
Section 7.3 Iterative solution of retrospective problems 291
7.3 Iterative solution of retrospective problems
Key features of algorithms intended for the approximate solution of inverted-time
problems by iteration methods with refinement of initial conditions are outlined. A
model problem for the two-dimensional non-stationary parabolic equation is consid-
ered.
7.3.1 Statement of the problem
In solving inverse problems for mathematical physics equations, gradient iteration
methods are applied to the variational formulation of the problem. Below, we consider
a simplest iteration method for the approximate solution of the retrospective inverse
problem for the second-order parabolic equation. For this inverse problem, the ini-
tial condition is refined iteratively, which requires solving, at each iteration step, an
ordinary boundary value problem for the parabolic equation.
Based on the general theory of iteration solution methods for operator equations,
sufficient conditions for convergence of the iterative process can be established, and
the iteration parameters are chosen. In such problems, the operator of transition to the
next approximation makes it possible to identify the approximate solution in a desired
class of smoothness.
As a model problem, consider a two-dimensional problem in the rectangle
={x | x = (x
1
, x
2
), 0 < x
β
< l
β
,β= 1, 2}.
In the domain , we seek the solution of the parabolic equation
∂u
∂t
−
2
β=1
∂
∂x
β
k(x)
∂u
∂x
β
= 0, x ∈ , 0 < t < T , (7.159)
supplemented with the simplest first-kind homogeneous boundary conditions:
u(x, t) = 0, x ∈ ∂, 0 < t < T . (7.160)
In the inverse problem, instead of setting the zero-time solution (the solution at t = 0),
the end-time solution is specified:
u(x, T ) = ϕ(x), x ∈ . (7.161)
Such an inverse problem is a well-posed one, for instance, in the classes of bounded
solutions.