Combining two important and growing areas of applied mathematics-control theory and modeling-this textbook introduces and builds on methods for simulating and tackling concrete problems in a variety of applied sciences.

Emphasizing "learning by doing," the authors focus on examples and applications to real-world problems. An elementary presentation of advanced concepts, proofs to introduce new concepts, and carefully presented MATLAB (R) programs guide the reader through methods in optimal control and related models. This approach not only fosters an understanding of the basic topics, but also leads the way to new, independent research.

With minimal prerequisites and exercises in each chapter, An Introduction to Optimal Control Problems in Life Sciences and Economics, serves as an excellent textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, as well as biology, biotechnology, economics, and finance. The work is also a useful reference for researchers and practitioners working with optimal control theory in the above areas.

About the Author

Sebastian Anita is Full Professor on the Faculty of Mathematics at the University "Al.I. Cuza" Iasi, Romania. His research interests include: optimal control of partial differential equations; mathematical biology; mathematical models in the applied sciences; and industrial problems in the areas of heat transfer and materials science. Professor Anita is the author of more than 50 scientific papers in refereed international journals, one monograph, and three textbooks.

Viorel Arnautu is Full Professor on the Faculty of Mathematics at the University "Al.I. Cuza" Iasi, Romania. His research interests include: numerical methods (theory, algorithms and computer programs) for optimal control problems; numerical methods for Hamilton-Jacobi equations; numerical methods for PDEs and integral equations; and applications to free boundary problems, epidemic models, optimization of plates, laser hardening of steel, 3-D curved mechanical structures, and population dynamics. Professor Arnautu is the author of more than 30 scientific papers in refereed international journals, one monograph, and one textbook.

Vincenzo Capasso is Professor of Probability and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Milano, Italy. He is the Founder and Director of MIRIAM (Milan Research Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics) and later of ADAMSS (Research Centre for Advanced Applied Mathematical and Statistical Sciences) at the University of Milan. His research interests include: spatially structured stochastic processes; stochastic geometry; reaction-diffusion systems; statistics of structured stochastic processes; and applications to biology, medicine, and industrial problems. Professor Capasso is the author of more than 150 scientific papers and approximately 10 monographs, edited books, and textbooks by international scientific publishing companies.

Reviews

From the reviews:

"This textbook for graduate students introduces the reader to the basic results and methods in optimal control and applies these methods to problems in life sciences and economics, using MATLAB. ... The book contains many figures and MATLAB programs ... . Each chapter is concluded with bibliographical notes and theoretical and MATLAB exercises. In a short appendix, basic results from functional analysis and ODEs are provided." (W. Huyer, Monatshefte fur Mathematik, 2013)

"This is an interesting and useful textbook that introduces the reader to methods of optimal control through easily accessible exercises. It is possible to read the book with no knowledge of MATLAB and only some basic knowledge of calculus, which makes most parts truly accessible to undergraduate students." (Urszula Ledzewicz, SIAM Review, Vol. 53 (4), 2011)

"This book is a guide for those interested in solving real world optimal control problems, including both the theoretical analysis of their mathematical models and suitable computer programs for numerical simulation. The book is self-contained. ... An extensive reference list and an index are also included. The book is intended for graduate students and researchers in mathematics, biology, economics, engineering, and other fields." (Gheorghe Morosanu, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1206, 2011)

[T]his is an interesting and useful textbook that introduces the reader to methods of optimal control through easily accessible exercises. It is possible to read the book with no knowledge of MATLAB and only some basic knowledge of calculus, which makes most parts truly accessible to undergraduate students. -SIAM

Book Information
ISBN 9780817680978
Author Sebastian Anita
Format Hardback
Page Count 232
Imprint Birkhauser Boston Inc
Publisher Birkhauser Boston Inc