Hysteresis operators: history, applications and an open inverse problem

The Preisach model of hysteresis has a long history, a convenient algorithmic form and "nice" mathematical properties (for a given value of nice) that make it suitable for use in differential equations and other dynamical systems. The difficulty lies in the fact that the "parameter" for the Preisach model is infinite dimensional—in full generality it is a measure on the half-plane. Applications of the Preisach model (two interesting examples are magnetostrictive materials and vadose zone hydrology) require methods to specify a measure based on experimental or observed data. Current approaches largely rely on direct measurements of experimental samples, however in some cases these might not be sufficient or direct measurements may not be practical. I will present the Preisach model in all its glory, along with some history and applications, and introduce an open inverse problem of fiendish difficulty.