On the approximate solution of time-optimal control problems

In this paper we are concerned with the approximate solution of time-optimal control problems in a nonreflexive Banach SpaceE by sequences of similar problems in Banach spacesE _n which are assumed to approximateE in a fairly general sense. The problems under consideration are such that the solution operator of the associated evolution equation is a strongly continuous holomorphic contraction semigroup and the class of controls is taken from the dual of the Phillips adjoint space with respect to the infinitesimal generator of that semigroup. The main object is to establish convergence of optimal controls, transition times and corresponding trajectories of the approximating control problems which can be done by means of some results from the theory of approximation of semigroups of operators. Finally, these abstract convergence results will be applied to time-optimal control problems arising from heat transfer and diffusion processes.Research supported in part by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)