Abstract
A computational approach to a class of optimization problem in which subsystems should be dropped out each time when some condition is satisfied in the course of control is mentioned in this paper. Since the optimal sequence of subsystems to be dropped out is not known in advance and the sequence is depending upon the control function, we cannot arbitrarily take a control function as the first estimation of the optimal control. In this paper the optimal sequence as well as the corresponding control function is obtained by means of repeating the setting up of subproblem and its solution. The gradient function needed to solve the subproblem is derived. The solution method is applied to the problem of minimum time unloading operation for oil tanker.
