Null control of a 1− d model of mixed hyperbolic-parabolic type

Abstract In this paper we consider a simple 1− d model of mixed hyperbolic-parabolic type. The system consists of two intervals in which the wave and heat equations evolve respectively with transmission conditions at the interface (one single point). We analyze the problem of controllability when the control acts on the free end of the elastic component, i.e. of the interval where the wave equation holds. We prove that the system is null controllable in a time which is twice the length of the interval where the wave equation evolves. The proof combines sidewise energy estimates for the wave equation and Carleman inequalities for the heat equation.