Differential-Algebraic Equations and Beyond: From Smooth to Nonsmooth Constrained Dynamical Systems

The present article presents a summarizing view at differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) and analyzes how new application fields and corresponding mathematical models lead to innovations both in theory and in numerical analysis for this problem class. Recent numerical methods for nonsmooth dynamical systems subject to unilateral contact and friction illustrate the topicality of this development.Comment: Preprint of Book Chapte

Hybrid trajectory spaces

In this paper, we present a general framework for describing and studying hybrid systems. We represent the trajectories of the system as functions on a hybrid time domain, and the system itself by its trajectory space, which is the set of all possible trajectories. The trajectory space is given a natural topology, the compact-open hybrid Skorohod topology, and we prove the existence of limiting trajectories under uniform equicontinuity assumptions. We give a compactness result for the trajectory space of impulse differential inclusions, a class of nondeterministic hybrid system, and discuss how to describe hybrid automata, a widely-used class of hybrid system, as impulse differential inclusions. For systems with compact trajectory space, we obtain results on Zeno properties, symbolic dynamics and invariant measures. We give examples showing the application of the results obtained using the trajectory space approac

An impulsive framework for the control of hybrid systems

An impulsive control formulation suitable for analyzing hybrid systems is presented. Besides a continuous evolution, the trajectory of an impulsive control system may also exhibit jumps. The jump trajectory is well characterized in this impulsive framework. These jumps can be interpreted as the discrete evolution of an hybrid system. Several examples of hybrid systems modeled in the impulsive framework are given. An impulsive formulation of a formation control problem, regarded as an hybrid system is detailed. Finally, an overview of important classes of control results available for impulsive control systems, notably, stability and optimality, attest the importance of this paradigm for the control of hybrid systems. These results are essential to investigate the properties of model predictive control schemes for hybrid systems

L1\mathcal{L}^1 limit solutions for control systems

For a control Cauchy problem $$\dot x= {f}(t,x,u,v) +\sum_{\alpha=1}^m g_\alpha(x) \dot u_\alpha,\quad x(a)=\bar x,$$ on an interval $[a,b]$, we propose a notion of limit solution $x,$ verifying the following properties: i) $x$ is defined for $\mathcal{L}^1$ (impulsive) inputs $u$ and for standard, bounded measurable, controls $v$; ii) in the commutative case (i.e. when $[g_{\alpha},g_{\beta}]\equiv 0,$ for all $\alpha,\beta=1,...,m$), $x$ coincides with the solution one can obtain via the change of coordinates that makes the $g_\alpha$ simultaneously constant; iii) $x$ subsumes former concepts of solution valid for the generic, noncommutative case. In particular, when $u$ has bounded variation, we investigate the relation between limit solutions and (single-valued) graph completion solutions. Furthermore, we prove consistency with the classical Carath\'eodory solution when $u$ and $x$ are absolutely continuous. Even though some specific problems are better addressed by means of special representations of the solutions, we believe that various theoretical issues call for a unified notion of trajectory. For instance, this is the case of optimal control problems, possibly with state and endpoint constraints, for which no extra assumptions (like e.g. coercivity, bounded variation, commutativity) are made in advance

Some recent developments in necessary conditions of optimality for impulsive control problems

Necessary conditions of optimality for impulsive control systems whose dynamics are defined by differential inclusions and whose state trajectory is subject to state constraints endpoint constraints are discussed. After discussing the motivation of this general control paradigm in the context of space systems, a natural concept of robust solution is introduced and some of his properties presented. Besides an independent interest for the construction of schemes approximating impulsive con- trol processes by conventional ones, it is shown in a brief outline of the proof how these properties play an important role in the derivation of the considered optimal- ity conditions. Finally, the relation between these conditions and the ones recently developed in the context of the considered solution concept

A note on systems with ordinary and impulsive controls

We investigate an everywhere defined notion of solution for control systems whose dynamics depend nonlinearly on the control $u$ and state $x,$ and are affine in the time derivative $\dot u.$ For this reason, the input $u,$ which is allowed to be Lebesgue integrable, is called impulsive, while a second, bounded measurable control $v$ is denominated ordinary. The proposed notion of solution is derived from a topological (non-metric) characterization of a former concept of solution which was given in the case when the drift is $v$-independent. Existence, uniqueness and representation of the solution are studied, and a close analysis of effects of (possibly infinitely many) discontinuities on a null set is performed as well.Comment: Article published in IMA J. Math. Control Infor