Optimization and Optimal Control in Engineering Applications

Speaker: Ryan Loxton

Affiliation: Curtin University

Time: Monday 27/10/2014 from 12:00 to 13:00

Venue: Access Grid UWS. Presented from Parramatta (EB.1.32), accessible from Campbelltown (26.1.50) and Penrith (Y239).

Abstract: Optimization and optimal control problems abound in almost all areas of science and engineering. Such problems involve finding an optimal operation strategy for a given system under consideration (by specifying the values of various system input variables) to make the system perform in the best possible manner. Optimization problems generally pertain to static systems described by algebraic equations and inequalities; optimal control problems, meanwhile, generally involve dynamic systems described by differential equations - for example, ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, stochastic differential equations, or even a combination of different types of differential equations. This talk will be an overview of recent research in optimization and optimal control, including new computational techniques and their associated convergence properties. Applications to chemical engineering, vessel routing, and electronics will be discussed.

Biography: Ryan Loxton is from Curtin University, WA. He recently won the 2014 Woodside Early Career Scientist of the Year. The citation for this award reads "Dr Loxton's research focuses on developing new mathematical techniques to optimise industrial processes in areas including robotics, electronics and chemical engineering. He has published over 50 peer reviewed research papers and delivered key-note addresses at several international conferences. He promotes the importance of science and mathematics to students through the Curtin Mathematics Enrichment Program and in 2012 was awarded a WA Young Tall Poppy Science Award. He currently holds three prestigious grants from the Australian Research Council, including an Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship."