Direct and Inverse Problems of Thermomechanics Concerning the Optimization and Identification of the Thermal Stressed State of Deformed Solids

Abstract

We describe the main stages of the development of investigations originated by Prof. Vihak in the fields of the theory and methods of optimal control over the thermal processes and thermal stressed state of deformed solids, theory of inverse problems of heat conduction and thermomechanics, and the mathematical methods in the mechanics of deformable solids. We indicate the existence of close relationship between the obtained theoretical results and the applied problems of thermal power engineering motivating investigations of this kind. We describe a significant contribution made by the researchers of the Pidstryhach Institute for Applied Problems in Mechanics and Mathematics of the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences to the development of investigations in these fields. The prospects of further development of these studies are analyzed and some facts from the life and creative activity of Prof. V. М. Vihak are presented.