Eigenfunction sensitivity and the parameter variation problem†

Abstract

A set of sensitivity functions are defined in the state space representation of a system. These functions relate ’ small ’ changes in system parameters that inevitably occur in the assembly or the operation of a plant, to the eigenfunctions of the system. The variations of system response of a linear time invariant, dynamical system when it is subjected to parameter variations are the object of this investigation. A new approach for the sensitivity analysis of the system response is indicated. This approach leads to procedures which give rise to fairly routine operations on a digital computer.