We apply four different methods to study an intrinsically bang-bang optimal control problem. We study first a relaxed problem that we solve with a naive nonlinear programming approach. Since these preliminary results reveal singular arcs, we then use Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle and apply multiple indirect shooting methods combined with homotopy approach to obtain an accurate solution of the relaxed problem. Finally, in order to recover a purely bang-bang solution for the original problem, we use once again a nonlinear programming approach.

A computational study on the enhancement of the second harmonic generation (SHG) in one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals is presented. The mathematical model is derived from a nonlinear system of Maxwell’s equations, which partly overcomes the shortcoming of some existing models based on the undepleted pump approximation. We designed an iterative scheme coupled with the finite element method which can be applied to simulate the SHG in one dimensional nonlinear photonic band gap structures in our previous work. For the case that the nonlinearity is strong which is desirable to enhance the conversion efficiency, a continuation method is introduced to ensure the convergence of the iterative procedure. The convergence of our method is fast. Numerical experiments also indicate the conversion efficiency of SHG can be significantly enhanced when the frequencies of the fundamental and the second harmonic wave are tuned at the photonic band edges. The maximum total conversion efficiency available reaches more than 50% in all the cases studied.

This study investigates the flow bifurcation and transition between stable states in the gap between two concentric rotating spheres. A continuation method is used together with linear stability analysis to investigate the bifurcation structure of the discretized governing equations and to determine the stability of the calculated states. The constructed bifurcation diagram is used to illustrate the restricted range of Reynolds number within which each equilibrium state exists. The diagram also identifies the permissible transitions between these states and indicates their terminative states. In the present study, it is shown how appropriate control of the angular velocity of the outer sphere results in the evolution of the flow state through a series of permitted stable states. The time-dependent transitions between these states are investigated by means of a backwards-Euler time stepping formulation. The terminate state of transition process can also be used to confirm the stability of the flow. The flow evolution between each transition is illustrated by means of temporal sequences of the meridional streamlines and transition curves. The present results indicate that all the flow transitions in a gap between two rotating spheres are produced symmetrically with respect to the equator.