Synchronous control of multiple electrohydraulic actuators under distributed switching topologies with lumped uncertainty

A leader-following synchronous control is proposed in multiple electrohydraulic actuators (MEHAs) under distributed switching topologies to guarantee the follower electrohydraulic actuators (EHAs) tracking the leader motion. Each EHA has a 3-orders nonlinear dynamics with lumped uncertainties involving uncertain hydraulic parameters and unknown external load. Then a quasi-synchronization controller together with a high-gain disturbance observer is designed by Lyapunov techniques to guarantee the synchronous errors asymptotically convergence to a zero neighborhood. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed quasi-synchronous controller is verified by both simulation and experimental bench such that the finite EHA nodes achieve leader-following synchronous motion under distributed switching topologies.     

Performance output tracking for coupled wave equations with unmatched boundary disturbance

In this paper, we consider performance output tracking for coupled wave equations with general external unmatched disturbance. An observer is designed first to estimate the state and disturbance simultaneously. Then we construct a servo system determined completely by the measured output and the reference signal which in turn gives dynamics of reference signal. In the following, an output feedback controller is designed based on this observer and servo system. It is shown that the closed-loop system is well-posed and the performance output is tracking the reference signal. Finally, we present some numerical results to illustrate the effectiveness of the controller.     

Design of observer-based feedback control for time-delay systems with application to automotive powertrain control

A new approach for observer-based feedback control of time-delay systems is developed. Time-delays in systems lead to characteristic equations of infinite dimension, making the systems difficult to control with classical control methods. In this paper, a recently developed approach, based on the Lambert W function, is used to address this difficulty by designing an observer-based state feedback controller via assignment of eigenvalues. The designed observer provides estimation of the state, which converges asymptotically to the actual state, and is then used for state feedback control. The feedback controller and the observer take simple linear forms and, thus, are easy to implement when compared to nonlinear methods. This new approach is applied, for illustration, to the control of a diesel engine to achieve improvement in fuel efficiency and reduction in emissions. The simulation results show excellent closed-loop performance.     

Distributed observer-based consensus tracking for nonlinear MASs with nonuniform input delays and disturbances

In this paper, we investigate the consensus tracking problem of nonlinear MASs with nonuniform time-varying input delays and external disturbances. For each follower, the composited disturbance observer and the state observer are employed to estimate bounded composited disturbances and unmeasured states, and a distributed observer based on output-feedback is proposed to approximate the leader’s states approachably. Sequentially, the consensus tracking control is converted into a stability control problem for the nonlinear MASs with nonuniform time-varying input delays. Subsequently, a distributed controller based on the truncated prediction approach is presented, which only depends on the boundary value of time-varying input delays. The distributed controller can render each follower synchronically stable via the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, a group of single-link manipulators is used as an example to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.     

Distributed fault-tolerant tracking control for heterogeneous nonlinear multi-agent systems under sampled intermittent communications

This paper studies the distributed fault-tolerant control (FTC) problem for heterogeneous nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) under sampled intermittent communications. First, in order to estimate the state of leader under sampled intermittent communications, the distributed intermittent observer for each follower is constructed. By using the tool from switching system theory, the estimation error converges to zero exponentially if the communication rate is larger than a threshold value even under the impact of sampled intermittent communications. Then, by applying model reference adaptive tracking technique, a robust FTC protocol is developed to track the distributed intermittent observer. Two algorithms are presented to choose the feedback gain of the distributed intermittent observer and the tracking feedback gain of the fault-tolerant tracking controller. It is proved that the global consensus tracking error is bounded under the developed distributed control protocol. Finally, an example with the coupled pendulums is provided to verify the efficiency of the designed method.     

Observer-based boundary control of semi-linear parabolic PDEs with non-collocated distributed event-triggered observation

This paper deals with the problem of boundary control for a class of semi-linear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) with non-collocated distributed event-triggered observation. A semi-linear Luenberger PDE observer with an output error based event-triggering condition is constructed by using the event-triggered observation to exponentially track the PDE state. By the estimated state, a feedback controller is proposed. It has been shown by the Lyapunov technique, and a variant of Poincaré–Wirtinger inequality that the resulting closed-loop coupled PDEs is exponentially stable if a sufficient condition presented in terms of standard linear matrix inequality (LMI) is satisfied. Moreover, a rigorous proof is provided for existence of a minimal dwell-time between two triggering times. Finally, numerical simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed design method.     

Multivariable uniform finite-time output feedback reentry attitude control for RLV with mismatched disturbance

A continuous multivariable uniform finite-time output feedback reentry attitude control scheme is developed for Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) with both matched and mismatched disturbances. A novel finite-time controller is derived using the bi-limit homogeneous technique, which ensures that the attitude tracking can be achieved in a uniformly bounded convergence time from any initial states. A multivariable uniform finite-time observer is designed based on an arbitrary order robust sliding mode differentiator to estimate the unknown states and the external disturbances, simultaneously. Then, an output feedback control scheme is established through the combination of the developed controller and the observer. A rigorous proof of the uniform finite-time stability of the closed-loop system is presented using Lyapunov and homogeneous techniques. Finally, numerical simulation is provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme.     

Boundary stabilization and state estimation of ODE-transport PDE with in-domain coupling

This paper deals with the exponential stabilization of first order ODE-transport PDE coupled at the boundary point. A state feedback boundary control law has been formulated with the help of the backstepping method. The main novelty of this paper is that the stabilization of the coupled system is discussed by Lyapunov theory and the appropriate observer gain is designed by using the linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). An anti-collocated observer design for the corresponding dual system is also presented. The state feedback boundary controller, observer design and the stabilization of the closed-loop system are discussed in detail with illustrative numerical examples.     

Safe and sub-optimal CAV platoon longitudinal control protocol accounting for state constraints and uncertain vehicle dynamics

State constraints and uncertain vehicle dynamics severely affect control stability and performance of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV). To this end, this study puts forward a safe and sub-optimal longitudinal control protocol for CAV platoon with uncertain vehicle dynamics and state constraints. For platoon leader, a second order disturbance observer with L₂ stability is presented to estimate lumped uncertainty coupled in vehicle dynamics. By iteratively utilizing control barrier functions and control Lyapunov function, state constraints and speed trajectory tracking stability condition are encoded into control constraints. Based on disturbance observer and encoded constraints, an extended quadratic programming is established as trajectory control law for platoon leader. For platoon followers, backstepping method and disturbance observer accounting for forward communication network are synthesized as formation control law. Besides, conditions of individual vehicle stability and string stability for formation control law are analyzed. Simulation results show that the leader of platoon can automatically switch its drive mode between speed cruising and safe headway keeping, respectively. Furthermore, each follower in platoon can follow its predecessors coordinatively and precisely.     

A new on-line observer-based controller for leader-follower formation of multiple nonholonomic mobile robots

In this paper, a novel on-line observer-based trajectory tracking strategy for leader-follower formation of multiple nonholonomic mobile robots is developed. In the proposed strategy, a leader robot follows a certain trajectory whereas a number of followers track the leader as specified by a formation protocol. Unlike other techniques in the literature, a predefined trajectory is not required, and it can be changed on-line. Moreover, this strategy aims to have a fast transient response without showing undesired overshoots. To achieve this feature, a new observer is introduced. Based on the output of that observer, a control strategy with two components is derived. The first control component is responsible for tracking the desired trajectory, whereas the second control component is used to regulate the robot to its desired steady state position. The stability of the closed loop control system is investigated. Applications of the proposed observer-based controller to different case studies are presented to illustrate the effectiveness, robustness and applicability of the developed technique. To show the superiority of proposed controller, its performance in a trajectory tracking application is compared to that of a Lyapunov-based controller.     

Disturbance observer-based robust missile autopilot design with full-state constraints via adaptive dynamic programming

This paper aims to develop a robust optimal control method for longitudinal dynamics of missile systems with full-state constraints suffering from mismatched disturbances by using adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) technique. First, the constrained states are mapped by smooth functions, thus, the considered systems become nonlinear systems without state constraints subject to unknown approximation error. In order to estimate the unknown disturbances, a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is designed. Based on the output of disturbance observer, an integral sliding mode controller (ISMC) is derived to counteract the effects of disturbances and unknown approximation error, thus ensuring the stability of nonlinear systems. Subsequently, the ADP technique is utilized to learn an adaptive optimal controller for the nominal systems, in which a critic network is constructed with a novel weight update law. By utilizing the Lyapunov's method, the stability of the closed-loop system and the convergence of the estimation weight for critic network are guaranteed. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed controller are demonstrated by using longitudinal dynamics of a missile.     

Fractional-order control with second-order sliding mode algorithm and disturbance estimation for vibration suppression of marine riser

Suppression of the vibration caused by environmental loads in marine risers is critical to prevent irreparable damages. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a novel boundary control for a flexible riser connected to a vessel at its top. In this regard, initially, a sliding mode observer (SMO)-based disturbance estimator is constructed to estimate the uncertainty of the vessel's dynamics. Next, using backstepping, a suitable virtual control along with the respective error dynamics are derived. A fractional-order error surface is defined to achieve Mittag-Leffler convergence for the control error variable. A second-order sliding mode (SOSM) control law is used to stabilize this error surface. The boundedness and ultimate boundedness of the riser's deflection under the proposed boundary control is shown by Lyapunov analysis. Comparative simulations demonstrate the robust vibration suppression performance of the proposed controller.     

Disturbance and state observer-based adaptive finite-time control for quantized nonlinear systems with unknown control directions

This paper concentrates on proposing a novel finite-time tracking control algorithm for a kind of nonlinear systems with input quantization and unknown control directions. The nonlinear functions in the system are approximated by the means of strong approximation capability of the fuzzy logic systems. Firstly, the nonlinear system with unknown control directions is transformed into an equivalent system with known control gains by coordinate transformation. Secondly, the unknown system states are estimated by a designed fuzzy state observer, and the disturbance observer is constructed to track the external disturbances. The command filtering method is proposed to approach the problem of “explosion of complexity” existed in the conventional backstepping design process. In this system, the difficulties caused by unknown control directions are solved via the Nussbaum gain approach. Finally, based on the fuzzy state observer, the controller of the original system is obtained via using the transformed system by the backstepping method. The boundedness of all signals and the convergence of tracking and observer errors at the origin are ensured for the closed-loop system, and demonstrated by the simulation result in this paper.     

Disturbance-observer-based control design for a class of uncertain systems with intermittent measurement

The robust control problem of a class of uncertain systems subject to intermittent measurement as well as external disturbances is considered. The disturbances are supposed to be generated by an exogenous system, while the state information is assumed to be available only on some nonoverlapping time intervals. A composite design consisting of an intermittent state feedback controller augmented by a disturbance compensation term derived from a disturbance observer is formulated. Unlike the conventional disturbance observers, the proposed disturbance observer is modelled by a switched impulsive system, which makes use of the intermittent state data to estimate the disturbances. Stability analysis of the resulting closed-loop system is performed by applying a piecewise time-dependent Lyapunov function. Then a sufficient condition for the existence of the proposed composite controllers is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The controller and observer gains can be achieved by solving a set of LMIs. Further, a procedure to limit the norms of the controller and observer gains is given. Finally, an illustrative example is presented to demonstrate the validity of the results.     

Anti-disturbance stabilization for a hybrid system of non-uniform elastic string

This paper is concerned with the anti-disturbance boundary feedback stabilization for a hybrid system coupling a non-uniform elastic string with a rigid body at one end by the active disturbance rejection control technology. An infinite-dimensional disturbance estimator and a Luenberger state observer are designed to estimate the disturbance and state of the system, respectively, based on which, a boundary output feedback control is further proposed to stabilize the system. The control consists of two parts: one part is for the stabilization of system without external disturbance, and the other part is for the rejection of the disturbance by virtue of the disturbance estimator. The well-posedness and exponential stability of the closed-loop system are proved by employing the semigroup theories and frequency domain method. Besides, all the signals of the closed-loop system are shown to be uniformly bounded. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.     

Robust finite-time cooperative formation control of UGV-UAV with model uncertainties and actuator faults

This paper investigates the finite-time cooperative formation control problem for a heterogeneous system consisting of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) - the leader and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - the follower. The UAV system under consideration is subject to modeling uncertainties, external disturbance as well as actuator faults simultaneously, which is associated with aerodynamic and gyroscopic effects, payload mass, and other external forces. First, a backstepping controller is developed to stabilize the leader system to track the desired trajectory. Second, a robust nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode surface is designed for UAV and finite-time position control is achieved using terminal sliding mode technique, which ensures the formation error converges to zero in finite time in the presence of actuator faults and other uncertainties. Furthermore, by combining the radial basis function neural networks (NNs) with adaptive virtual parameter technology, a novel NN-based adaptive nonsingular fast terminal sliding formation controller (NN-ANFTSMFC) is developed. By means of the proposed adaptive control strategy, both uncertainties and actuator faults can be compensated without the prior knowledges of the uncertainty bounds and fault information. By using the proposed control schemes, larger actuator faults can be tolerated while eliminating control chattering. In order to realize fast coordinated formation, the expected position trajectory of UAV is composed of the leader position information and the desired relative distance with UGV, based on local distributed theory, in the three-dimensional space. The tracking and formation controllers are proved to be stable by the Lyapunov theory and the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed algorithms.     

Fractional-order sliding mode control for a bearingless induction motor based on improved load torque observer

In order to improve the anti-disturbance performance of a bearingless induction motor (BIM) control system, a fractional-order sliding mode control (FOSMC) strategy based on improved load torque observer is proposed on the basis of the sliding mode speed regulation system. Using the information memory and genetic characteristics of the fractional calculus operator, the fractional integral term of the speed error is introduced in the design of the traditional sliding surface, which reduces the influence of disturbance on the speed regulation system. The fractional-order sliding mode control law is derived based on the BIM mathematical model, and the stability of the control law is proved by Lyapunov theorem. An improved observer is constructed based on the BIM state equations, and the real-time observed load torque is introduced into the fractional-order sliding mode controller. To improve the observer's convergence speed, the proportional integral form is used to replace the integral form in the traditional reduced order load observer. And the state error feedback coefficients of the improved load observer are calculated. Both simulation and experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.     

Asynchronous event-triggered observation and control of linear systems via impulsive observers

In this paper we investigate the observation and stabilization problems of a linear plant subject to network constraints and partial state knowledge, making use of the event-triggered technique. In order to address these problems, an impulsive observer is designed. Sufficient conditions are given to ensure a milder version of separation principle for linear systems controlled via an event-triggered controller. The proposed observer ensures practical state estimation, while the corresponding dynamic controller ensures practical stabilization. The sampling and the transmission of the output and the input are done asynchronously. The dynamic controller is tested in simulation on the linearized inverted pendulum.     

Sampled-data control of a class of switched nonlinear systems under asynchronous switching

This paper focuses on an output feedback stabilization problem for a class of switched nonlinear systems in non-strict feedback form under asynchronous switching via sampled-data control. Since the output of the considered systems is measurable only at the sampling instants, an observer is designed with a tunable scaling gain to estimate the state, and then a sampled-data controller is constructed with the sampled estimated state. As a distinctive feature, a merging virtual switching signal is introduced to describe the asynchronous switching generated by detecting the activation of the subsystem. By choosing an appropriate Lyapunov function, it is proved that the constructed controller with dwell time constraint can globally stabilize the considered systems under asynchronous switching. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by two examples.