEA_truth
calibration_factors = {
'rel_filtered_rms_40_vs_20': 1.15, # GNN underpredicts by ~15%
'rel_filtered_rms_60_vs_20': 1.08,
'mfg_90_optician_workload': 0.95, # GNN overpredicts by ~5%
}
```
### Performance
| Metric | FEA | Zernike GNN |
|--------|-----|-------------|
| Time per eval | 8-10 min | 4 ms |
| Trials per hour | 6-7 | 900,000 |
| Typical accuracy | Ground truth | 5-15% error |
---
## GNN Field Predictor (Generic)
### Core Components
| Component | File | Purpose |
|-----------|------|---------|
| BDF/OP2 Parser | `neural_field_parser.py` | Convert NX files to neural format |
| Data Validator | `validate_parsed_data.py` | Physics and quality checks |
| Field Predictor | `field_predictor.py` | GNN for full field prediction |
| Parametric Predictor | `parametric_predictor.py` | GNN for direct objectives |
| Physics Loss | `physics_losses.py` | Physics-informed training |
| Neural Surrogate | `neural_surrogate.py` | Integration with Atomizer |
| Neural Runner | `runner_with_neural.py` | Optimization with NN acceleration |
### Workflow Diagram
```
Traditional:
Design → NX Model → Mesh → Solve (30 min) → Results → Objective
Neural (after training):
Design → Neural Network (4.5 ms) → Results → Objective
```
---
## Neural Model Types
### 1. Field Predictor GNN
**Use Case**: When you need full field predictions (stress distribution, deformation shape).
```
Input Features (12D per node):
├── Node coordinates (x, y, z)
├── Material properties (E, nu, rho)
├── Boundary conditions (fixed/free per DOF)
└── Load information (force magnitude, direction)
GNN Layers (6 message passing):
├── MeshGraphConv (custom for FEA topology)
├── Layer normalization
├── ReLU activation
└── Dropout (0.1)
Output (per node):
├── Displacement (6 DOF: Tx, Ty, Tz, Rx, Ry, Rz)
└── Von Mises stress (1 value)
```
**Parameters**: ~718,221 trainable
### 2. Parametric Predictor GNN (Recommended)
**Use Case**: Direct optimization objective prediction (fastest option).
```
Design Parameters (ND) → Design Encoder (MLP) → GNN Backbone → Scalar Heads
Output (objectives):
├── mass (grams)
├── frequency (Hz)
├── max_displacement (mm)
└── max_stress (MPa)
```
**Parameters**: ~500,000 trainable
### 3. Ensemble Models
**Use Case**: Uncertainty quantification.
1. Train 3-5 models with different random seeds
2. At inference, run all models
3. Use mean for prediction, std for uncertainty
4. High uncertainty → trigger FEA validation
---
## Training Pipeline
### Step 1: Collect Training Data
Enable export in workflow config:
```json
{
"training_data_export": {
"enabled": true,
"export_dir": "atomizer_field_training_data/my_study"
}
}
```
Output structure:
```
atomizer_field_training_data/my_study/
├── trial_0001/
│ ├── input/model.bdf # Nastran input
│ ├── output/model.op2 # Binary results
│ └── metadata.json # Design params + objectives
├── trial_0002/
│ └── ...
└── study_summary.json
```
**Recommended**: 100-500 FEA samples for good generalization.
### Step 2: Parse to Neural Format
```bash
cd atomizer-field
python batch_parser.py ../atomizer_field_training_data/my_study
```
Creates HDF5 + JSON files per trial.
### Step 3: Train Model
**Parametric Predictor** (recommended):
```bash
python train_parametric.py \
--train_dir ../training_data/parsed \
--val_dir ../validation_data/parsed \
--epochs 200 \
--hidden_channels 128 \
--num_layers 4
```
**Field Predictor**:
```bash
python train.py \
--train_dir ../training_data/parsed \
--epochs 200 \
--model FieldPredictorGNN \
--hidden_channels 128 \
--num_layers 6 \
--physics_loss_weight 0.3
```
### Step 4: Validate
```bash
python validate.py --checkpoint runs/my_model/checkpoint_best.pt
```
Expected output:
```
Validation Results:
├── Mean Absolute Error: 2.3% (mass), 1.8% (frequency)
├── R² Score: 0.987
├── Inference Time: 4.5ms ± 0.8ms
└── Physics Violations: 0.2%
```
### Step 5: Deploy
```json
{
"neural_surrogate": {
"enabled": true,
"model_checkpoint": "atomizer-field/runs/my_model/checkpoint_best.pt",
"confidence_threshold": 0.85
}
}
```
---
## Configuration
### Full Neural Configuration Example
```json
{
"study_name": "bracket_neural_optimization",
"surrogate_settings": {
"enabled": true,
"model_type": "parametric_gnn",
"model_path": "models/bracket_surrogate.pt",
"confidence_threshold": 0.85,
"validation_frequency": 10,
"fallback_to_fea": true
},
"training_data_export": {
"enabled": true,
"export_dir": "atomizer_field_training_data/bracket_study",
"export_bdf": true,
"export_op2": true,
"export_fields": ["displacement", "stress"]
},
"neural_optimization": {
"initial_fea_trials": 50,
"neural_trials": 5000,
"retraining_interval": 500,
"uncertainty_threshold": 0.15
}
}
```
### Configuration Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Default | Description |
|-----------|------|---------|-------------|
| `enabled` | bool | false | Enable neural surrogate |
| `model_type` | string | "parametric_gnn" | Model architecture |
| `model_path` | string | - | Path to trained model |
| `confidence_threshold` | float | 0.85 | Min confidence for predictions |
| `validation_frequency` | int | 10 | FEA validation every N trials |
| `fallback_to_fea` | bool | true | Use FEA when uncertain |
---
## Hybrid FEA/Neural Workflow
### Phase 1: FEA Exploration (50-100 trials)
- Run standard FEA optimization
- Export training data automatically
- Build landscape understanding
### Phase 2: Neural Training
- Parse collected data
- Train parametric predictor
- Validate accuracy
### Phase 3: Neural Acceleration (1000s of trials)
- Use neural network for rapid exploration
- Periodic FEA validation
- Retrain if distribution shifts
### Phase 4: FEA Refinement (10-20 trials)
- Validate top candidates with FEA
- Ensure results are physically accurate
- Generate final Pareto front
---
## Adaptive Iteration Loop
For complex optimizations, use iterative refinement:
```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Iteration 1: │
│ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │
│ │ Initial FEA │ -> │ Train NN │ -> │ NN Search │ │
│ │ (50-100) │ │ Surrogate │ │ (1000 trials)│ │
│ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ Iteration 2+: ▼ │
│ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │
│ │ Validate Top │ -> │ Retrain NN │ -> │ NN Search │ │
│ │ NN with FEA │ │ with new data│ │ (1000 trials)│ │
│ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ └──────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```
### Adaptive Configuration
```json
{
"adaptive_settings": {
"enabled": true,
"initial_fea_trials": 50,
"nn_trials_per_iteration": 1000,
"fea_validation_per_iteration": 5,
"max_iterations": 10,
"convergence_threshold": 0.01,
"retrain_epochs": 100
}
}
```
### Convergence Criteria
Stop when:
- No improvement for 2-3 consecutive iterations
- Reached FEA budget limit
- Objective improvement < 1% threshold
### Output Files
```
studies/my_study/3_results/
├── adaptive_state.json # Current iteration state
├── surrogate_model.pt # Trained neural network
└── training_history.json # NN training metrics
```
---
## Loss Functions
### Data Loss (MSE)
Standard prediction error:
```python
data_loss = MSE(predicted, target)
```
### Physics Loss
Enforce physical constraints:
```python
physics_loss = (
equilibrium_loss + # Force balance
boundary_loss + # BC satisfaction
compatibility_loss # Strain compatibility
)
```
### Combined Training
```python
total_loss = data_loss + 0.3 * physics_loss
```
Physics loss weight typically 0.1-0.5.
---
## Uncertainty Quantification
### Ensemble Method
```python
# Run N models
predictions = [model_i(x) for model_i in ensemble]
# Statistics
mean_prediction = np.mean(predictions)
uncertainty = np.std(predictions)
# Decision
if uncertainty > threshold:
# Use FEA instead
result = run_fea(x)
else:
result = mean_prediction
```
### Confidence Thresholds
| Uncertainty | Action |
|-------------|--------|
| < 5% | Use neural prediction |
| 5-15% | Use neural, flag for validation |
| > 15% | Fall back to FEA |
---
## Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---------|-------|----------|
| High prediction error | Insufficient training data | Collect more FEA samples |
| Out-of-distribution warnings | Design outside training range | Retrain with expanded range |
| Slow inference | Large mesh | Use parametric predictor instead |
| Physics violations | Low physics loss weight | Increase `physics_loss_weight` |
---
## Cross-References
- **Depends On**: [SYS_10_IMSO](./SYS_10_IMSO.md) for optimization framework
- **Used By**: [OP_02_RUN_OPTIMIZATION](../operations/OP_02_RUN_OPTIMIZATION.md), [OP_05_EXPORT_TRAINING_DATA](../operations/OP_05_EXPORT_TRAINING_DATA.md)
- **See Also**: [modules/neural-acceleration.md](../../.claude/skills/modules/neural-acceleration.md)
---
## Implementation Files
```
atomizer-field/
├── neural_field_parser.py # BDF/OP2 parsing
├── field_predictor.py # Field GNN
├── parametric_predictor.py # Parametric GNN
├── train.py # Field training
├── train_parametric.py # Parametric training
├── validate.py # Model validation
├── physics_losses.py # Physics-informed loss
└── batch_parser.py # Batch data conversion
optimization_engine/
├── neural_surrogate.py # Atomizer integration
└── runner_with_neural.py # Neural runner
```
---
## Self-Improving Turbo Optimization
### Overview
The **Self-Improving Turbo** pattern combines MLP surrogate exploration with iterative FEA validation and surrogate retraining. This creates a closed-loop optimization where the surrogate continuously improves from its own mistakes.
### Workflow
```
INITIALIZE:
- Load pre-trained surrogate (from prior FEA data)
- Load previous FEA params for diversity checking
REPEAT until converged or FEA budget exhausted:
1. SURROGATE EXPLORE (~1 min)
├─ Run 5000 Optuna TPE trials with surrogate
├─ Quantize predictions to machining precision
└─ Find diverse top candidates
2. SELECT DIVERSE CANDIDATES
├─ Sort by weighted sum
├─ Select top 5 that are:
│ ├─ At least 15% different from each other
│ └─ At least 7.5% different from ALL previous FEA
└─ Ensures exploration, not just exploitation
3. FEA VALIDATE (~25 min for 5 candidates)
├─ For each candidate:
│ ├─ Create iteration folder
│ ├─ Update NX expressions
│ ├─ Run Nastran solver
│ ├─ Extract objectives (ZernikeOPD or other)
│ └─ Log prediction error
└─ Add results to training data
4. RETRAIN SURROGATE (~2 min)
├─ Combine all FEA samples
├─ Retrain MLP for 100 epochs
├─ Save new checkpoint
└─ Reload improved model
5. CHECK CONVERGENCE
├─ Track best feasible objective
├─ If improved: reset patience counter
└─ If no improvement for 3 iterations: STOP
```
### Configuration Example
```json
{
"turbo_settings": {
"surrogate_trials_per_iteration": 5000,
"fea_validations_per_iteration": 5,
"max_fea_validations": 100,
"max_iterations": 30,
"convergence_patience": 3,
"retrain_frequency": "every_iteration",
"min_samples_for_retrain": 20
}
}
```
### Key Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Value | Description |
|-----------|---------------|-------------|
| `surrogate_trials_per_iteration` | 5000 | NN trials per iteration |
| `fea_validations_per_iteration` | 5 | FEA runs per iteration |
| `max_fea_validations` | 100 | Total FEA budget |
| `convergence_patience` | 3 | Stop after N no-improvement iterations |
| `MIN_CANDIDATE_DISTANCE` | 0.15 | 15% of param range for diversity |
### Example Results (M1 Mirror Turbo V1)
| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| FEA Validations | 45 |
| Best WS Found | 282.05 |
| Baseline (V11) | 284.19 |
| Improvement | 0.75% |
---
## Dashboard Integration for Neural Studies
### Problem
Neural surrogate studies generate thousands of NN-only trials that would overwhelm the dashboard. Only FEA-validated trials should be visible.
### Solution: Separate Optuna Study
Log FEA validation results to a separate Optuna study that the dashboard can read:
```python
import optuna
# Create Optuna study for dashboard visibility
optuna_db_path = RESULTS_DIR / "study.db"
optuna_storage = f"sqlite:///{optuna_db_path}"
optuna_study = optuna.create_study(
study_name=study_name,
storage=optuna_storage,
direction="minimize",
load_if_exists=True,
)
# After each FEA validation:
trial = optuna_study.ask()
# Set parameters (using suggest_float with fixed bounds)
for var_name, var_val in result['params'].items():
trial.suggest_float(var_name, var_val, var_val)
# Set objectives as user attributes
for obj_name, obj_val in result['objectives'].items():
trial.set_user_attr(obj_name, obj_val)
# Log iteration metadata
trial.set_user_attr('turbo_iteration', turbo_iter)
trial.set_user_attr('prediction_error', abs(actual_ws - predicted_ws))
trial.set_user_attr('is_feasible', is_feasible)
# Report the objective value
optuna_study.tell(trial, result['weighted_sum'])
```
### File Structure
```
3_results/
├── study.db # Optuna format (for dashboard)
├── study_custom.db # Custom SQLite (detailed turbo data)
├── checkpoints/
│ └── best_model.pt # Surrogate model
├── turbo_logs/ # Per-iteration JSON logs
└── best_design_archive/ # Archived best designs
```
### Backfilling Existing Data
If you have existing turbo runs without Optuna logging, use the backfill script:
```python
# scripts/backfill_optuna.py
import optuna
import sqlite3
import json
# Read from custom database
conn = sqlite3.connect('study_custom.db')
c.execute('''
SELECT iter_num, turbo_iteration, weighted_sum, surrogate_predicted_ws,
params, objectives, is_feasible
FROM trials ORDER BY iter_num
''')
# Create Optuna study
study = optuna.create_study(...)
# Backfill each trial
for row in rows:
trial = study.ask()
params = json.loads(row['params']) # Stored as JSON
objectives = json.loads(row['objectives'])
for name, val in params.items():
trial.suggest_float(name, float(val), float(val))
for name, val in objectives.items():
trial.set_user_attr(name, float(val))
study.tell(trial, row['weighted_sum'])
```
### Dashboard View
After integration, the dashboard shows:
- Only FEA-validated trials (not NN-only)
- Objective convergence over FEA iterations
- Parameter distributions from validated designs
- Prediction error trends (via user attributes)
---
## L-BFGS Gradient Optimizer (v2.4)
### Overview
The **L-BFGS Gradient Optimizer** exploits the differentiability of trained MLP surrogates to achieve **100-1000x faster convergence** compared to derivative-free methods like TPE or CMA-ES.
**Key insight**: Your trained MLP is fully differentiable. L-BFGS computes exact gradients via backpropagation, enabling precise local optimization.
### When to Use
| Scenario | Use L-BFGS? |
|----------|-------------|
| After turbo mode identifies promising regions | ✓ Yes |
| To polish top 10-20 candidates before FEA | ✓ Yes |
| For initial exploration (cold start) | ✗ No - use TPE/grid first |
| Multi-modal problems (many local minima) | Use multi-start L-BFGS |
### Quick Start
```bash
# CLI usage
python -m optimization_engine.gradient_optimizer studies/my_study --n-starts 20
# Or per-study script
cd studies/M1_Mirror/m1_mirror_adaptive_V14
python run_lbfgs_polish.py --n-starts 20
```
### Python API
```python
from optimization_engine.gradient_optimizer import GradientOptimizer, run_lbfgs_polish
from optimization_engine.generic_surrogate import GenericSurrogate
# Method 1: Quick run from study directory
results = run_lbfgs_polish(
study_dir="studies/my_study",
n_starts=20, # Starting points
use_top_fea=True, # Use top FEA results as starts
n_iterations=100 # L-BFGS iterations per start
)
# Method 2: Full control
surrogate = GenericSurrogate(config)
surrogate.load("surrogate_best.pt")
optimizer = GradientOptimizer(
surrogate=surrogate,
objective_weights=[5.0, 5.0, 1.0], # From config
objective_directions=['minimize', 'minimize', 'minimize']
)
# Multi-start optimization
result = optimizer.optimize(
starting_points=top_candidates, # List of param dicts
n_random_restarts=10, # Additional random starts
method='lbfgs', # 'lbfgs', 'adam', or 'sgd'
n_iterations=100
)
# Access results
print(f"Best WS: {result.weighted_sum}")
print(f"Params: {result.params}")
print(f"Improvement: {result.improvement}")
```
### Hybrid Grid + Gradient Mode
For problems with multiple local minima:
```python
results = optimizer.grid_search_then_gradient(
n_grid_samples=500, # Random exploration
n_top_for_gradient=20, # Top candidates to polish
n_iterations=100 # L-BFGS iterations
)
```
### Integration with Turbo Mode
**Recommended workflow**:
```
1. FEA Exploration (50-100 trials) → Train initial surrogate
2. Turbo Mode (5000 NN trials) → Find promising regions
3. L-BFGS Polish (20 starts) → Precise local optima ← NEW
4. FEA Validation (top 3-5) → Verify best designs
```
### Output
Results saved to `3_results/lbfgs_results.json`:
```json
{
"results": [
{
"params": {"rib_thickness": 10.42, ...},
"objectives": {"wfe_40_20": 5.12, ...},
"weighted_sum": 172.34,
"converged": true,
"improvement": 8.45
}
]
}
```
### Performance Comparison
| Method | Evaluations to Converge | Time |
|--------|------------------------|------|
| TPE | 200-500 | 30 min (surrogate) |
| CMA-ES | 100-300 | 15 min (surrogate) |
| **L-BFGS** | **20-50** | **<1 sec** |
### Key Classes
| Class | Purpose |
|-------|---------|
| `GradientOptimizer` | Main optimizer with L-BFGS/Adam/SGD |
| `OptimizationResult` | Result container with params, objectives, convergence info |
| `run_lbfgs_polish()` | Convenience function for study-level usage |
| `MultiStartLBFGS` | Simplified multi-start interface |
### Implementation Details
- **Bounds handling**: Projected gradient (clamp to bounds after each step)
- **Normalization**: Inherits from surrogate (design_mean/std, obj_mean/std)
- **Convergence**: Gradient norm < tolerance (default 1e-7)
- **Line search**: Strong Wolfe conditions for L-BFGS
---
## Version History
| Version | Date | Changes |
|---------|------|---------|
| 2.4 | 2025-12-28 | Added L-BFGS Gradient Optimizer for surrogate polish |
| 2.3 | 2025-12-28 | Added TrialManager, DashboardDB, proper trial_NNNN naming |
| 2.2 | 2025-12-24 | Added Self-Improving Turbo and Dashboard Integration sections |
| 2.1 | 2025-12-10 | Added Zernike GNN section for mirror optimization |
| 2.0 | 2025-12-06 | Added MLP Surrogate with Turbo Mode |
| 1.0 | 2025-12-05 | Initial consolidation from neural docs |
---
## New Trial Management System (v2.3)
### Overview
The new trial management system provides:
1. **Consistent trial naming**: `trial_NNNN/` folders (zero-padded, never reused)
2. **Dashboard compatibility**: Optuna-compatible SQLite schema
3. **Clear separation**: Surrogate predictions are ephemeral, only FEA results are trials
### Key Components
| Component | File | Purpose |
|-----------|------|---------|
| `TrialManager` | `optimization_engine/utils/trial_manager.py` | Trial folder + DB management |
| `DashboardDB` | `optimization_engine/utils/dashboard_db.py` | Optuna-compatible database ops |
### Usage Pattern
```python
from optimization_engine.utils.trial_manager import TrialManager
# Initialize
tm = TrialManager(study_dir, "my_study")
# Start trial (creates folder, reserves DB row)
trial = tm.new_trial(
params={'rib_thickness': 10.5},
source="turbo",
metadata={'turbo_batch': 1, 'predicted_ws': 186.77}
)
# Run FEA...
# Complete trial (logs to DB)
tm.complete_trial(
trial_number=trial['trial_number'],
objectives={'wfe_40_20': 5.63, 'mass_kg': 118.67},
weighted_sum=175.87,
is_feasible=True,
metadata={'solve_time': 211.7}
)
```
### Trial Folder Structure
```
2_iterations/
├── trial_0001/
│ ├── params.json # Input parameters
│ ├── params.exp # NX expression format
│ ├── results.json # Output objectives
│ ├── _meta.json # Full metadata (source, timestamps, predictions)
│ └── *.op2, *.fem... # FEA files
├── trial_0002/
└── ...
```
### Database Schema
The `DashboardDB` class creates Optuna-compatible tables:
| Table | Purpose |
|-------|---------|
| `studies` | Study metadata |
| `trials` | Trial info with `state`, `number`, `study_id` |
| `trial_values` | Objective values |
| `trial_params` | Parameter values |
| `trial_user_attributes` | Custom metadata (turbo_batch, predicted_ws, etc.) |
### Converting Legacy Databases
```python
from optimization_engine.utils.dashboard_db import convert_custom_to_optuna
# Convert custom schema to Optuna format
convert_custom_to_optuna(
db_path="3_results/study.db",
study_name="my_study"
)
```
### Key Principles
1. **Surrogate predictions are NOT trials** - only FEA-validated results are logged
2. **Trial numbers never reset** - monotonically increasing across all runs
3. **Folders never overwritten** - each trial gets a unique `trial_NNNN/` directory
4. **Metadata preserved** - predictions stored for accuracy analysis