Sensitivity analysis of descriptor distributed parameter systems

A new method of sensitivity analysis for distributed parameter systems in descriptor form is studied. Such systems typically arise in fluid dynamics, i.e. systems of partial differential equations described by the time-varying momentum (Navier-Stokes) equations and the continuity equation that has no explicit time derivative terms. The descriptor distributed parameter system is modelled as the limit of a singularly perturbed system. Using the variational approach, it is shown that the functional derivative sensitivities for the descriptor distributed parameter system can be obtained by solving both the descriptor and the co-descriptor (adjoint) equations, which are structurally similar. © 1988 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.