We characterize the solutions of a nonconvex optimal control problem, using the Klötzler-Vinter nonconvex duality approach, in terms of generalized solutions of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation (HJB). The dual problem is to find the supremum of the viscosity subsolutions of the HJB equation. We prove, without convexity assumptions, a weak duality between the primal and dual problems by using the technique of convolution and mollification. This weak duality provides necessary and sufficient conditions of optimality and leads to an error estimate. We also establish strong duality under an additional convexity hypothesis.

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Nadia Raïssi

Laboratoire SIANO, Dép. des Mathématiques et d'Informatique,
Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, Kénitra, Marocco

n.raissi@mailcity.com

Mustapha Serhani

Laboratoire SIANO, Dép. des Mathématiques et d'Informatique,
Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, Kénitra, Marocco

mserhani@hotmail.com

N. Raïssi, M. Serhani. “Nonconvex Duality and Viscosity Solutions of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman Equation in Optimal Control.” Journal of Convex Analysis 9 (2002), No. 2, 625–648.