Automatica, Vol.44, No.5, 1201-1208, 2008
Optimal control solutions to the maximum volume isoperimetric pillars problem
This paper extends the isoperimetric problem. The problem is to find an enclosed cross-sectional/base region of a pillar defined by a simple closed curve of fixed perimeter such that the volume of the constructed pillar, bounded above by a relatively smooth ceiling, is maximized. Green's Theorem is applied in the formulation of the problem such that the problem can be transformed into canonical form handled by MISER3. For the case of multiple pillars, a novel elliptic separation technique is developed for multiple pillars constructions. This technique is used to ensure that the cross-sectional regions of any pillars are separated. Illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique developed. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:elliptic separation technique;Green's theorem;isoperimetric problem;optimal control;Pontryagin's maximum principle