An Optimal Control Approach to Herglotz Variational Problems

Abstract

We address the generalized variational problem of Herglotz from an optimal control point of view. Using the theory of optimal control, we derive a generalized Euler-Lagrange equation, a transversality condition, a DuBois-Reymond necessary optimality condition and Noether's theorem for Herglotz's fundamental problem, valid for piecewise smooth functions.