Stabilizability of linear systems with uncertain gains (Q1080404)

The problem of stabilizing a plant where the gain of every element in the transfer matrix is uncertain was treated by \textit{E. J. Davison} and \textit{B. R. Copeland} [see IEEE Trans. Autom. Control AC-30, 229-239 (1985; Zbl 0557.93051)] who proved that the class of stabilizable plants, when there are at least two inputs and two outputs, is non generic. Going further, the author of this study presents, in terms of transfer matrices which are the conditions for stabilization by a fixed linear time- invariant controller, a plant with some uncertain gains. Reaching an even stronger conclusion than Davison and Copeland, the author states that, when there are at least two inputs and two outputs, generic plants cannot tolerate any uncertainty in any gain. The explanation for this is that the notion of genericity and uncertainty model are incompatible with regard to stabilization.