In this paper we introduce a robust control design method for solving
linear optimal control problems with fixed terminal time and fixed ter
minal constraints. We propose the use of a sliding mode, and introduce
a new manifold design approach, since the existing approaches do not
adequately address the above class of problems. The class of time-vary
ing sliding-mode manifolds introduced is shown to result in control de
signs optimal with respect to quadratic cost defined over a finite tim
e interval. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.