Fixed-time leader-following consensus of multi-agent systems with intermittent control

Abstract

In this article, the intermittent-based fixed-time (IBFT) consensus matter is researched for nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs). By designing a novel IBFT control protocol, the follower can achieve consensus with the leader’s state within a settling time. To deal with the fixed-time (FT) consensus matter, a new differential inequality is proposed, which provides a way to analyze the IBFT stability. Some properties are given to ensure the FT consensus of the nonlinear MASs. Furthermore, we extend our results to the directed communication situation of agents. The FT leader-following consensus problem with directed topology via intermittent control is solved as well. The settling time achieved is relative to the protocol parameters and independent of the initial states. Three examples demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the suggested control protocols, including two application examples, the Chua’s circuit system, a spring-mass-damper (SMD) system, and one numerical example.