The term distributed parameter system as used in the report shall mean a plant, or object whose outputs are to be controlled, which is characterized by a partial differential equation. The consideration of such systems is a relatively recent event, motivated both by practical problems and by a desire to extend and generalize the existing body of optimal control theory. The theory of partial differential equations is considerably more detailed and contains considerably fewer general results than the theory of ordinary differential equations. Because of this the authors introduce specialized notions and symbology, not in common usage in optimal control theory, in order to be able to state their results with some precision and compactness. It was the intent in writing the report to present results to a wide control engineering readership. In keeping with this, a section of the report is devoted to an explanation of the requisit mathematical operations, and, where expedient, detailed mathematical proofs are deferred to the references. Hueristic arguments are used as a vehicle to transmit concepts, but not as a substitute for required rigor. Several optimal control problems for linear distributed parameter systems are stated. Theoretical and algorithmic solutions are presented along with examples to illustrate these results.

The report is a survey of theoretical and computational methods in the field of optimal control of distributed parameter systems. This includes systems described by integral equations and partial differential equations. The various studies which have been done are grouped according to the method employed. A number of applications and potential applications of these methods are discussed, and certain deficiencies in the current state of knowledge are noted. Difficulties and opportunities in practical applications are discussed, and suggestions are offered for directions of research to render the results more readily usable. A list of references is included numbering more than 250 items: papers, report, and books.

Discusses a number of the more interesting areas in the application of the theory of Optimal Control of distributed parameters.

"Audience: Scientists and engineers engaged in the theory of optimal control of linear systems and its application in physics, ecology, economy, medicine, and other fields. Also suitable as a textbook for graduate and post-graduate students studying modern methods in optimal control."--BOOK JACKET.

Control of Distributed Parameter Systems 1982 covers the proceeding of the Third International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) Symposium on Control of Distributed Parameter Systems. The book reviews papers that tackle issues concerning the control of distributed parameter systems, such as modeling, identification, estimation, stabilization, optimization, and energy system. The topics that the book tackles include notes on optimal and estimation result of nonlinear systems; approximation of the parameter identification problem in distributed parameters systems; and optimal control of a punctually located heat source. This text also encompasses the stabilization of nonlinear parabolic equations and the decoupling approach to the control of large spaceborne antenna systems. Stability of Hilbert space contraction semigroups and the tracking problem in the fractional representation approach are also discussed. This book will be of great interest to researchers and professionals whose work concerns automated control systems.

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.

The articles in this volume focus on control theory of systems governed by nonlinear linear partial differential equations, identification and optimal design of such systems, and modelling of advanced materials. Optimal design of systems governed by PDEs is a relatively new area of study, now particularly relevant because of interest in optimization of fluid flow in domains of variable configuration, advanced and composite materials studies and "smart" materials which include possibilities for built in sensing and control actuation. The book will be of interest to both applied mathematicians and to engineers.