Optimal Control Applications & Methods provides a forum for papers on the full range of optimal control and related control design methods. The aim is to encourage new developments in optimal control theory and design methodologies that may lead to advances in real control applications. Papers are encouraged on the development of computational algorithms for solving optimal control and optimization problems. The scope includes papers on optimal estimation and filtering methods that have control-related applications. Finally, it will provide a venue for interesting optimal control applications and design studies, and reports on real applications experience.

The subject involves the optimal control or optimization of systems described by differential, difference, and mixed differential-algebraic equations, including linear parameter-varying, state-dependent, distributed parameter, singular, hybrid, and large-scale systems.

The types of problems covered by the journal include design approaches and methods, H2 and H∞ design, optimal predictive control, linear-quadratic optimal control, nonlinear optimal control, stochastic optimal control, periodic optimal control, optimal filtering and fault estimation, optimal adaptive control, multi-criteria and multiple-model optimal control, singular perturbation methods, repetitive control and switching, the optimal control of large-scale or distributed systems, time-delay systems, nonlinear programming and optimization methods, dynamic programming, and static and dynamic optimization techniques.

Papers that do not include an element of optimization or optimal control theory will not be considered by the journal. Papers on the theory of optimal systems with applications potential will be particularly encouraged including papers on areas such as predictive, nonlinear, safety critical, fault tolerant and reliable control.

There is a significant interest in applications, which includes: manufacturing and industrial processes, aerospace and defence, marine and automotive systems, electro-mechanical systems, robotics, electrical power generation and distribution systems, energy systems (including wind turbines, wave, tidal, battery, fuel cell, solar, and refining systems), chemical and petrochemical processes, biological and biomedical systems, environmental control, water treatment and distribution, electrical and electronic systems, networked control, and control of networks. Applications of interest also include a wide range of interdisciplinary and complex systems problems, where multi-agent solutions, intelligent sensors, and either static or dynamic optimization play a role.