Optimizing Control of Single Input Extremum Systems

Abstract

The idea of direct optimization is briefly presented and an introduction given to the divider-optimizer. By investigation of the operating principles of the divider-optimizer, it is shown that the divider functions can be accomplished in separate and distinct manners. The optimizing behavior of the modified form of the divider-optimizer is investigated in the optimization of two quite different dynamic optimal systems. Experimental results of an analog computer study are presented. It is also shown that the modified form of the optimizer presents the possibility of a more flexible optimizing control using simple, reliable, and relatively inexpensive components.