A note on the controllability of higher-order linear systems. (Q1767236)

Linear, finite-dimensional, continuous-time control systems with constant coefficients, described by ordinary higher-order differential state equations are considered. Using algebraic methods and the theory of ordinary differential equations, necessary and sufficient conditions for controllability are formulated and proved. These conditions extend for higher-order differential state equations the standard controllability conditions given in the reviewer's monograph [\textit{J. Klamka}, Controllability of dynamical systems (Mathematics and its Applications: East European Series 48, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht) (1991; Zbl 0732.93008)] for first-order differential state equations. Moreover, the paper contains many remarks and comments concerning controllability problems for linear continuous-time control systems. Finally, simple illustrative examples are given to explain the theoretical considerations.