The numerous applications of optimal control theory have given an incentive to the development of approximate techniques aimed at the construction of control laws and the optimization of dynamical systems. These constructive approaches rely on small parameter methods (averaging, regular and singular perturbations), which are well-known and have been proven to be efficient in nonlinear mechanics and optimal control theory (maximum principle, variational calculus and dynamic programming). An essential feature of the procedures for solving optimal control problems consists in the necessity for dealing with two-point boundary-value problems for nonlinear and, as a rule, nonsmooth multi-dimensional sets of differential equations. This circumstance complicates direct applications of the above-mentioned perturbation methods which have been developed mostly for investigating initial-value (Cauchy) problems. There is now a need for a systematic presentation of constructive analytical per turbation methods relevant to optimal control problems for nonlinear systems. The purpose of this book is to meet this need in the English language scientific literature and to present consistently small parameter techniques relating to the constructive investigation of some classes of optimal control problems which often arise in prac tice. This book is based on a revised and modified version of the monograph: L. D. Akulenko "Asymptotic methods in optimal control". Moscow: Nauka, 366 p. (in Russian).

This book provides an introduction to dynamical systems with multiple time scales. The approach it takes is to provide an overview of key areas, particularly topics that are less available in the introductory form. The broad range of topics included makes it accessible for students and researchers new to the field to gain a quick and thorough overview. The first of its kind, this book merges a wide variety of different mathematical techniques into a more unified framework. The book is highly illustrated with many examples and exercises and an extensive bibliography. The target audience of this book are senior undergraduates, graduate students as well as researchers interested in using the multiple time scale dynamics theory in nonlinear science, either from a theoretical or a mathematical modeling perspective.

Multiple Time Scales presents various numerical methods for solving multiple-time-scale problems. The selection first elaborates on considerations on solving problems with multiple scales; problems with different time scales; and nonlinear normal-mode initialization of numerical weather prediction models. Discussions focus on analysis of observations, nonlinear analysis, systems of ordinary differential equations, and numerical methods for problems with multiple scales. The text then examines the diffusion-synthetic acceleration of transport iterations, with application to a radiation hydrodynamics problem and implicit methods in combustion and chemical kinetics modeling. The publication ponders on molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations of rare events; direct implicit plasma simulation; orbit averaging and subcycling in particle simulation of plasmas; and hybrid and collisional implicit plasma simulation models. Topics include basic moment method, electron subcycling, gyroaveraged particle simulation, and the electromagnetic direct implicit method. The selection is a valuable reference for researchers interested in pursuing further research on the use of numerical methods in solving multiple-time-scale problems.

Unique in scope, Optimal Control: Weakly Coupled Systems and Applications provides complete coverage of modern linear, bilinear, and nonlinear optimal control algorithms for both continuous-time and discrete-time weakly coupled systems, using deterministic as well as stochastic formulations. This book presents numerous applications to real world systems from various industries, including aerospace, and discusses the design of subsystem-level optimal filters. Organized into independent chapters for easy access to the material, this text also contains several case studies, examples, exercises, computer assignments, and formulations of research problems to help instructors and students.

This work presents recent mathematical methods in the area of optimal control with a particular emphasis on the computational aspects and applications. Optimal control theory concerns the determination of control strategies for complex dynamical systems, in order to optimize some measure of their performance. Started in the 60's under the pressure of the "space race" between the US and the former USSR, the field now has a far wider scope, and embraces a variety of areas ranging from process control to traffic flow optimization, renewable resources exploitation and management of financial markets. These emerging applications require more and more efficient numerical methods for their solution, a very difficult task due the huge number of variables. The chapters of this volume give an up-to-date presentation of several recent methods in this area including fast dynamic programming algorithms, model predictive control and max-plus techniques. This book is addressed to researchers, graduate students and applied scientists working in the area of control problems, differential games and their applications.

Greenhouse control system manufacturers produce equipment and software with hundreds of settings and, while they hold training courses on how to adjust these settings, there is as yet no integrated instruction on when or why. Despite rapid growth in the greenhouse industry, growers are still faced with a multitude of variables and no unifying frame

This book contains the proceedings ofthe meeting on "Applied Mathematics in the Aerospace Field," held in Erice, Sicily, Italy from September 3 to September 10, 1991. The occasion of the meeting was the 12th Course of the School of Mathematics "Guido Stampacchia," directed by Professor Franco Giannessi of the University of Pisa. The school is affiliated with the International Center for Scientific Culture "Ettore Majorana," which is directed by Professor Antonino Zichichi of the University of Bologna. The objective of the course was to give a perspective on the state-of the-art and research trends concerning the application of mathematics to aerospace science and engineering. The course was structured with invited lectures and seminars concerning fundamental aspects of differential equa tions, mathematical programming, optimal control, numerical methods, per turbation methods, and variational methods occurring in flight mechanics, astrodynamics, guidance, control, aircraft design, fluid mechanics, rarefied gas dynamics, and solid mechanics. The book includes 20 chapters by 23 contributors from the United States, Germany, and Italy and is intended to be an important reference work on the application of mathematics to the aerospace field. It reflects the belief of the course directors that strong interaction between mathematics and engineering is beneficial, indeed essential, to progresses in both areas.