Optimal observation schedule for identification of nonlinear distributed systems with applications

A system of quasi-variational inequalities (QVIs) of a novel type is obtained for the problem of optimizing the observation schedule for the problem of parameter identification for nonlinear parabolic and hyperbolic systems with pointwise observations. Results on the existence, uniqueness, and iterative approximation of solutions of the resulting QVI systems are presented. These solutions lead to the synthesis of an optimal observation schedule. The problems considered have applications to heat transfer, environmental problems, continuum mechanics, earthquake engineering, and processing of acoustic and seismic signals.