Optimal control of piston movement in tube caused by the difference of gas static pressures

Modern methods of optimal control are used intensively in a large number of scientific and technical problems. The work represented is directed to the penetration of up-to-date algorithms of optimal control into the decision of modern problems of gas dynamics. As an example of such inculcation, we consider the movement of piston with finite mass in cylindrical tube owing to the difference of static pressures on its side. The optimal method of heat energy influx into the chamber of large pressure allows us to achieve the fixed velocity of the piston at tube outlet in the shortest time and with minimal quantity of heat energy required.