Mixed control problem under partial observation

In this paper, we consider the control problem with optimal stopping of a jump process. Using compactification methods, we obtain the existence of an optimal Markovian optimal control.     

On the No-Gap Second-Order Optimality Conditions for a Discrete Optimal Control Problem with Mixed Constraints

Motivated by our recent works on optimality conditions in discrete optimal control problems under a nonconvex cost function, in this paper, we study second-order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for a discrete optimal control problem with a nonconvex cost function and state-control constraints. By establishing an abstract result on second-order optimality conditions for a mathematical programming problem, we derive second-order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for a discrete optimal control problem. Using a common critical cone for both the second-order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions, we obtain “no-gap” between second-order optimality conditions.     

Finite element approximation of a free boundary plasma problem

In this article, we study a finite element approximation for a model free boundary plasma problem. Using a mixed approach (which resembles an optimal control problem with control constraints), we formulate a weak formulation and study the existence and uniqueness of a solution to the continuous model problem. Using the same setting, we formulate and analyze the discrete problem. We derive optimal order energy norm a priori error estimates proving the convergence of the method. Further, we derive a reliable and efficient a posteriori error estimator for the adaptive mesh refinement algorithm. Finally, we illustrate the theoretical results by some numerical examples.     

Convergence Analysis of the Implicit Euler-discretization and Sufficient Conditions for Optimal Control Problems Subject to Index-one Differential-algebraic Equations

For optimal control problems subject to index-one differential-algebraic equations in semi-explicit form we discuss second order sufficient conditions in form of a coercivity condition taking into account the two-norm discrepancy. Furthermore we introduce a related Riccati-type and Legendre-Clebsch condition which are sufficient for the validity of the coercivity condition. Using the implicit Euler-discretization we approximate the optimal control problem and analyze the convergence of solutions of the local minimum principle for the discretized optimal control problem by applying the general convergence framework of Stetter, which requires the discretization method to be continuous, consistent, and stable.

     

Optimal Distributed Dynamic Advertising

We propose a novel approach to modeling advertising dynamics for a firm operating over a distributed market domain based on controlled partial differential equations of the diffusion type. Using our model, we consider a general type of finite-horizon profit maximization problem in a monopoly setting. By reformulating this profit maximization problem as an optimal control problem in infinite dimensions, we derive sufficient conditions for the existence of its optimal solutions under general profit functions, as well as state and control constraints, and provide a general characterization of the optimal solutions. Sharper, feedback-form characterizations of the optimal solutions are obtained for two variants of the general problem. The first author gratefully acknowledges financial support by the NSF, the DAAD, the SFB 611 (Bonn), and the Max-Planck-Institut für Mathematik (Leipzig) through an IPDE fellowship.     

Optimal Enforcement on a Pure Seller's Market of Illicit Drugs

An optimal control problem for the dynamic enforcement (crackdown) of dealers on a pure seller's market for illicit drugs is explored. Theorems on existence and uniqueness of the optimal synthesis are proved. Using a technique of resolution of singularities for degenerate differential equations, we design analytically an optimal enforcement policy.     

On the Dirichlet problem for a nonlinear elastic beam equation

Using a direct variational approach with no global growth conditions on the nonlinear term, we consider the existence of solutions and their dependence on a functional parameter for the fourth order Dirichlet problem connected with the elastic beam equation. We investigate also the existence of an optimal process for such an optimal control problem in which the dynamics is described by the beam equation.     

Dividend optimization for jump–diffusion model with solvency constraints

Belhaj (2010) established that a barrier strategy is optimal for the dividend problem under jump–diffusion model. However, if the optimal dividend barrier level is set too low, then the bankruptcy probability may be too high to be acceptable. This paper aims to address this issue by taking the solvency constrain into consideration. Precisely, we consider a dividend payment problem with solvency constraint under a jump–diffusion model. Using stochastic control and PIDE, we derive the optimal dividend strategy of the problem.     

A Simple Accurate Method for Solving Fractional Variational and Optimal Control Problems

We develop a simple and accurate method to solve fractional variational and fractional optimal control problems with dependence on Caputo and Riemann–Liouville operators. Using known formulas for computing fractional derivatives of polynomials, we rewrite the fractional functional dynamical optimization problem as a classical static optimization problem. The method for classical optimal control problems is called Ritz’s method. Examples show that the proposed approach is more accurate than recent methods available in the literature.     

Optimal and approximate boundary controls of an elastic body with quasistatic evolution of damage

In this paper, we study an optimal control problem for the mixed boundary value problem for an elastic body with quasistatic evolution of an internal damage variable. We suppose that the evolution of microscopic cracks and cavities responsible for the damage is described by a nonlinear parabolic equation. A density of surface traction p acting on a part of boundary of an elastic body Ω is taken as a boundary control. Because the initial boundary value problem of this type can exhibit the Lavrentieff phenomenon and non‐uniqueness of weak solutions, we deal with the solvability of this problem in the class of weak variational solutions. Using the convergence concept in variable spaces and following the direct method in calculus of variations, we prove the existence of optimal and approximate solutions to the optimal control problem under rather general assumptions on the quasistatic evolution of damage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Variational Approach to Perturbation Feedback Control for Optimal Control Problems with Terminal Constraints and Free Terminal Time

Set-Valued and Variational Analysis - Using the method of characteristics, for an optimal control problem with terminal constraints and free terminal time, we construct a family of extremals along...     

Weak maximum principle and accessory problem for control problems on time scales

In this paper we derive the first and second variations for a nonlinear time scale optimal control problem with control and state-endpoints equality constraints. Using the first variation, a first order necessary condition for weak local optimality is obtained under the form of a weak maximum principle generalizing the Dubois–Reymond Lemma to the optimal control setting and time scales. A second order necessary condition in terms of the accessory problem is derived by using the nonnegativity of the second variation at all admissible directions. The control problem is studied under a controllability assumption, and with or without the shift in the state variable. These two forms of the problem are shown to be equivalent.     

Optimization of axisymmetric thermal displacements in a given section of an unbounded layer

We study the problem of optimal control of the distribution of axisymmetric vertical or radial thermal displacements in a given section of an unbounded layer. Using the method of the inverse problem of thermoelasticity we construct the solution of the control problem. For specific cases of heating of the layer we give a numerical analysis of the behavior of the optimal control.Translated fromMatematicheskie Metody i Fiziko-Mekhanicheskie Polya, Issue 34, 1991, pp. 55–61.     

A convergence result for a sequence of distributed-parameter optimal control problems

In this paper, we consider a sequence of abstract optimal control problems by allowing the cost integrand, the partial differential operator, and the control constraint set all to vary simultaneously. Using the notions of -convergence of functions,G-convergence of operators, and Kuratowski-Mosco convergence of sets, we show that the values of the approximating problems converge to that of the limit problem. Also we show that a convergent sequence of optimal pairs for the approximating problems has a limit which is optimal for the limit problem. A concrete example of parabolic optimal control problems is worked out in detail.This research was supported by NSF Grant No. DMS-88-02688.     

Optimal <Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis><Superscript>1</Superscript>-Control in Coefficients for Dirichlet Elliptic Problems: <Emphasis Type="Italic">W</Emphasis>-Optimal Solutions

In this paper, we study a Dirichlet optimal control problem associated with a linear elliptic equation the coefficients of which we take as controls in the class of integrable functions. The coefficients may degenerate and, therefore, the problems may exhibit the so-called Lavrentieff phenomenon and non-uniqueness of weak solutions. We consider the solvability of this problem in the class of W-variational solutions. Using a concept of variational convergence of constrained minimization problems in variable spaces, we prove the existence of W-solutions to the optimal control problem and provide the way for their approximation. We emphasize that control problems of this type are important in material and topology optimization as well as in damage or life-cycle optimization.     

考虑可违约风险资产的风险敏感度投资决策问题

讨论了资产价格在宏观经济以及金融等因素影响下,含有可违约风险债券的连续时间风险敏感度投资决策问题.运用随机控制与随机分析理论,得到了最优投资决策存在的一个充分条件,并在一定条件下解得最优投资决策遵循一个关于因素水平以及债券违约概率的代数方程,对于数值计算有较好的实用性以及可操作性.     

Optimal control in coefficients for weak variational problems in Hilbert space

In this paper we give sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions of a problem of parametric optimization. We use continuity with respect to a functional parameter of weak solutions of a variational problem in a Hilbert space.We consider a problem of optimization with the control in coefficients of linear parabolic equation as an example. Using results of Spagnolo we characterize the closure of the reachable set. Finally, we construct an example of an optimization problem with the control in coefficients of a parabolic equation which does not have an optimal solution.     

Existence of Risk-Sensitive Optimal Stationary Policies for Controlled Markov Processes

In this paper we are concerned with the existence of optimal stationary policies for infinite-horizon risk-sensitive Markov control processes with denumerable state space, unbounded cost function, and long-run average cost. Introducing a discounted cost dynamic game, we prove that its value function satisfies an Isaacs equation, and its relationship with the risk-sensitive control problem is studied. Using the vanishing discount approach, we prove that the risk-sensitive dynamic programming inequality holds, and derive an optimal stationary policy. Accepted 1 October 1997     

Optimal reinsurance and investment with unobservable claim size and intensity

We consider the optimal reinsurance and investment problem in an unobservable Markov-modulated compound Poisson risk model, where the intensity and jump size distribution are not known but have to be inferred from the observations of claim arrivals. Using a recently developed result from filtering theory, we reduce the partially observable control problem to an equivalent problem with complete observations. Then using stochastic control theory, we get the closed form expressions of the optimal strategies which maximize the expected exponential utility of terminal wealth. In particular, we investigate the effect of the safety loading and the unobservable factors on the optimal reinsurance strategies. With the help of a generalized Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation where the derivative is replaced by Clarke’s generalized gradient as in Bäuerle and Rieder (2007), we characterize the value function, which helps us verify that the strategies we constructed are optimal.     

Optimal excess-of-loss reinsurance and investment polices under the CEV model

This paper focuses on risk control problem of the insurance company in enterprise risk management. The insurer manages its financial risk through purchasing excess-of-loss reinsurance, and investing its wealth in the constant elasticity of variance stock market. We model risk process by Brownian motion with drift, and study the optimization problem of maximizing the exponential utility of terminal wealth under the controls of reinsurance and investment. Using stochastic control theory, we obtain explicit expressions for optimal polices and value function. We also show that the optimal excess-of-loss reinsurance is always better than optimal proportional reinsurance. And some numerical examples are given.