Multi-mesh adaptive finite element algorithms for constrained optimal control problems governed by semi-linear parabolic equations (Q403520)

The paper deals with constrained optimal control problems governed by semi-linear parabolic equations. Both the states and the controls are elements of given \(L^2\)-sets; the states have to fulfil initial and boundary restrictions. The cost functional is separated (in the state and the control) and is at least convex. Some additional assumptions are required. First, a weak formulation of the process equation is given. The weak model problem has a unique solution. An optimal pair satisfies optimality conditions in which a suitable co-state and the adjoint operator for the operator of the state equation appear. The conditions are similar to the maximum principle in abstract optimal control problems. In the next step, the standard finite element approximation of the problem is derived. The necessary conditions for this problem are well-known. Finally, the paper considers the fully discrete approximation by using the backward Euler scheme in time and restates the optimality conditions. A residual a posteriori error estimator for the finite element approximation is derived. Reliable and efficient multi-mesh adaptive algorithms are constructed. Some numerical experiments illustrate the theoretical results.