An alternative approach for non-linear optimal control problems based on the method of moments

We propose an alternative method for computing effectively the solution of non-linear, fixed-terminal-time, optimal control problems when they are given in Lagrange, Bolza or Mayer forms. This method works well when the nonlinearities in the control variable can be expressed as polynomials. The essential of this proposal is the transformation of a non-linear, non-convex optimal control problem into an equivalent optimal control problem with linear and convex structure. The method is based on global optimization of polynomials by the method of moments. With this method we can determine either the existence or lacking of minimizers. In addition, we can calculate generalized solutions when the original problem lacks of minimizers. We also present the numerical schemes to solve several examples arising in science and technology.     

Optimal stopping problems by two or more decision makers: a survey

A review of the optimal stopping problem with more than a single decision maker (DM) is presented in this paper. We classify the existing literature according to the arrival of the offers, the utility of the DMs, the length of the sequence of offers, the nature of the game and the number of offers to be selected. We enumerate various definitions for this problem and describe some dynamic approaches. Fouad Ben Abdelaziz is on leave from the Institut Superieur de Gestion, University of Tunis, Tunisia e-mail: foued.benabdelaz@isg.run.tn.     

Solving a class of multiplicative programming problems via c-programming

In this note we show that many classes of global optimization problems can be treated most satisfactorily by classical optimization theory and conventional algorithms. We focus on the class of problems involving the minimization of the product of several convex functions on a convex set which was studied recently by Kunoet al. [3]. It is shown that these problems are typical composite concave programming problems and thus can be handled elegantly by c-programming [4]–[8] and its techniques.     

Cauchy problem in the class of monotone increasing functions

The paper establishes some solvability conditions of the Cauchy problem for linear differential equation in the class of monotone increasing functions. The results are applied for clarifying the possibility of flight along a given trajectory under existence of braking forces.     

用光栅衍射法测试液体表面张力

利用π型直线状振源，在待测液面产生正弦形表面驻波，将其作为一种理想的反射式光栅，通过对激光束的衍射，形成线阵衍射光斑．借助LCCD等硬件测试系统及相应的数据采集与处理系统，实时准确地测量液体表面张力。     

A combined programming and iteration algorithm for finite element analysis of three-dimensional contact problems

Comparing with two-dimensional contact problems, three-dimensional frictional contact problems are more difficult to deal with, because of the unknown slip direction of the tangential force and enormous computing time. In order to overcome these difficulties, a combined PQP (Parametric Quadratic Programming) and iteration method is derived in this paper. The iteration algorithm, which alleviates the difficulty of unknown slip direction, is used along with the PQP method to cut down computing costs. Numerical example is given to demonstrate the validity of the present algorithm. The project supported by the Machinary and Electronics Ministry of China     

An optimal design of collateralized mortgage obligation with PAC-companion structure using dynamic cash reserve

This paper presents a model for optimally designing a collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO) with a planned amortization class (PAC)-companion structure using dynamic cash reserve. In this structure, the mortgage pool’s cash flow is allocated by rule to the two bond classes such that PAC bondholders receive substantial prepayment protection, that protection being provided by the companion bondholders. The structure we propose provides greater protection to the PAC bondholders than current structures during periods of rising interest rates when this class of bondholders faces greater extension risk. We do so by allowing a portion of the cash flow from the collateral to be reserved to meet the PAC’s scheduled cash flow in subsequent periods. The greater protection is provided by the companion bondholders exposure to interest loss. To tackle this problem, we transform the problem of designing the optimal PAC-companion structure into a standard stochastic linear programming problem which can be solved efficiently. Moreover, we present an extended model by considering the quality of the companion bond and by relaxing the PAC bondholder shortfall constraint. Based on numerical experiments through Monte Carlo simulation, we show the utility of the proposed model.     

Hyers–Ulam stability of linear differential operator with constant coefficients

Let P(z) be a polynomial of degree n with complex coefficients and consider the n–th order linear differential operator P(D). We show that the equation P(D)f = 0 has the Hyers–Ulam stability, if and only if the equation P(z) = 0 has no pure imaginary solution. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Constraint incorporation in optimization

Numerical methods for solving constrained optimization problems need to incorporate the constraints in a manner that satisfies essentially competing interests; the incorporation needs to be simple enough that the solution method is tractable, yet complex enough to ensure the validity of the ultimate solution. We introduce a framework for constraint incorporation that identifies a minimal acceptable level of complexity and defines two basic types of constraint incorporation which (with combinations) cover nearly all popular numerical methods for constrained optimization, including trust region methods, penalty methods, barrier methods, penalty-multiplier methods, and sequential quadratic programming methods. The broad application of our framework relies on addition and chain rules for constraint incorporation which we develop here.     

高精度CCD尺寸自动检测系统的光学系统设计

介绍测量精度为±０．００３ｍｍ的ＣＣＤ尺寸检测系统的光学系统设计特点及远心物镜设计原理，并给出了测试结果。