Variational Lyapunov method for discrete hybrid systems (Q597460)

This paper deals with the initial value problem \(\Delta y(n)=f(n,y(n))\), \(y(n_0)=y_0\). In their paper [Appl. Anal. 83, 363--376 (2004; Zbl 1055.39006)], the authors present the nonlinear variation of parameter (NVP) formula. Here they offer its improved version where the smoothness condition on \(f\) with respect to \(y\) is relaxed. In addition, a different approach is used and the resulting NVP formula is simpler than that obtained in the cited paper, and, consequently, more suitable for qualitative analyses. Further, the variational approach taken to develop the NVP formula is generalized via Lyapunov-like function to obtain a variational comparison theorem. This result is then extended to hybrid systems that incorporate two distinct discrete-time dynamics. The usefulness of this result is that it enables to deal with hybrid systems as if they were simple discrete systems, when one investigates their qualitative properties.