Successive shortest paths

Abstract view

Definition:

1. For a node [math]\displaystyle{ v\in V }[/math], let [math]\displaystyle{ \Delta f(v):=\sum_{w:(v,w)\in A}f(v,w)-\sum_{w:(w,v)\in A}f(w,v) }[/math].
2. The imbalance of a node [math]\displaystyle{ v\in V }[/math] is defined as [math]\displaystyle{ \Delta f(v)-b(v) }[/math].
3. The imbalance of a node [math]\displaystyle{ v\in V }[/math] is underestimating if [math]\displaystyle{ 0\leq \Delta f(v)\leq b(v) }[/math] or [math]\displaystyle{ 0\geq\Delta f(v)\geq b(v) }[/math].
4. The total imbalance of [math]\displaystyle{ f }[/math] is the defined as [math]\displaystyle{ \sum_{v\in V}|\Delta f(v)-b(v)| }[/math].

Invariant:

1. The capacity constraints are fulfilled, that is, [math]\displaystyle{ 0\leq f(a)\leq u(a) }[/math] for all [math]\displaystyle{ a\in A }[/math].
2. There is no negative cycle in the residual network of [math]\displaystyle{ f }[/math].
3. The imbalance of every node is underestimating.

Variant: The total imbalance strictly decreases.

Induction basis

Abstract view: Start with the zero flow.

Proof: Obvious.

Induction step

1. If there