We present a methodology for proving termination of left-linear term
rewriting systems (TRSs) by using Albert Burroni's polygraphs, a kind of
rewriting systems on algebraic circuits. We translate the considered TRS into a
polygraph of minimal size whose termination is proven with a polygraphic
interpretation, then we get back the property on the TRS. We recall Yves
Lafont's general translation of TRSs into polygraphs and known links between
their termination properties. We give several conditions on the original TRS,
including being a first-order functional program, that ensure that we can
reduce the size of the polygraphic translation. We also prove sufficient
conditions on the polygraphic interpretations of a minimal translation to imply
termination of the original TRS. Examples are given to compare this method with
usual polynomial interpretations.Comment: 15 page
