Summer School Inverse Problems and PDEs

Optimization and Optimal Control

Leitung: Prof. Dr. Christof Büskens

Since 1st of April 2004 our working group “Optimization and Optimal Control” is enforcing the ZeTeM at the University of Bremen.
Our field of activity is the optimal control of technical, natural scientific or economic processes and systems. Classic problems arise from robotics, aerospace engineering or vehicle dynamics. The computation of the optimal control can be adopted to many systems, which can be modelled mathematically by a system of ordinary differential algebraic or partial differential equations .
We pay special attention on the computation of solutions in real time. The solution has to be available in a compared to the duration of the process sufficient small time slot, which can, according to the application, be within the nanosecond range. The essential of the research and development achievements is represented by high-performance numerical algorithms and their efficient implementation. Amongst others the software package NUDOCCCS is developed continuous.
The co-operation with a company from Erding shows that the industry is interested in such solutions. We found paths, to move a cable guided crane system in a high-bay warehouse, so that no swinging occurs at the end of the path. The control panels are used on different levels and can pass each other. These devices have to be controlled, assuring the loads reaching their destination without collisions,minimal swinging and in the shortest possible time.
The fields optimization, variational calculus, optimal control and real time optimization are supposed to be established in research and teaching. The list of the Diplom theses attended by us, shows the broad field of application of this mathematical field.
Whilst implementing the theory of control and regulation to practical applications, various unexpected problems occur. We try to sensitise our students to those problems by means of the programming of Lego robots.
In our virtual class on the subject optimal control we will explain the general conditions and demands of these kind of problems. The achievements of finding the optimal solution by experimenting can be checked with the help of different examples.

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