Boundary feedback design for nonlinear distributed parameter systems

Boundary feedback control of nonlinear distributed parameter systems is considered. The goal is the development of systematic strategies of designing feedback laws which can shape or at least influence the response of nonlinear systems with distributed components. The authors extend the definition of zero dynamics to include nonlinear distributed parameter systems with an aim toward the design of stabilizing feedback laws. They also compute the zero dynamics for a controlled viscous Burgers equation. They precede this discussion with a simple but related illustration of a strategy for a controlled heat equation and, using a similar strategy for the Burgers equation, they conclude with a preliminary analysis and feedback design and present simulations of the trajectories of the corresponding closed-loop system