Nonconvex optimal control and variational problems (Q1950300)

This research monograph treats a number of results concerning well-posedness of optimal control and variational problems, nonoccurrence of Lavrentiev phenomenon for optimal control and variational problems, and turnpike properties of approximate solutions of variational problems. It is based almost exclusively on results obtained by the author in the last 15 years in nonconvex cases. This book is divided into 12 chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction as well as examples of selected topics. Chapters 2--5 consider the generic existence results for different classes of optimal control problems. In fact, the author focuses on the well-posedness condition using tools of general topology and porosity. In Chapters 6--9, the nonoccurrence of the Lavrentiev phenomenon for many optimal control and variational problems without convexity conditions is treated. It is worth to mention that Chapter 9 is devoted to infinite dimensional linear control problems. Chapter 10 consists of uniform boundedness of approximate solutions of variational problems. Chapters 11--12 are devoted to the turnpike properties which are well known in mathematical economics. In summary, this monograph gives a well presented treatment of nonconvex optimal control and variational problems. It is a valuable addition to the control theory literature.