Geometric control theory is concerned with the evolution of systems subject to physical laws but having some degree of freedom through which motion is to be controlled. This book describes the mathematical theory inspired by the irreversible nature of time evolving events. The first part of the book deals with the issue of being able to steer the system from any point of departure to any desired destination. The second part deals with optimal control, the question of finding the best possible course. An overlap with mathematical physics is demonstrated by the Maximum principle, a fundamental principle of optimality arising from geometric control, which is applied to time-evolving systems governed by physics as well as to man-made systems governed by controls. Applications are drawn from geometry, mechanics, and control of dynamical systems. The geometric language in which the results are expressed allows clear visual interpretations and makes the book accessible to physicists and engineers as well as to mathematicians.

The synthesis of symplectic geometry, the calculus of variations and control theory offered in this book provides a crucial foundation for the understanding of many problems in applied mathematics. Focusing on the theory of integrable systems, this book introduces a class of optimal control problems on Lie groups, whose Hamiltonians, obtained through the Maximum Principle of optimality, shed new light on the theory of integrable systems. These Hamiltonians provide an original and unified account of the existing theory of integrable systems. The book particularly explains much of the mystery surrounding the Kepler problem, the Jacobi problem and the Kovalevskaya Top. It also reveals the ubiquitous presence of elastic curves in integrable systems up to the soliton solutions of the non-linear Schroedinger's equation. Containing a useful blend of theory and applications, this is an indispensable guide for graduates and researchers in many fields, from mathematical physics to space control.

Geometric control theory is concerned with the evolution of systems subject to physical laws but having some degree of freedom through which motion is to be controlled. This book describes the mathematical theory inspired by the irreversible nature of time evolving events. The first part of the book deals with the issue of being able to steer the system from any point of departure to any desired destination. The second part deals with optimal control, the question of finding the best possible course. An overlap with mathematical physics is demonstrated by the Maximum principle, a fundamental principle of optimality arising from geometric control, which is applied to time-evolving systems governed by physics as well as to man-made systems governed by controls. Applications are drawn from geometry, mechanics, and control of dynamical systems. The geometric language in which the results are expressed allows clear visual interpretations and makes the book accessible to physicists and engineers as well as to mathematicians.