Self-adaptive near-optimal control of diffusion equations

The self-adaptive near-optimal control of diffusion equations is described. The variable structure feedback design is independent of the initial conditions and the plant parameter values. Rather than identifying the precise parameter values by adaptive correction, the online self-adaptive closed-loop controller organises itself by identifying certain dynamic characteristics associated with sliding motion. Digital simulation results are presented for both linear and nonlinear systems, and the effect of parameter variations and external disturbances are discussed. The system responses are close to the time-optimal paths.