Hierarchical nonlinear switching control design with applications to propulsion systems (Q1580584)

The monograph consisting of 7 chapters, bibliography and index presents a hierarchical nonlinear switching control (HNSC) design methodology that provides a rigorous alternative to gain scheduling control design for general nonlinear uncertain systems. The presentation is organized in two major parts. The basic HNSC framework is developed in chapters 2-4 while chapters 5-6 present its applications in propulsion control. In chapter 2 generalized Lyapunov and invariant set theorems for nonlinear dynamic systems are developed. Local and global stability theorems are presented by using generalized semicontinuous Lyapunov functions providing a transparent generalization of standard Lyapunov and invariant set theorems. In chapter 3 a nonlinear control design framework using a hierarchical switching controller architecture is developed. The architecture is designed based on a generalized lower semicontinuous Lyapunov function obtained by minimizing a potential function over a given switching set induced by the parameterized system equilibria. A hierarchical nonlinear control strategy is developed by using equilibria-dependent Lyapunov functions or instantaneous (with respect to a given parametrized equilibrium manifold) Lyapunov functions. It stabilizes a given nonlinear system by using a supervisory switching controller that coordinates lower-level stabilizing subcontrollers. An on-line procedure for computing the switching scheme is given. An inverse optimal control strategy is derived to coordinate the hierarchical switching. In chapter 4 the control framework proposed in the previous chapter is extended to account for system parametric uncertainty. The hierarchical robust switching architecture is parameterized over a set of moving nominal system equilibria. Chapters 5-6 present two specific applications of the HNSC framework to propulsion systems. This book essentially contributes to the synthesis of the HNSC framework for general nonlinear uncertain dynamic systems characterized by several operating points and input saturations. The prerequisite for reading the book is some basic knowledge of state space methods in nonlinear control. The monograph is intended to be a text for an advanced course in nonlinear switching feedback control (chapters 2-4) and in propulsion control (chapters 5-6). It is also intended to be an up-to-date reference for researchers.