Asymptotic controllability and optimal control (Q1943474)

A control problem with a Lagrange functional \[ J(z,\alpha)= \int^T_0 l(z(t), \alpha(t))\,dt \] and a state equation \(\dot z(t)= f(z(t), \alpha(t))\), \(z(0)= x\) is studied. The controls \(\alpha(\cdot)\) are asssumed to be Borel-measurable with values in a compact control set \(A\). Additionally, a closed target set \(C\) is given. Admissible states have to fulfill the approximate final condition \(\lim_{t\to T^-}d(z(t), C)= 0\). Denote \(V(x)= \text{inf\,} J(x,\alpha)\). A crucial assumption is the sign condition \(l(z,\alpha)\geq 0\) for all \(z\), \(\alpha\). Through an inequality involving a positive number \(p\) and a minimum restraint function \(U(x)\) a condition for the asymptotic controllability is provided. Then, the value function is bounded by \(U/p\). The result has consequences for the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi equation. Three examples illustrate the results.