  This paper contributes to the treatment of extensive constraints in
evolutionary many-constraint optimization through consideration of the
relationships between pair-wise constraints. In a conflicting relationship, the
functional value of one constraint increases as the value in another constraint
decreases. In a harmonious relationship, the improvement in one constraint is
rewarded with simultaneous improvement in the other constraint. In an
independent relationship, the adjustment to one constraint never affects the
adjustment to the other. Based on the different features, methods for
identifying constraint relationships are discussed, helping to simplify
many-constraint optimization problems (MCOPs). Additionally, the transitivity
of the relationships is further discussed at the aim of determining the
relationship in a new pair of constraints.
