Numerical computation for a kind of time optimal control problem for the tubular reactor system (Q1721699)

Summary: This paper is devoted to the study of numerical computation for a kind of time optimal control problem for the tubular reactor system. This kind of time optimal control problem is aimed at delaying the initiation time \(\tau\) of the active control as late as possible, such that the state governed by this controlled system can reach the target set at a given ending time \(T\). To compute the time optimal control problem, we firstly approximate the original problem by finite element method and get a new approximation time optimal control problem governed by ordinary differential equations. Then, through the control parameterization method and time-scaling transformation, the approximation problem becomes an optimal parameter selection problem. Finally, we use Sequential Quadratic Program algorithm to solve the optimal parameter selection problem. A numerical simulation is given for illustration.