Plant disturbance and model verification

Methods of measuring dynamic properties of plant by injecting pseudorandom and other forms of disturbances are compared and examples quoted from zero energy and power reactor studies. The use of these disturbance measurements to verify mathematical models of the plant and derive 'best fit' values of parameters in the model is discussed. In general the set of best fit parameters depends on the criterion adopted. Criteria are proposed which relate directly to the intended use of the model and some corresponding results quoted. (author)