SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS OF DISTRIBUTED PARAMETER SYSTEMS

The paper considers the problem of distributed parameter systems modeling. The basic model types are presented, depending on the partial differential equation, which determines the physical processes dynamics. The similarities and the differences with the models described in terms of ordinary differential equations are discussed. A special attention is paid to the problem of heat flow in a rod. The problem set up is demonstrated and the methods of its solution are discussed. The main characteristics from a system point of view are presented, namely the Green function and the transfer function. Different special cases for these characteristics are discussed, depending on the specific partial differential equation, as well as the initial conditions and the boundary conditions.