Finite-time stability for uncertain differential equations: a first investigation on a new class of multi-agent systems

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss a new kind of stability, that is, finite-time stability, for uncertain differential equations, by formalizing some properties. As a possible application, we define a new class of uncertain multi-agent systems, according to the Liu’s uncertainty theory, as a counterpart of stochastic multi-agent systems. We formalize the governing equations, driven by canonical process, which is a type of uncertain process with stationary and independent increments. The concept of finite-time consensus in the context of uncertainty theory is consequently derived. A numerical procedure to estimate the settling time is proposed. The case with proportional delay was also considered.