University of Bayreuth Germany
Prof. Dr. Hans Josef Pesch is a distinguished mathematician specializing in numerical analysis and optimal control. Born on August 1, 1949, in Dormagen, Germany, he has significantly contributed to computational mathematics in science and engineering. With a career spanning several prestigious institutions, he served as Chair of Mathematics in Engineering Sciences at the University of Bayreuth until his retirement in 2015. Currently, he is a Professor Emeritus, continuing his academic influence in optimization and applied mathematics.
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Education 🎓
Prof. Pesch pursued his studies in Mathematics and Physics at the University of Cologne (1968–1974), earning a Diploma in Mathematics in 1974. He completed his Doctorate (Dr.rer.nat.) in 1978 at Munich University of Technology, followed by a Habilitation (Dr.rer.nat.habil.) in 1986. His early education included classical training in Latin and Greek, reflecting a strong foundation in analytical and logical reasoning.
Experience 🏛️
With a vast academic career, Prof. Pesch has held multiple prestigious positions:
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University of Bayreuth (1999–2015): Full Professor and Chair of Mathematics in Engineering Sciences.
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Clausthal University of Technology (1995–1999): Full Professor for Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing.
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Munich University of Technology (1989–1995): Associate Professor.
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University of California, San Diego (1987): Visiting Professor.
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University of the Armed Forces, Munich (1988–1989): Associate Professor.
Throughout his tenure, he led Ph.D. programs, supervised over 170 master’s theses, 35 Ph.D. theses, and mentored postdoctoral researchers.
Research Interests 🔬
Prof. Pesch’s research revolves around optimal control theory, numerical analysis, and computational mathematics. He has worked extensively on real-time optimization, industrial process modeling, and optimal control of engineering systems. His contributions include applications in robotics, welding processes, fuel cell systems, and vehicle dynamics, impacting both academia and industry.
Awards & Honors 🏆
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Recognition for his contributions to computational mathematics and optimal control.
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Funding from prestigious institutions like the German National Science Foundation (GNSF), European Science Foundation (ESF), and the German Ministry of Research and Technology (BMBF).
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Leadership roles in major doctoral programs and research networks.
Publications Top Notes: 📚
Prof. Pesch has authored two monographs, over 95 journal publications, and numerous conference papers. His work is widely cited, influencing advancements in mathematical optimization. Some of his key publications include:
Numerical treatment of delay differential equations by Hermite interpolation
Abort landing in the presence of windshear as a minimax optimal control problem, part 2: Multiple shooting and homotopy
Real‐time computation of feedback controls for constrained optimal control problems. part 1: Neighbouring extremals
Real‐time computation of feedback controls for constrained optimal control problems. part 2: A correction method based on multiple shooting
Abort landing in the presence of windshear as a minimax optimal control problem, part 1: Necessary conditions
Combining direct and indirect methods in optimal control: Range maximization of a hang glider
Complex differential games of pursuit-evasion type with state constraints, part 1: Necessary conditions for optimal open-loop strategies
The maximum principle of optimal control: a history of ingenious ideas and missed opportunities
A modified continuation method for the numerical solution of nonlinear two-point boundary value problems by shooting techniques
Comparing routines for the numerical solution of initial value problems of ordinary differential equations in multiple shooting