On flexibility of constraints system under approximation of optimal control problems

Abstract

For finite-dimensional mathematical programming problems (approximating problems) being obtained by a parametric approximation of control functions in lumped optimal control problems with functional equality constraints, we introduce concepts of rigidity and flexibility for a system of constraints. The rigidity in a given admissible point is treated in the sense that this point is isolated for the admissible set; otherwise, we call a system of constraints as flexible in this point. Under using a parametric approximation for a control function with the help of quadratic exponentials (Gaussian functions) and subject to some natural hypotheses, we establish that in order to guarantee the flexibility of constraints system in a given admissible point it suffices to increase the dimension of parameter space in the approximating problem. A test of our hypotheses is illustrated by an example of the soft lunar landing problem.