The dissertation considers the effect of changes in initial conditions on the trajectories of control systems described by a set of ordinary nonlinear differential equations. The analysis is based on the formation of sensitivity functions about the nominal trajectory. Sensitivity functions are used to investigate the changes in terminal conditions and cost function due to deviations in initial conditions. Bounds on the deviations in initial conditions are found so that the desired terminal conditions are satisfied within given tolerances. A direct method called the conjugate gradient method is considered. Its associated properties, such as monotonic convergence, existence, uniqueness, etc. are discussed. The mars entry problem is formulated.

Advances in Control Systems: Theory and Applications, Volume 4 provides information pertinent to the significant progress in the field of automatic control. This book presents several fundamental approaches to algorithms for the determination of optimum control inputs to a system. Organized into six chapters, this volume begins with an overview of presents the method of sequential optimization including examples of its application. This text then examines the powerful direct method of Liapunov function techniques to the subject of the stability of stochastic dynamical systems. Other chapters consider the aspect of optimum control of large-scale complex system, which is the most striking characteristic in the evolution of the practice of control systems theory. This book discusses as well the basic techniques for the modification of the control problem. The final chapter deals with the problem of convergence properties of the method of gradients. This book is a valuable resource for engineers.

The theory of optimal control systems has grown and flourished since the 1960's. Many texts, written on varying levels of sophistication, have been published on the subject. Yet even those purportedly designed for beginners in the field are often riddled with complex theorems, and many treatments fail to include topics that are essential to a thorough grounding in the various aspects of and approaches to optimal control. Optimal Control Systems provides a comprehensive but accessible treatment of the subject with just the right degree of mathematical rigor to be complete but practical. It provides a solid bridge between "traditional" optimization using the calculus of variations and what is called "modern" optimal control. It also treats both continuous-time and discrete-time optimal control systems, giving students a firm grasp on both methods. Among this book's most outstanding features is a summary table that accompanies each topic or problem and includes a statement of the problem with a step-by-step solution. Students will also gain valuable experience in using industry-standard MATLAB and SIMULINK software, including the Control System and Symbolic Math Toolboxes. Diverse applications across fields from power engineering to medicine make a foundation in optimal control systems an essential part of an engineer's background. This clear, streamlined presentation is ideal for a graduate level course on control systems and as a quick reference for working engineers.