Identification of Systems Described by Partial Differential Equations

A method is given for the identification of distributed parameter systems. Normal operating records or experimental data may be used. The method involves the determination of arbitrary parameters in an assumed partial differential-equation model of the system. The method applies equally well to linear and nonlinear equations, and equations with varying coefficients. The accuracy of the results depends upon the exactness of the model, the amount of data used, the error in numerical integration, and the amount of noise which is present in the data. Examples are given which illustrate the application of the method. Results using the method for the identification of a physical system are given.