Analysis and finite element approximation ofan optimal control problemin electrochemistry with current density controls

Summary. An optimal control problem for impressed cathodic systems in electrochemistry is studied. The control in this problem is the current density on the anode. A matching objective functional is considered. We first demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the governing partial differential equation with a nonlinear boundary condition. We then prove the existence of an optimal solution. Next, we derive a necessary condition of optimality and establish an optimality system of equations. Finally, we define a finite element algorithm and derive optimal error estimates. Received March 10, 1993 / Revised version received July 4, 1994