On existence problems for the optimal control of certain nonlinear integral equations of Urysohn type

In Refs. 1–3, existence results have been obtained for optimal control problems whose state equations are described by certain nonlinear integral equations of Urysohn type. We generalize and synthesize these results by formulating a general lower closure result from which the results of Refs. 1–3 are shown to follow. In the course of this, we also present a novel and rather abstract treatment of existence problems for variable-time optimal control, quite in the spirit of Ref. 4.     

optimal control of dynamical ginzburg—landau vortices in superconductivity

In this paper we consider an optimal control problem which is governed by a generalized Ginzhurg—Landau model which describes the phase transitions inking place in the superconducting films with variable thickness. The objective of the work is to explore the possibilities of controlling the motion of vortices in the superconducting films through the external magnetic field. The existence of solutions of the nonlinear governing system of equations is established by a rigorous analysis of the method of lines. The existence of optimal solutions and the first order necessary conditions for optimality are obtained     

On the existence of catching-up optimal solutions for Lagrange problems defined on unbounded intervals

In this paper, we are concerned with the question of the existence of optimal solutions for infinite-horizon optimal control problems of Lagrange type. In such problems, the objective or cost functional is described by an improper integral. As dictated by applications arising in mathematical economics, we do nota priori assume that this improper integral converges. This leads us to consider a weaker type of optimality, known as catching-up optimality. The results presented here utilize the classical convexity and seminormality conditions typically imposed in the existence theory for the case of finite intervals. These conditions are significantly weaker than those imposed by other authors; as a consequence, their existence results are contained as special cases of the results presented here. The method of proof utilizes the Carathéodory-Hamilton-Jacobi theory previously developed by the author for infinite-horizon optimal control problems.This research forms part of the author's doctoral dissertation written at the University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware under the supervision of Professor T. S. Angell.     

Generic well-posedness of nonconvex optimal control problems

The Tonelli existence theorem in the calculus of variations and its subsequent modifications were established for integrands f which satisfy convexity and growth conditions. In our previous work a generic existence and uniqueness result (with respect to variations of the integrand of the integral functional) without the convexity condition was established for a class of optimal control problems satisfying the Cesari growth condition. In this paper we extend this generic existence and uniqueness result to a class of optimal control problems in which the right-hand side of differential equations is also subject to variations.     

Nonlinear optimal control problems of degenerate parabolic equations with logistic time-varying delays of convolution type

In this article, we consider a bioeconomic model for optimal control problems which are governed by degenerate parabolic equations governing diffusive biological species with logistic growth terms and multiple time-varying delays. The time-varying delays are given in a convolution form. The existence, uniqueness and regularity results to the state equations with homogeneous Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions are established. The vanishing viscosity method is used to obtain the existence result. Afterwards, we formulate the optimal control problem in two cases. Firstly, we suppose that this biological species causes damage to environment (e.g. forest, agriculture): the optimal control is the trapping rate and the cost functional is a combination of damage and trapping costs. Secondly, an optimal harvesting control of a biological species is considered: the optimal control is a distribution of harvesting effort on the biological species and the cost functional measure the difference between economic revenue and cost. The existence and the condition of uniqueness of the optimal solution are obtained. A nonlinear optimality system is derived, characterizing the optimal control.     

Analysis and numerical simulation of a nonlinear mathematical model for testing the manoeuvrability capabilities of a submarine

The aim of this work is to provide a mathematical and numerical tool for the analysis of the manoeuvrability capabilities of a submarine. To this end, we consider a suitable optimal control problem with constraints in both state and control variables. The state law is composed of a highly coupled and nonlinear system of twelve ordinary differential equations. Control inputs appear in linear and quadratic form and physically are linked to rudders and propeller forces and moments. We consider a nonlinear Bolza type cost function which represents a commitment between reaching a final desired state and a minimal expense of control. In a first part, following recent ideas in [F. Periago, J. Tiago, A local existence result for an optimal control problem modeling the manoeuvring of an underwater vehicle, Nonlinear Anal. RWA 11 (2010) 2573–2583], we prove a local existence result for the above mentioned optimal control problem. In a second part, we address the numerical resolution of the problem by using a descent method with projection and optimal step-size parameter. To illustrate the performance of the method proposed in this paper and to show its application in a real engineering problem we include three different numerical experiments for a standard manoeuvre.     

Faedo–Galerkin Approximation of Solution for a Nonlocal Neutral Fractional Differential Equation with Deviating Argument

In this work, we study a class of nonlocal neutral fractional differential equations with deviated argument in the separable Hilbert space. We obtain an associated integral equation and then, consider a sequence of approximate integral equations. We investigate the existence and uniqueness of the mild solution for every approximate integral equation by virtue of the theory of analytic semigroup theory via the technique of Banach fixed point theorem. Next we demonstrate the convergence of the solutions of the approximate integral equations to the solution of the associated integral equation. The Faedo–Galerkin approximation of the solution is studied and demonstrated some convergence results. Finally, we give an example.

     

Problem of optimal endogenous growth with exhaustible resources and possibility of a technological jump

In 2013, S. Aseev, K. Besov, and S. Kaniovski (“The problem of optimal endogenous growth with exhaustible resources revisited,” Dyn. Model. Econometr. Econ. Finance 14, 3–30) considered the problem of optimal dynamic allocation of economic resources in an endogenous growth model in which both production and research sectors require an exhaustible resource as an input. The problem is formulated as an infinite-horizon optimal control problem with an integral constraint imposed on the control. A full mathematical study of the problem was carried out, and it was shown that the optimal growth is not sustainable under the most natural assumptions about the parameters of the model. In the present paper we extend the model by introducing an additional possibility of “random” transition (jump) to a qualitatively new technological trajectory (to an essentially unlimited backstop resource). As an objective functional to be maximized, we consider the expected value of the sum of the objective functional in the original problem on the time interval before the jump and an evaluation of the state of the model at the moment of the jump. The resulting problem also reduces to an infinite-horizon optimal control problem, and we prove an existence theorem for it and write down an appropriate version of the Pontryagin maximum principle. Then we characterize the optimal transitional dynamics and compare the results with those for the original problem (without a jump).     

Finite element approximations of stochastic optimal control problems constrained by stochastic elliptic PDEs

In this paper we study mathematically and computationally optimal control problems for stochastic elliptic partial differential equations. The control objective is to minimize the expectation of a tracking cost functional, and the control is of the deterministic, distributed type. The main analytical tool is the Wiener-Itô chaos or the Karhunen-Loève expansion. Mathematically, we prove the existence of an optimal solution; we establish the validity of the Lagrange multiplier rule and obtain a stochastic optimality system of equations; we represent the input data in their Wiener-Itô chaos expansions and deduce the deterministic optimality system of equations. Computationally, we approximate the optimality system through the discretizations of the probability space and the spatial space by the finite element method; we also derive error estimates in terms of both types of discretizations.     

Boundary Shape Control of the Navier-Stokes Equations and Applications

In this paper, the geometrical design for the blade's surface in an impeller or for the profile of an aircraft, is modeled from the mathematical point of view by a boundary shape control problem for the Navier-Stokes equations. The objective function is the sum of a global dissipative function and the power of the fluid. The control variables are the geometry of the boundary and the state equations are the Navier-Stokes equations. The Euler-Lagrange equations of the optimal control problem are derived, which are an elliptic boundary value system of fourth order, coupled with the Navier-Stokes equations. The authors also prove the existence of the solution of the optimal control problem, the existence of the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations with mixed boundary conditions, the weak continuity of the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations with respect to the geometry shape of the blade's surface and the existence of solutions of the equations for the Gateaux derivative of the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations with respect to the geometry of the boundary.     

On the existence of sporadically catching-up optimal solutions for infinite-horizon optimal control problems

In this paper, we extend the existence theory of Brock and Haurie concerning the existence of sporadically catching-up optimal solutions for autonomous, infinite-horizon optimal control problems. This notion of optimality is one of a hierarchy of types of optimality that have appeared in the literature to deal with optimal control problems whose cost functionals, described by an improper integral, either diverge or are unbounded below. Our results rely on the now classical convexity and seminormality hypotheses due to Cesari and are weaker than those assumed in the work of Brock and Haurie. An example is presented where our results are applicable, but those of the above-mentioned authors do not.This research forms part of the author's doctoral dissertation, written at the University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, under the supervision of Professor T. S. Angell.     

Nonlocal diffusion,a Mittag-Leffler function and a two-dimensional Volterra integral equation

In this paper we consider a particular class of two-dimensional singular Volterra integral equations. Firstly we show that these integral equations can indeed arise in practice by considering a diffusion problem with an output flux which is nonlocal in time; this problem is shown to admit an analytic solution in the form of an integral. More crucially, the problem can be re-characterized as an integral equation of this particular class. This example then provides motivation for a more general study: an analytic solution is obtained for the case when the kernel and the forcing function are both unity. This analytic solution, in the form of a series solution, is a variant of the Mittag-Leffler function. As a consequence it is an entire function. A Gronwall lemma is obtained. This then permits a general existence and uniqueness theorem to be proved.     

Generic well-posedness of variational problems without convexity assumptions

The Tonelli existence theorem in the calculus of variations and its subsequent modifications were established for integrands f which satisfy convexity and growth conditions. In our previous work a generic well-posedness result (with respect to variations of the integrand of the integral functional) without the convexity condition was established for a class of optimal control problems satisfying the Cesari growth condition. In this paper we extend this generic well-posedness result to two classes of variational problems in which the values at the end points are also subject to variations. The main results of the paper are obtained as realizations of a general variational principle.     

一类具有无穷时滞中立型非稠定脉冲随机泛函微分方程积分解的存在性

本文讨论了一类具有无穷时滞中立型非稠定脉冲随机泛函微分方程,利用Sadovskii不动点原理等工具得到了其积分解的存在性,给出其在一类二阶无穷时滞中立型非稠定脉冲随机偏微分方程积分解的存在性中的应用.     

On the Existence of Solutions of Two Optimization Problems

In this paper, we prove the existence of solutions for the minimization problem of the shell weight for a given minimal frequency of the shell vibrations as well as for the maximization problem of the minimal frequency for a given shell weight. We consider an optimal control problem governed by an eigenvalue problem for a system of differential equations with variable coefficients. The form of the shell is considered as a control. Some of the coefficients are non-measurable. Earlier, we introduced certain special weighted functional spaces. By using these spaces, we establish the continuity of the considered minimal frequency functional and obtain the existence of solutions of both optimal control problems. At the end, we prove the Lipschitz continuity of the eigenvalue problem.     

Approximations of Solutions to Abstract Neutral Functional Differential Equation

In the present work, we study the approximations of solutions to the abstract neutral functional differential equations with bounded delay. We consider an associated integral equation and a sequence of approximate integral equations. We establish the existence and uniqueness of the solutions to every approximate integral equation using the fixed point arguments. We then prove the convergence of the solutions of the approximate integral equations to the solution of the associated integral equation. Next, we consider the Faedo–Galerkin approximations of the solutions and prove some convergence results. Finally, we demonstrate the application of the results established.     

On functional improper Volterra integral equations and impulsive differential equations in ordered Banach spaces

In this paper we derive existence and comparison results for discontinuous improper functional integral equations of Volterra type in an ordered Banach space which has a regular order cone. For this purpose we prove Dominated and Monotone Convergence Theorems for improper integrals. The obtained results are then applied to first-order impulsive differential equations. Concrete examples are also solved by using symbolic programming.     

On the eigenproblem for convolution integral equations

Summary This paper concerns the eigenproblem for convolution integral equations whose kernels can be expressed as finite or infinite Fourier transforms of integrable functions. A procedure which closely parallels previous work on displacement integral equations is derived and the problem of existence is treated. Approximations are obtained for both the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions.The results of this paper are taken from the author's doctoral dissertation at the University of New Mexico. The research was supported by the United States Atomic Energy Commission.     

Optimal vaccine distribution in a spatiotemporal epidemic model with an application to rabies and raccoons

We formulate an S-I-R (Susceptible, Infected, Immune) spatiotemporal epidemic model as a system of coupled parabolic partial differential equations with no-flux boundary conditions. Immunity is gained through vaccination with the vaccine distribution considered a control variable. The objective is to characterize an optimal control, a vaccine program which minimizes the number of infected individuals and the costs associated with vaccination over a finite space and time domain. We prove existence of solutions to the state system and existence of an optimal control, as well as derive corresponding sensitivity and adjoint equations. Techniques of optimal control theory are then employed to obtain the optimal control characterization in terms of state and adjoint functions. To illustrate solutions, parameter values are chosen to model the spread of rabies in raccoons. Optimal distributions of oral rabies vaccine baits for homogeneous and heterogeneous spatial domains are compared. Numerical results reveal that natural land features affecting raccoon movement and the relocation of raccoons by humans can considerably alter the design of a cost-effective vaccination regime. We show that the use of optimal control theory in mathematical models can yield immediate insight as to when, where, and what degree control measures should be implemented.     

Regularity of Backward Stochastic Volterra Integral Equations in Hilbert Spaces

This article investigates backward stochastic Volterra integral equations in Hilbert spaces. The existence and uniqueness of their adapted solutions is reviewed. We establish the regularity of the adapted solutions to such equations by means of Malliavin calculus. For an application, we study an optimal control problem for a stochastic Volterra integral equation driven by a Hilbert space-valued fractional Brownian motion. A Pontryagin-type maximum principle is formulated for the problem and an example is presented.