| Article ID: | iaor2001845 |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Volume: | 10 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| Start Page Number: | 89 |
| End Page Number: | 115 |
| Publication Date: | Mar 1999 |
| Journal: | IMA Journal of Mathematics Applied in Business and Industry |
| Authors: | Cheng J., Davydova Y., Howlett P., Pudney P. |
| Keywords: | control processes |
In this paper we formulate and solve an important problem in applied optimal control. A train is to be driven along a track with non-zero gradient, where speed limits are imposed. The journey is to be completed within a specified time using as little fuel as possible. We find key equations that determine strategies of optimal type and present a general solution algorithm. Several specific examples will be given to illustrate the solution procedure.