Barmish, B. Ross

International Federation of Automatic Control; Best Paper Award for Journal Publication for 1986-1989, presented at IFAC World Congress, Tallin, Estonia.

International Federation of Automatic Control, Best Paper Award for Journal Publication for 1990-1992, Presented at IFAC World Congress, Sydney, Australia.

Selected Papers

Can be found at: http://www.engr.wisc.edu/ece/faculty/barmish_ross

Summary

My primary research interests lie in the area of uncertain dynamical systems. Such systems are typically described by a model (often involving differential equations) whose parameters are not well known. Given this so-called inaccurate model, the designer is faced with the problem of selecting a control strategy to achieve some desired performance specification; e.g., stability, minimization of a cost criterion, reaching a target, etc.

The uncertain parameters which enter into the models which I consider are characterized by a number of salient features. First, there may be a large degree of uncertainty as to their values. This precludes using classical sensitivity analysis when studying the effect of the uncertainty on the system. Secondly, the uncertain parameters might vary quite rapidly with time. Consequently, one cannot apply adaptive control theory to systems plagued by such uncertainty. Finally, in many situations, statistical information about the uncertain parameters is unavailable or cannot be assumed. Hence, stochastic analysis is not applicable. To illustrate, one might wish to analyze the robustness "robustness" of flight dynamics with respect to wind gusts ranging between 0 and 50 miles per hour. In this case, the wind plays the role of the uncertain parameter.

My ongoing research is aimed at solving fundamental problems which are common to large classes of uncertain dynamical systems of the sort described above. Much of this work falls under the umbrella of "robust analysis and design." More recently, the emphasis has been on the use of probabilistic methods aimed at overcoming problems associated with computational complexity and conservatism. I am also continuing my involvement in a number of other problem areas. The following key words describe these endeavors: counterexamples to published literature in automatic control, economic modeling and consumer behavior, game theory and applied mathematics.

Files and Links of Interest

Copyright 2008 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Date last modified: 13-Oct-2008
Content by: barmish@engr.wisc.edu
Accessibility

Web services

UPDATE PROFILE