Computational results for extensions in quasilinearization techniques for optimal control

In a companion paper (Ref. 1), several extensions in quasilinearization were presented. These results are studied computationally in this paper for two problems: the brachistochrone problem and the reentry vehicle problem. For the brachistochrone free-time problem, it is shown that much more rapid convergence is obtained than that presented in previous literature (Ref. 2). It is also shown that, if the techniques of the companion paper are used, the normal region of convergence is extended significantly. Similar results are obtained for the reentry vehicle problem.The research presented in this paper was supported in part by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Grant No. AF-AFOSR-699-67.