Sensitivity analysis for discrete optimal control problems

We present local sensitivity analysis for discrete optimal control problems with varying endpoints in the case when the customary regularity of boundary conditions can be violated. We study the behavior of the optimal solutions subject to parametric perturbations of the problem.     

The operational performance of the Yale ESTU

The ESTU began operation in 1988 and achieved the design voltage of 20 MV in 1990. Since that time, improvements to the gas handling system, negative ion injector, accelerator terminal and control system have greatly increased its capability and reliability. Today, the ESTU can efficiently produce an extensive assortment of stable ions at wide-ranging energies in support of low-energy nuclear physics.     

Optimal Harvesting in an Age-Structured Predator–Prey Model

We investigate optimal harvesting control in a predator–prey model in which the prey population is represented by a first-order partial differential equation with age-structure and the predator population is represented by an ordinary differential equation in time. The controls are the proportions of the populations to be harvested, and the objective functional represents the profit from harvesting. The existence and uniqueness of the optimal control pair are established.     

The Kissing Triangles: The Aesthetics of Mathematical Discovery

Papert's (1978) appeal to reconsider the power and possibilities of the aesthetic in mathematics learning is often ignored in mathematics education research. This paper begins with the premise, put forth by Dewey (1934), that the aesthetic structures many dimensions of inquiry and experience. In the same way that using particular paintings, musical compositions, or even everyday experiences has been instrumental to attempts by philosophers to understand the aesthetic dimensions of meaning and experience in artistic domains, I propose that analysing a particular encounter with mathematics may help reveal the nature and role of the often nebulous responses of elegance, beauty, and `fit' to which mathematicians lay claim in their mathematical activity. To achieve this, I draw on and adapt the defining features of the aesthetic character of experience set forth by the aesthetician Beardsley (1982). This, in turn, sheds light on the role thataesthetics can play in mathematical inquiry and experience, and provides initial categories and conjectures that can be used to investigate the potential roles of aesthetics in mathematics learning contexts.This revised version was published online in September 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

可变抽样区间的非参数控制图

最近几年一些学者研究了可变抽样区间的质量控制图。Amin等提出了可变抽样区间(VSI)的非参数控制图———符号 (Sign)统计量图〔1〕。本文在此基础上研究位置VSI符号控制图的制定方法 ,并设计离散VSI符号控制图。符号控制图的优点是对非正态总体亦可应用 ,并且不需要过程方差的信息。本文将所设计的VSI符号控制图同固定抽样区间 (FSI)的常规图作比较 ,并举实例说明符号控制图的应用     

On a bifurcation governed by hysteresis nonlinearity

We consider autonomous systems with a nonlinear part depending on a parameter and study Hopf bifurcations at infinity. The nonlinear part consists of the nonlinear functional term and the Prandtl--Ishlinskii hysteresis term. The linear part of the system has a special form such that the close-loop system can be considered as a hysteresis perturbation of a quasilinear Hamiltonian system. The Hamiltonian system has a continuum of arbitrarily large cycles for each value of the parameter. We present sufficient conditions for the existence of bifurcation points for the non-Hamiltonian system with hysteresis. These bifurcation points are determined by simple characteristics of the hysteresis nonlinearity.     

OPTIMAL INVESTMENT IN THE PROTECTION OF A VULNERABLE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE

It is assumed that the probability of destruction of a biological asset by natural hazards can be reduced through investment in protection. Specifically a model, in which the hazard rate depends on both the age of the asset and the accumulated invested protection capital, is assumed. The protection capital depreciates through time and its effectiveness in reducing the hazard rate is subject to diminishing returns. It is shown how the investment schedule to maximize the expected net present value of the asset can be determined using the methods of deterministic optimal control, with the survival probability regarded as a state variable. The optimal investment pattern involves “bang-bang-singular” control. A numerical scheme for determining jointly the optimal investment policy and the optimal harvest (or replacement) age is outlined and a numerical example involving forest fire protection is given.     

动态激光衍射法测量细丝直径

基于夫琅禾费衍射理论和巴比涅互补原理,提出了利用激光衍射对细丝直径进行动态测量的方法.该方法具有测量精度高、速度快、非接触、使用方便且易于微机联接实现自动化测量等优点.     

An applied cell mapping method for optimal control problems

From the application point of view, a series of modifications are proposed for the cell mapping method discussed in Ref. 1 for the optimal control analysis of dynamical systems. The cell order around the target set is rearranged. A set of common discriminate principles is used for the selection of the optimal one among competing control strategies of the same cost. Inequality constraints of the system are taken into account. The number of elements in the set of allowable time intervals is not prescribed, but left open. These modifications seem to make the cell mapping method more efficient for analyzing feedback systems and for obtaining their global optimal control information. The algorithms presented in this paper could broaden the application of the cell mapping approach of Ref. 1 to a wider class of engineering problems.     

运用量子约束动力学对具有耗散的量子位的追踪控制

在有限温度环境内，量子约束动力学及其追踪控制可使退相干系统的相干性稳定一段时间.约束方程产生的控制场能够按量子比特的动力学状态进行控制(量子动力学轨道的反馈控制)；依靠量子比特的这种反馈效应，可使量子位稳定在设定的时间内.同时，在量子位的稳定方面，温度扮演一种消极的角色. 关键词： 量子约束动力学 耗散量子位的控制 追踪控制 量子比特的反馈效应