Energy Time Constant of a Dynamical System*.

The results of analysis of control modes of oscillatory dynamical systems are given. The analysis revealed that the duration of the interval between the optimal switching moments of the control functions remains constant. A new concept of "energy time constant" of the system is introduced. The relationship between the constancy of this quantity and the validity of the general principle of minimum energy dissipation in processes of arbitrary nature is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]