This monograph focuses on the mathematical modeling of distributed parameter systems in which mass/energy transport or wave propagation phenomena occur and which are described by partial differential equations of hyperbolic type. The case of linear (or linearized) 2 x 2 hyperbolic systems of balance laws is considered, i.e., systems described by two coupled linear partial differential equations with two variables representing physical quantities, depending on both time and one-dimensional spatial variable.

Based on practical examples of a double-pipe heat exchanger and a transportation pipeline, two typical configurations of boundary input signals are analyzed: collocated, wherein both signals affect the system at the same spatial point, and anti-collocated, in which the input signals are applied to the two different end points of the system.

The results of this book emerge from the practical experience of the author gained during his studies conducted in the experimental installation of a heat exchange center as well as from his research experience in the field of mathematical and computer modeling of dynamic systems. The book presents valuable results concerning their state-space, transfer function and time-domain representations, which can be useful both for the open-loop analysis as well as for the closed-loop design.

The book is primarily intended to help professionals as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in modeling and automatic control of dynamic systems.