Further comparisons of stochastic and deterministic models for the optimal control of Lanchester-type attrition processes.

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Authors
Hannah, William Pickens.
Subjects
Lanchester Combat Theory
Stochastic Optimal Control
Optimal Fire Distribution
Advisors
Taylor, James G.
Date of Issue
1974
Date
September 1974
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
The optimal fire distribution policy obtained using a stochastic combat attrition model is compared with that for a deterministic one. The same optimal control problem for a homogeneous force in combat against a heterogeneous force of two homogeneous types is considered using two different models for the attrition mechanism in a fight-to-the-finish the Lanchester-type differential equation formulation and its analagous stochastic version of a continuous parameter Markov chain with stationary transition probabilities. Considering dynamic programming methodology, a computer program was developed to numerically determine the optimal fire distribution policy (closed-loop or feedback) for the stochastic attrition process. Numerical values are generated for several parameter sets and compared with the optimal fire distribution policy for the corresponding deterministic attrition process. Results indicate that the optimal fire distribution policy for the stochastic model is more complex than the deterministic one.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Operations Research and Administrative Sciences
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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