Nonlinear contraction tools for constrained optimization

This thesis derives new results linking nonlinear contraction analysis, a recent stability theory for nonlinear systems, and constrained optimization theory. Although dynamic systems and optimization are both areas that have been extensively studied [21], few results have been achieved in this direction because strong enough tools for dynamic systems were not available. Contraction analysis provides the necessary mathematical background. Based on an operator that projects the speed of the system on the tangent space of the constraints, we derive generalizations of Lagrange parameters. After presenting some initial examples that show the relations between contraction and optimization, we derive a contraction theorem for nonlinear systems with equality constraints. The method is applied to examples in differential geometry and biological systems. A new physical interpretation of Lagrange parameters is provided. In the autonomous case, we derive a new algorithm to solve minimization problems. Next, we state a contraction theorem for nonlinear systems with inequality constraints. In the autonomous case, the algorithm solves minimization problems very fast compared to standard algorithms. Finally, we state another contraction theorem for nonlinear systems with time-varying equality constraints. A new generalization of time varying Lagrange parameters is given. In the autonomous case, we provide a solution for a new class of optimization problems, minimization with time-varying constraints.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Soto, Jonathan

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jean-Jacques Slotine.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/62538

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/62538