Strategy for experimental design and the estimation of parameters

The accurate determination of thermophysical properties is more than ever necessary because of the many numerical simulations that are being used in the industry either to develop or improve a process. When direct methods are used, the experiment is designed so as to obtain the desired properties in a rather straightforward manner. The paradigm of 'Inverse Methods' as introduced by Beck and Arnold is presented and illustrated. One of the objectives of inverse methods is to estimate simultaneously as many properties as possible. The advantages, difficulties, and the methodology that must be followed to obtain reliable results are described.