Numerical solution of minimax problems of optimal control,part 2

In a previous paper (Part 1), we presented general transformation techniques useful to convert minimax problems of optimal control into the Mayer-Bolza problem of the calculus of variations [Problem (P)]. We considered two types of minimax problems: minimax problems of Type (Q), in which the minimax function depends on the state and does not depend on the control; and minimax problems of Type (R), in which the minimax function depends on both the state and the control. Both Problem (Q) and Problem (R) can be reduced to Problem (P).In this paper, the transformation techniques presented in Part 1 are employed in conjunction with the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm for solving optimal control problems on a digital computer. Both the single-subarc approach and the multiple-subarc approach are employed. Three test problems characterized by known analytical solutions are solved numerically.It is found that the combination of transformation techniques and sequential gradient-restoration algorithm yields numerical solutions which are quite close to the analytical solutions from the point of view of the minimax performance index. The relative differences between the numerical values and the analytical values of the minimax performance index are of order 10^–3 if the single-subarc approach is employed. These relative differences are of order 10^–4 or better if the multiple-subarc approach is employed.This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, Grant No. ENG-79-18667, and by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Contract No. F33615-80-C3000. This paper is a condensation of the investigations reported in Refs. 1–7. The authors are indebted to E. M. Coker and E. M. Sims for analytical and computational assistance.     

Propagation of electromagnetic waves in a nonlinear dielectric slab

The early phases of propagation of a large amplitude electromagnetic disturbance in a nonlinear dielectric slab embedded between two linear media are investigated by the method of characteristics. This disturbance is triggered by the arrival of an electromagnetic shock wave at one of the interfaces. Reflection and transmission of an arbitrary signal when it arrives at one of the slab boundaries is characterized in terms of nonlinear reflection and transmission coefficients for the interface. No restrictions are placed on the form of the constitutive laws of the material comprising the slab. By introducing, for the nonlinear dielectric, a class of model equations, an exact solution to the characteristic equations which describes the interaction of a centered wave with anarbitrary oncoming signal is obtained. Solutions for the electromagnetic fields are derived for the special case in which the incident disturbance interacts with the reflected signal from the slab interface. A particular case of the disturbance propagating across a nonmagnetic slab is also examined.     

Mixed Ligand Complexes of Chromium (III) Ethylenediamine Tartrate: A Polarographic Study

Polarographic techniques have been used to investigate the complexing behaviour of chromium (III)-ethylenediamine-tartrate in aqueous solution. These complexes are reduced irreversibly at the dropping mercury electrode. The stability constants have been calculated by the method of Sundaresan and Sundaram. The values of the kinetic parameters; standard rate constant (K_s), transfer coefficient (α) and activation energy (Q) have also been calculated in each case.     

Polymer–polymer interaction parameters of polystyrene and polybutadiene from studies in solutions of toluene or tetrahydrofuran

Equations used for the determination of polymer–polymer interaction parameters for narrow molecular weight distribution polymers which have undergone phase separation in solutions are discussed. Binodals with tie lines and plait points are presented for ternary systems polystyrene-polybutadiene-toluene and polystyrene-polybutadiene-tetrahydrofuran. Typical interaction parameters determined from the experimental data for the polystyrene-polybutadiene systems are presented.