Learning with Embedded Linear Equality Constraints via Variational Bayesian Inference

arXiv cs.LG / 4/29/2026

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Key Points

  • The paper proposes a Bayesian learning framework that embeds linear equality constraints (known domain/physical relationships) directly into the training process rather than enforcing them after the fact.
  • It aims to produce complete predictive uncertainty estimates for both the model parameters and the constrained domain knowledge, addressing a common limitation of many ML methods.
  • The method is evaluated on a single-particle battery model with voltage and energy balance constraints, where it reduces credible interval widths compared with standard variational Bayesian neural networks.
  • Experiments also show fewer constraint violations than baseline Bayesian neural network approaches, suggesting improved physical consistency of predictions.
  • The work is presented as an arXiv preprint, indicating a research contribution intended for further validation and potential adoption in constraint-aware scientific ML.

Abstract

Machine Learning is becoming more prevalent in science and engineering, but many approaches do not provide meaningful uncertainty estimates and predictions may also violate known physical knowledge. We propose a Bayesian framework to embed linear relationships across inputs and outputs into the learning process, whilst characterizing full predictive uncertainty over both the model parameters and the domain knowledge. We evaluated our method on learning the single particle battery model subject to voltage and energy balances, showing its ability to provide reduced credible intervals and constraint violations compared to standard Bayesian neural networks based on variational inference.

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