Selection of Outputs for Distributed Parameter Systems

A method of sensor location selection is introduced for distributed parameter systems. In this method, the sensitivities of spatial outputs to model parameters are computed by a model and transformed via continuous wavelet transforms into the time-scale domain to characterize the shape attributes of output sensitivities and accentuate their di¿erences. Regions are then sought in the time-scale plane wherein the wavelet coe¿cient of an output-sensitivity surpasses all the others¿ as indication of the output sensitivity¿s uniqueness. This method yields a comprehensive account of identifiability each output provides for the model parameters as the basis of output selection. This output selection strategy is evaluated for a numerical case of pollutant dispersion by advection and discussion in a two-dimensional area.