In recent years, numerous variable-structure approaches have been developed for control of nonlinear dynamic systems and for model-based estimation of non-measurable states and parameters. These approaches typically make use of first-order as well as higher-order sliding mode techniques and related procedures that are characterized by a variable-structure nature. One of their main advantages is the inherent proof of asymptotic stability. This stability proof is either performed offline during the corresponding controller as well as estimator design or online by the real-time evaluation of a suitable candidate for a Lyapunov function.

This book aims at presenting current research activities in the field of robust variable-structure systems. The scope equally consists in highlighting novel methodological aspects as well as in presenting the use of variable-structure techniques in industrial applications including their implementation on hardware for real-time control. Besides the suitable treatment of uncertainty in control and estimation tasks, also related aspects such as predictive control, fault tolerant system design, as well as robustness and stability analysis are in the focus of the presented application scenarios.

Springer International Publishing, 2016
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31539-3