A primer on the calculus of variations and optimal control theory

"The calculus of variations is used to find functions that optimize quantities expressed in terms of integrals. Optimal control theory seeks to find functions that minimize cost integrals for systems described by differential equations. This book is an introduction to both the classical theory of the calculus of variations and the more modern developments of optimal control theory from the perspective of an applied mathematician. It focuses on understanding concepts and how to apply them. The range of potential applications is broad: the calculus of variations and optimal control theory have been widely used in numerous ways in biology, criminology, economics, engineering, finance, management science, and physics. Applications described in this book include cancer chemotherapy, navigational control, and renewable resource harvesting."--Page 4 of cover.

Year

2009

Language

English

Series

Student mathematical library -- v. 50

Publisher

American Mathematical Society

Editions

1

Pages

252

ISBN

9780821847725

Data source: Wikidata