Homotopy approach for solving constrained optimization problems

A homotopy approach for solving constrained parameter optimization problems is examined. The first-order necessary conditions, with the complementarity conditions represented using a technique due to Mangasarian (1967) are solved. The equations are augmented to avoid singularities which occur when the active constraint changes. The Chow-Yorke (1978) algorithm is used to track the homotopy path leading to the solution to the desired problem at the terminal point. A simple example which illustrates the technique and an application to a fuel optimal orbital transfer problem are presented