# Identification of part of RHS of a standard ODE from input-output simulation data

From first principles, I know that the best reduced-order mathematical model that describes my complicated physical system is

$$\dot{x}(t) = \alpha f(u,t) + \beta u(t)$$

where $\left(\alpha,\beta\right)\in \mathbb{R}$ are known constants.

I have collected a bunch of step-response data from simulating my complicated physical model, by varying the magnitude of my step input $u(t)$. Note that there is no noise in the input or output data. From all the step-response plots, I deduce that my system behaves like a classic first-order system, i.e. the debiased response looks something like

$$x(t) - x(0) = x_\mathrm{final}(1 - e^{-t/\tau})\, u(t)$$

For this reason, I suspect that my (reduced order) model is an LTI system wherein $f$ from the model hypothesis is at best a weak function of $t$ and furthermore, has only a negligible coupling to $u(t)$ (maybe I am wrong?)

a) What is the best procedure for identifying the $f$ component in the RHS of the model? I am confused because this equation form does not (at-present) look like a standard state-space model. Is it expected to reformulate this into a standard LTI transfer function or state-space equation?

b) If the above option is not feasible, what would be the best system-ID procedure that can identify any other suitably reformulated model that can capture the model dynamics "sufficiently" enough, i.e. predict $(x(t) \text{ given } (\alpha,\beta, u(t))$?

If continuous system ID is not possible, I am happy to accept a discrete-time model. Please advise me of the procedure as I am a novice in system-ID and Dr. Ljung's textbook seems daunting to parse.

• I assume that $f$ should also be a function of $x$? Mar 1 '18 at 4:13
• @KwinvanderVeen I am completely unsure of what $f$ is. The task is to identify $f$. It is absolutely fine even if it is a function of $x$. I am interested in identifying $f$, or if that is deemed impossible, identifying an alternate model for my ode that matches my simulation input-output data Mar 1 '18 at 12:20

One can test whether a system might be nonlinear by applying a sinusoidal input signal, $u(t) = A_u\,\sin(\omega\,t + \phi_u)$. If the system is LTI then the output should be a transient plus also a sinusoidal signal, but with a different amplitude and phase $y(t) = A_y\,\sin(\omega\,t + \phi_y)$. If the system is stable, then this transient should die out over time. This seems to be the case according to your step responses. For LTI systems scaling this input by a constant should also result into the same scaling of the output, $u'(t) = \alpha\,u(t)\,\to\,y'(t) = \alpha\,y(t)$. For nonlinear systems these input/output relations often do not hold.
• Thank you for your answer. It indeed does look like an LTI system (I shall do the sinusoidal input trial nevertheless). If I wish to fit a transfer function, how do I do it only for the unknown component $f$, i.e. I wish to deterministically account for $\beta$ in the final model? The relationship $\dot{x} \propto \beta u(t)$ is absolutely true and I wish to keep this in the final model. What would be the procedure to this? Can this be classified as grey-box sys-ID? What functions in MATLAB sys-ID toolbox might be appropriate? Mar 1 '18 at 13:27