Equivariant perturbation in Gomory and Johnson's infinite group problem. III: Foundations for the \(k\)-dimensional case with applications to \(k=2\) (Q526839)

This paper develops foundational tools for classifying the extreme valid functions for the \(k\)-dimensional infinite group problem. The authors present the general regular solution to Cauchy's additive functional equation on restricted lower-dimensional convex domains. This provides a \(k\)-dimensional generalization of the so-called interval lemma, allowing them to deduce affine properties of the function from certain additivity relations. Next, they study the discrete geometry of additivity domains of piecewise linear functions, providing a framework for finite tests of minimality and extremality. They then give a theory of non-extremality certificates in the form of perturbation functions. They apply these tools in the context of minimal valid functions for the two-dimensional infinite group problem that are piecewise linear on a standard triangulation of the plane, under a regularity condition called diagonal constrainedness. They show that the extremality of a minimal valid function is equivalent to the extremality of its restriction to a certain finite two-dimensional group problem. This gives an algorithm for testing the extremality of a given minimal valid function. For Part I and II see [Math. Oper. Res. 40, No. 1, 105--129 (2015; Zbl 1308.90106)] and [Lect. Notes Comput. Sci. 7801, 62--73 (2013; Zbl 1372.90070)].