AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR A CLASSICAL PROBLEM IN THE CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS

A numerical technique for determining the solution of the brachistochr one problem is presented. The brachistochrone problem is first formula ted as a non-linear optimal control problem. Using Chebyshev nodes, we construct the Mth degree polynomial interpolation to approximate the state and the control variables. Application of this method results in the transformation of differential and integral expressions into some non-linear algebraic equations to which Newton-type methods can be ap plied. Simulation studies demonstrate computational advantages relativ e to existing methods in the literature.