Nilpotent systems are well suited as approximations fo general (finite dimensional, analytic) systems, as the preserve important geometric properties of the original systems, as constructive algorithms are available to obtain the approximation, and as they are comparatively easy to analyze.

Using normal forms obtained via formal chronological calculus, we study the features of their optimal trajectories. Specifically, we demonstrate the effects of successively higher order nilpotent approximations on the associated HJB systems, which may be understood as successive perturbations of nominal systems.

For further information please contact: Matthias Kawski.