Adaptive robust output tracking of uncertain strict-feedback nonlinear systems with full state constraints via control schemes with simple structure

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of output tracking control is considered for a class of uncertain strict-feedback nonlinear systems with virtual control coefficients and full state constraints. It is assumed only that the nonlinear uncertainties of the systems are some smooth functions enough to guarantee the existence of solutions to the differential equations which describe uncertain systems, and that the virtual control coefficients are unknown. Based on backstepping algorithm, by combining the barrier Lyapunov function with an integral inequality reported in the current control literature, a design method is presented whereby a simple adaptive robust output tracking control scheme can be synthesised. The presented design method can evade the repeated differentiation problem appearing in using backstepping algorithm, and need not know all the nonlinear upper bounds of uncertainties, which are repeatedly employed at each step of backstepping procedure. It is also shown that the output tracking error of the uncertain nonlinear systems with both unknown virtual control coefficients and full state constraints can converge uniformly exponentially towards a ball which can be as small as desired. Finally, a numerical example is given, and the corresponding simulations are also implemented to demonstrate the simplicity of the proposed method and the validity of the theoretical results.