12568-2 How Large is Large? One definition of large-scale systems is that they are capable of partitioning into subsystems for computational or practical reasons. Another viewpoint defines any system as "large" if conventional techniques of modeling, analysis, and control fail to yield reasonable solutions with reasonable computational efforts. These definitions can be applied to a variety of systems in fields as diverse as business management, the environment, data networks, aerospace, transportation, and energy. All these large-scale systems require special approaches to modeling and control, and recent advances in soft computing provide new opportunities to use intelligent control to manage their complexity. Fuzzy logic, neural networks, and genetic (evolutionary) algorithms all offer new avenues for modeling, stabilization, control, and optimization of large-scale systems. This book presents past and present trends, and looks into the future potential with a special focus on computer-assisted problem-solving. Concepts are presented with their proofs, followed by an algorithm showing how to use the results. Problems are included at the end of every chapter. Major topics include: * Modeling and model reduction: aggregation, perturbation, balance aggregation, and system identification * Structural properties: stability, controllability, and observability * Control systems: hierarchical control, decentralized control, and optimum control theory * Fuzzy logic: fuzzy set theory, fuzzy mathematics, fuzzy operations research, and fuzzy control systems * This book offers an innovative yet practical approach to the challenges of large-scale systems. Software for solving the problems in the text can be ordered using the postcards included in this book.