Robust Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Hybrid Systems

We present a methodology for robust stability analysis of nonlinear hybrid systems, through the algorithmic construction of polynomial and piecewise polynomial Lyapunov-like functions using convex optimization and in particular the sum of squares decomposition of multivariate polynomials. Several improvements compared to previous approaches are discussed, such as treating in a unified way polynomial switching surfaces and robust stability analysis for nonlinear hybrid systems

Analysis of switched and hybrid systems - beyond piecewise quadratic methods

This paper presents a method for stability analysis of switched and hybrid systems using polynomial and piecewise polynomial Lyapunov functions. Computation of such functions can be performed using convex optimization, based on the sum of squares decomposition of multivariate polynomials. The analysis yields several improvements over previous methods and opens up new possibilities, including the possibility of treating nonlinear vector fields and/or switching surfaces and parametric robustness analysis in a unified way

Lower Bounds on Complexity of Lyapunov Functions for Switched Linear Systems

We show that for any positive integer $d$, there are families of switched linear systems---in fixed dimension and defined by two matrices only---that are stable under arbitrary switching but do not admit (i) a polynomial Lyapunov function of degree $\leq d$, or (ii) a polytopic Lyapunov function with $\leq d$ facets, or (iii) a piecewise quadratic Lyapunov function with $\leq d$ pieces. This implies that there cannot be an upper bound on the size of the linear and semidefinite programs that search for such stability certificates. Several constructive and non-constructive arguments are presented which connect our problem to known (and rather classical) results in the literature regarding the finiteness conjecture, undecidability, and non-algebraicity of the joint spectral radius. In particular, we show that existence of an extremal piecewise algebraic Lyapunov function implies the finiteness property of the optimal product, generalizing a result of Lagarias and Wang. As a corollary, we prove that the finiteness property holds for sets of matrices with an extremal Lyapunov function belonging to some of the most popular function classes in controls

Issues in the design of switched linear systems : a benchmark study

In this paper we present a tutorial overview of some of the issues that arise in the design of switched linear control systems. Particular emphasis is given to issues relating to stability and control system realisation. A benchmark regulation problem is then presented. This problem is most naturally solved by means of a switched control design. The challenge to the community is to design a control system that meets the required performance specifications and permits the application of rigorous analysis techniques. A simple design solution is presented and the limitations of currently available analysis techniques are illustrated with reference to this example

Tools for Stability of Switching Linear Systems: Gain Automata and Delay Compensation.

The topic of this paper is the analysis of stability for a class of switched linear systems, modeled by hybrid automata. In each location of the hybrid automaton the dynamics is assumed to be linear and asymptotically stable; the guards on the transitions are hyperplanes in the state space. For each location an estimate is made of the gain via a Lyapunov function for the dynamics in that location, given a pair of ingoing and outgoing transitions. It is shown how to obtain the best possible estimate by optimizing the Lyapunov function. The estimated gains are used in defining a so-called gain automaton that forms the basis of an algorithmic criterion for the stability of the hybrid automaton. The associated gain automaton provides a systematic tool to detect potential sources of instability as well as an indication on to how to stabilize the hybrid systems by requiring appropriate delays for specific transitions

A new solution approach to polynomial LPV system analysis and synthesis

Based on sum-of-squares (SOS) decomposition, we propose a new solution approach for polynomial LPV system analysis and control synthesis problems. Instead of solving matrix variables over a positive definite cone, the SOS approach tries to find a suitable decomposition to verify the positiveness of given polynomials. The complexity of the SOS-based numerical method is polynomial of the problem size. This approach also leads to more accurate solutions to LPV systems than most existing relaxation methods. Several examples have been used to demonstrate benefits of the SOS-based solution approach

Convergence Rate of Nonlinear Switched Systems

This paper is concerned with the convergence rate of the solutions of nonlinear switched systems. We first consider a switched system which is asymptotically stable for a class of inputs but not for all inputs. We show that solutions corresponding to that class of inputs converge arbitrarily slowly to the origin. Then we consider analytic switched systems for which a common weak quadratic Lyapunov function exists. Under two different sets of assumptions we provide explicit exponential convergence rates for inputs with a fixed dwell-time