Challenges of modelling hybrid testing for spatially extended systems

Real-time dynamic substructuring is a new component testing method for simulating the dynamics of complex engineering systems. The physical component is tested in a computer generated 'virtual' environment using real time control techniques. Delays in communication which occur between the component and the virtual environment can potentially destabilise the simulation. The proposed research addresses a range of questions arising due to the presence of time delay for spatially extended systems. Formulating the problem using partial delay differential equations the effects of time delay on the stability in such systems will be studied. Furthermore, the important question of experimental accuracy will be analysed by means of synchronisation theory. This proposal is also intended to investigate the robustness of synchronisation due to external noise. The results of this work will be of a great significance for the theory of partial delay differential equations and open new avenues of research in the applications of this theory in engineering.