In the mathematical treatment of many problems which arise in physics, economics, engineering, management, etc., the researcher frequently faces two major difficulties: infinite dimensionality and randomness of the evolution process. Infinite dimensionality occurs when the evolution in time of a process is accompanied by a space-like dependence; for example, spatial distribution of the temperature for a heat-conductor, spatial dependence of the time-varying displacement of a membrane subject to external forces, etc. Randomness is intrinsic to the mathematical formulation of many phenomena, such as fluctuation in the stock market, or noise in communication networks. Control theory of distributed parameter systems and stochastic systems focuses on physical phenomena which are governed by partial differential equations, delay-differential equations, integral differential equations, etc., and stochastic differential equations of various types. This has been a fertile field of research with over 40 years of history, which continues to be very active under the thrust of new emerging applications. Among the subjects covered are: Control of distributed parameter systems; Stochastic control; Applications in finance/insurance/manufacturing; Adapted control; Numerical approximation . It is essential reading for applied mathematicians, control theorists, economic/financial analysts and engineers.

This is the first book to systematically present control theory for stochastic distributed parameter systems, a comparatively new branch of mathematical control theory. The new phenomena and difficulties arising in the study of controllability and optimal control problems for this type of system are explained in detail. Interestingly enough, one has to develop new mathematical tools to solve some problems in this field, such as the global Carleman estimate for stochastic partial differential equations and the stochastic transposition method for backward stochastic evolution equations. In a certain sense, the stochastic distributed parameter control system is the most general control system in the context of classical physics. Accordingly, studying this field may also yield valuable insights into quantum control systems. A basic grasp of functional analysis, partial differential equations, and control theory for deterministic systems is the only prerequisite for reading this book.

Distributed Parameter Control Systems: Theory and Application is a two-part book consisting of 10 theoretical and five application-oriented chapters contributed by well-known workers in the distributed-parameter systems. The book covers topics of distributed parameter control systems in the areas of simulation, identification, state estimation, stability, control (optimal, stochastic, and coordinated), numerical approximation methods, optimal sensor, and actuator positioning. Five applications works include chemical reactors, heat exchangers, petroleum reservoirs/aquifers, and nuclear reactors. The text will be a useful reference for both graduate students and professional researchers working in the field.

Control of Distributed Parameter Systems covers the proceedings of the Second IFAC Symposium, Coventry, held in Great Britain from June 28 to July 1, 1977. The book focuses on the methodologies, processes, and techniques in the control of distributed parameter systems, including boundary value control, digital transfer matrix, and differential equations. The selection first discusses the asymptotic methods in the optimal control of distributed systems; applications of distributed parameter control theory of a survey; and dual variational inequalities for external eigenvalue problems. The book also ponders on stochastic differential equations in Hilbert space and their application to delay systems and linear quadratic optimal control problem over an infinite time horizon for a class of distributed parameter systems. The manuscript investigates the semigroup approach to boundary value control and stability of nonlinear distributed parameter systems. Topics include boundary control action implemented through a dynamical system; classical boundary value controls; stability of nonlinear systems; and feedback control on the boundary. The text also focuses on the functional analysis interpretation of Lyapunov stability; method of multipliers for a class distributed parameter systems; and digital transfer matrix approach to distributed system simulation. The selection is a dependable source of data for readers interested in the control of distributed parameter systems.

In this unified account of the mathematical theory of distributed parameter systems (DPS), the authors cover all major aspects of the control, estimation, and identification of such systems, and their application in engineering problems. The first part of the book is devoted to the basic results in deterministic and stochastic partial differential equations, which are applied to the optimal control and estimation theories for DPS. Part two then applies this knowledge in an engineering setting, discussing optimal estimators, optimal sensor and actuator locations, and computational techniques.

Focusing on research surrounding aspects of insufficiently studied problems of estimation and optimal control of random fields, this book exposes some important aspects of those fields for systems modeled by stochastic partial differential equations. It contains many results of interest to specialists in both the theory of random fields and optimal control theory who use modern mathematical tools for resolving specific applied problems, and presents research that has not previously been covered. More generally, this book is intended for scientists, graduate, and post-graduates specializing in probability theory and mathematical statistics. The models presented describe many processes in turbulence theory, fluid mechanics, hydrology, astronomy, and meteorology, and are widely used in pattern recognition theory and parameter identification of stochastic systems. Therefore, this book may also be useful to applied mathematicians who use probability and statistical methods in the selection of useful signals subject to noise, hypothesis distinguishing, distributed parameter systems optimal control, and more. Material presented in this monograph can be used for education courses on the estimation and control theory of random fields.