Controllability results for stochastic coupled systems of fourth- and second-order parabolic equations

TL;DR

This paper investigates controllability and observability of stochastic coupled fourth- and second-order parabolic equations, introducing new methods to control both equations with a single localized controller.

Contribution

It presents novel controllability results for stochastic coupled systems, employing Carleman estimates and a new approach combining source term methods and truncation in the stochastic context.

Findings

Controllability of backward systems via Carleman estimates.

Controllability of nonlinear forward coupled systems using a new stochastic method.

Establishment of observability inequalities for the adjoint system.

Abstract

In this paper, we study some controllability and observability problems for stochastic systems coupling fourth- and second-order parabolic equations. The main goal is to control both equations with only one controller localized on the drift of the fourth-order equation. We analyze two cases: on one hand, we study the controllability of a linear backward system where the couplings are made only through first-order terms. The key point is to use suitable Carleman estimates for the heat equation and the fourth-order operator with the same weight to deduce an observability inequality for the adjoint system. On the other hand, we study the controllability of a simplified nonlinear coupled model of forward equations. This case, which is well-known to be harder to solve, follows a methodology that has been introduced recently and relies on an adaptation of the well-known source term method in the stochastic setting together with a truncation procedure. This approach gives a new concept of controllability for stochastic systems.