On the order of singular optimal control problems

In singular optimal control problems, the functional form of the optimal control function is usually determined by solving the algebraic equation which results by successively differentiating the switching function until the control appears explicitly. This process defines the order of the singular problem. Order-related results are developed for singular linear-quadratic problems and for a bilinear example which gives new insights into the relationship between singular problem order and singular are order.Dedicated to R. BellmanThis work was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. ENG-77-16660.