Analysis of a Belgian Chocolate Stabilization Problem

We give a detailed numerical and theoretical analysis of a stabilization problem posed by V. Blondel in 1994. Our approach illustrates the effectiveness of a new gradient sampling algorithm for finding local optimizers of nonsmooth, nonconvex optimization problems arising in control, as well as the power of nonsmooth analysis for understanding variational problems involving polynomial … Read more

Convergent relaxations of polynomial matrix inequalities and static output feedback

Using a moment interpretation of recent results on sum-of-squares decompositions of non-negative polynomial matrices, we propose a hierarchy of convex linear matrix inequality (LMI) relaxations to solve non-convex polynomial matrix inequality (PMI) optimization problems, including bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) problems. This hierarchy of LMI relaxations generates a monotone sequence of lower bounds that converges to … Read more

Optimal Nodal Control of Networked Hyperbolic Systems: Evaluation of Derivatives

We consider a networked system defined on a graph where each edge corresponds to a quasilinear hyperbolic system with space dimension one. At the nodes, the system is governed by algebraic node conditions. The system is controlled at the nodes of the graph. Optimal control problems for systems of this type arise in the operation … Read more

A survey of the S-lemma

In this survey we review the many faces of the S-lemma, a result about the correctness of the S-procedure. The basic idea of this widely used method came from control theory but it has important consequences in quadratic and semidefinite optimization, convex geometry and linear algebra as well. These were active research areas, but as … Read more

Fuzzy Modeling with Adaptive Simulated Annealing

A new method for data-based fuzzy system modeling is presented. The approach uses Takagi-Sugeno models and Adaptive Simulated Annealing (ASA) to achieve its goal . The problem to solve is well defined – given a training set containing a finite number of input-output pairs, construct a fuzzy system that approximates the behavior of the real … Read more

Implementation of Infinite Dimensional Interior Point Method for Solving Multi-criteria Linear-Quadratic Control Problem

We describe an implementation of an infinite-dimensional primal-dual algorithm based on the Nesterov-Todd direction. Several applications to both continuous and discrete-time multi-criteria linear-quadratic control problems and linear-quadratic control problem with quadratic constraints are described. Numerical results show a very fast convergence (typically, within 3-4 iterations) to optimal solutions Citation Preprint, May, 2004, University of Notre … Read more

Linear-quadratic control problem with a linear term on semiinfinite interval:theory and applications

We describe a complete solution of the linear-quaratic control problem with the linear term in the objective function on a semiinfinite interval. This problem has important applications to calculation of Nesterov-Todd and other primal-dual directions in infinite-dimensional setting. Citation Technical report, University of Notre Dame, December, 2003 Article Download View Linear-quadratic control problem with a … Read more

Characterizing polynomials with roots in a semi-algebraic set

Consider a real polynomial $p$ and a semi-algebraic subset $S$ of the complex plane, defined by finitely many polynomial inequalities $g_k(z,\bar{z}) \geq 0$ for some complex polynomials $\{g_k\}$. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions on the coefficients of $p$ for the zeros of $p$ to be in $S$. Citation IEEE Trans. Automatic Control 49 (2004), … Read more

Optimization of A Fed-batch Fermentation Process Control Competition Problem Using NEOS

An optimal control solution to a fed-batch fermentation process, responding to a competition call, was developed using NEOS Server. Substantial improvement to the nominal performance achieved in the paper demonstrates the ability of the NEOS Server and the APPS algorithm. Citation Proceedings of Inst. of Mechanical Engineers , Part-I (UK). To appear. (Accepted May 2003). … Read more

The mathematics of eigenvalue optimization

Optimization problems involving the eigenvalues of symmetric and nonsymmetric matrices present a fascinating mathematical challenge. Such problems arise often in theory and practice, particularly in engineering design, and are amenable to a rich blend of classical mathematical techniques and contemporary optimization theory. This essay presents a personal choice of some central mathematical ideas, outlined for … Read more