Variational problems in the theory of optimum processes

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the optimization problems for control processes described by ordinary differential equations and of the variational methods for solving these problems. The following cases are studied: problems with constraints on the controls or the coordinates, problems described by equations with discontinuous right-hand sides, problems with functionals depending on intermediate coordinates, and problems with given discontinuities in the coordinates. Variational problems of synthesis of optimal systems are also discussed. The method of solution is based on the multiplier rule and the Weierstrass necessary condition for the strong minimum of a functional. In some cases, the Legendre-Clebsch necessary condition for the weak minimum of a functional is used.