Near-Optimal Control of Non-Linear Dynamic Plants with a Quadratic Performance Index

Abstract

In this paper, a near-optimal control strategy is studied for high-order multi-variable non-linear dynamic plants under a quadratic performance index. The principal line of attack is to introduce the concept of instantaneous linearization and to apply the dynamic optimization technique originated by R. Bellman. The resulting configuration of the near-optimal control system presented here becomes a feedback one containing an on-line digital computer as a main control device. The general procedure proposed here is illustrated by the example of establishing the near-optimal control strategy for a dynamic plant with a non-linear characteristic. The control performance of the system is also discussed by comparing it with that of the system with the precisely optimal control strategy.