Distributed parameter thermal controllability-the inverse heat conduction problem in materials processing

This article addresses the inverse heat conduction problem encountered in thermal manufacturing processes. An open-loop control strategy is developed for distributed parameter conduction systems, based on Galerkin optimization of an energy index employing Green´s functions. The surface heat input distribution necessary to generate a desired dynamic temperature field inside a solid body, is analytically determined and then verified by FEA simulations. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is also examined and discussed.