The numerical solution of variational problems.

Stuart E. Dreyfus

Expert InsightsPublished 1961

A discussion of the numerical solution of variational problems of both the conventional and inequality constrained types. The author outlines briefly what, until recently, has been the usual approach. A gradient technique is then considered that has proved very successful in practice. Finally, the numerical solution of a variant of the classical brachistochrone problem is examined where a state variable inequality constraint has been introduced, but for which the analytic solution is still known.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1961
  • Pages: 28
  • Document Number: P-2374

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Dreyfus, Stuart E., The numerical solution of variational problems. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1961. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P2374.html.
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