Optimal Control of Coupled Systems of PDE

Abstract

Current research in the control of partial differential equations is driven by a multitude of applications in engineering and science that are modelled by coupled systems of nonlinear differential equations. Associated optimal control problems need efficient numerical methods to deal with the resulting very large problems. There is a fast development of numerical methods and the associated analysis must keep track to justify them and to prepare the basis for further research. It has been the main intention of this Conference to tighten the links between applications, numerics and analysis with some emphasis on the analytic aspects. The meeting was attended by about 50 participants from Europe and the US. \vspace{0.25cm} The scientific program consisted of 30 talks that covered various topics such as controllability, feedback control, optimality conditions, analysis and control of Navier-Stokes equations, model reduction of large systems, optimal shape design, and applications in crystal growth, chemical reactions and aviation. It showed that Optimal Control of Partial Differential Equations is a very lively and active mathematical field. Well known experts with long standing experience, Postdocs and PhD students contributed to the program. In particular, 4 PhD students from US took part who received full support from the NSF. This diversity of topics and mix of participants stimulated an extensive and fruitful discussion and initiated new collaborations, in particular of younger researchers.