Second-Order Optimality Conditions for Nonconvex Set-Constrained Optimization Problems

In this paper, we study second-order optimality conditions for nonconvex set-constrained optimization problems. For a convex set-constrained optimization problem, it is well known that second-order optimality conditions involve the support function of the second-order tangent set. In this paper, we propose two approaches for establishing second-order optimality conditions for the nonconvex case. In the first approach, we extend the concept of the support function so that it is applicable to general nonconvex set-constrained problems, whereas in the second approach, we introduce the notion of the directional regular tangent cone and apply classical results of convex duality theory. Besides the second-order optimality conditions, the novelty of our approach lies in the systematic introduction and use, respectively, of directional versions of well-known concepts from variational analysis.

Second order optimality conditions for periodic optimal control problems governed by semilinear parabolic differential equations

In this paper, we study second-order optimality conditions for some optimal control problems governed by some semi-linear parabolic equations with periodic state constraint in time. We obtain a necessary condition and a sufficient condition in terms of the second order derivative of the associated Lagrangian. These two conditions correspond to the positive definite and the nonnegativity of the second order derivative of the Lagrangian on the same cone, respectively.