Exact and Approximate Controllability for Distributed Parameter Systems : A Numerical Approach

One of the very few books combining a thorough mathematical analysis of controllability problems with a detailed investigation of methods for solving them numerically. The approach taken makes it accessible to graduate students and researchers in applied and computational mathematics, engineering and physics.

The behaviour of systems occurring in real life is often modelled by partial differential equations. This book investigates how a user or observer can influence the behaviour of such systems mathematically and computationally. A thorough mathematical analysis of controllability problems is combined with a detailed investigation of methods used to solve them numerically, these methods being validated by the results of numerical experiments. In Part I of the book the authors discuss the mathematics and numerics relating to the controllability of systems modelled by linear and non-linear diffusion equations; Part II is dedicated to the controllability of vibrating systems, typical ones being those modelled by linear wave equations; finally, Part III covers flow control for systems governed by the Navier-Stokes equations modelling incompressible viscous flow. The book is accessible to graduate students in applied and computational mathematics, engineering and physics; it will also be of use to more advanced practitioners.