Finite-time Consensus Protocol Research Articles

Finite-time consensus of second-order multi-agent connectivity preserving based on adaptive sliding mode control

This study addresses the problem of robust finite-time connectivity preserving consensus for second-order multi-agent systems (MASs) with a limited communication range. Considering that the communication ability of agents in practical applications is limited, this study introduces an innovative approach to the consensus protocol, which involves the incorporation of a potential function aimed at ensuring sustained communication connection within a MAS. In addition, a finite-time fault-tolerant consensus protocol for a second-order MAS with actuator additive faults and external disturbances is designed by combining sliding mode control (SMC) and adaptive control. Following the homogeneous theorem and the finite-time consensus theory, this study concludes that, under specific conditions, a MAS can achieve finite-time consensus. Moreover, an advanced control protocol named a super-twisting sliding mode control protocol is introduced to mitigate the undesirable chattering phenomenon in the SMC. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are verified by numerical examples.

Bipartite finite-time consensus of multi-agent systems with intermittent communication via event-triggered impulsive control

This paper concentrates on the bipartite finite-time consensus (BFTC) problem of nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) under intermittent communication via event-triggered impulsive control. First, a finite-time consensus (FTC) protocol with an event-triggered mechanism is developed for the MASs with nonlinear dynamics to save limited resources. Then, an impulsive control scheme is introduced to the designed algorithm to further improve the control performance. Based on the structurally balanced graph theory, both antagonistic and cooperative interactions are discussed in this article. Regarding whether the MASs have encountered intermittent communication, sufficient conditions are provided for achieving consensus of the MASs by using the Lyapunov theory and inductive methods. Moreover, the Zeno behavior is excluded. Finally, numerical simulations are given to validate the effectiveness of the algorithm. The result shows that the designed event-triggered BFTC control protocol with an impulsive strategy has a faster convergence rate than that without an impulsive strategy.

Finite-time consensus of heterogeneous unmanned aerial agents in network with fixed and switching topology

A finite-time consensus protocol is presented in this paper for a network of connected heterogeneous agents with fixed and switching topology. In this study, two cases directed networks with fixed topology and directed networks with switching topology are examined. Convergence analysis for both the cases are presented. An independent tracking controller, which assures that an agent follows an ideal trajectory designed by sliding mode based consensus control, is devised. Agents stability are independent of the distributed consensus algorithm. Under the proposed control methodology, the measurement vectors of heterogeneous agents converge to the agreement value in a finite amount of time. The comparison results with the existing works show the proposed algorithm’s improved performance in terms of convergence time in presence of disturbances.

Almost-Sure Finite-Time Stochastic Min-Max Consensus

In this brief, a novel stochastic minimum-maximum finite-time consensus protocol is proposed. The stochastic consensus protocol is then applied to a system of agents with continuous high-order dynamics. Based on this protocol, new continuous auxiliary variables are defined, which use only samples of the neighbors’ outputs. If those variables are regulated to zero in finite time, it is proven that finite-time output consensus is achieved. This regulation problem is then solved using a standard finite-time control law. Simulations are provided that illustrate the efficiency of this distributed finite-time control scheme.

Novel Reference Trajectory-Based Finite-Time Consensus Protocols for Multiagent Systems With Non-Identical Nonlinear Dynamics

This paper investigates the finite-time consensus for second-order multiagent systems under directed networks, where each agent is described by a non-identical nonlinear system. By using the reference trajectory-based method, two novel protocols are developed for the leader-follower and leaderless cases, respectively. It is noted that the dynamical evolutions of each agent's state and the reference trajectory are coupled, and the information of reference trajectories is not allowed to transmit in the communication channels. By the developed protocols, the relative state errors among agents can converge to the origin (instead of a neighborhood of the origin) within a finite time, though there are unknown parameters in agents' dynamics. The nonlinear terms in agents' dynamics are not required to be bounded by known constants or functions, which invalidates many consensus schemes based on the sliding mode control. Using the graph theory, Lyapunov functional method and finite-time stability theory, sufficient conditions are established for the finite-time consensus of considered multiagent systems. Finally, simulation examples are given to validate the effectivity of the proposed protocols.

Asymptotic and Finite-Time Semistability for Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems With Application to Network Consensus

This article focuses on semistability and finite-time semistability analysis and synthesis of discrete-time dynamical systems having a continuum of equilibria. Semistability is the property whereby the solutions of a dynamical system converge to Lyapunov stable equilibrium points determined by the system initial conditions. In this article, we build on the theories of semistability and finite-time semistability for continuous-time dynamical systems to develop a rigorous framework for discrete semistability and discrete finite-time semistability. Specifically, Lyapunov and converse Lyapunov theorems for semistability and finite-time semistability are developed, and the regularity properties of the Lyapunov function establishing finite-time semistability are shown to be related to the settling time function capturing the finite settling time behavior of the dynamical system. These results are then used to develop a general framework for designing semistable and finite-time semistable consensus protocols for discrete dynamical networks for achieving multiagent coordination tasks asymptotically and in finite time. The proposed controller architectures involve the exchange of generalized energy state information between agents guaranteeing that the closed-loop dynamical network is semistable to an equipartitioned equilibrium representing a state of consensus consistent with basic thermodynamic principles.

Design Finite-time Consensus Protocol for High-order Linear Multi-agent Systems: A Gain Scheduled Approach⋆

This paper revisits the finite-time consensus problem for high-order linear multi-agent networks by using smooth state-feedback. By following a gain scheduled approach, this paper first presents finite-time consensus protocol with a state-independent parameter, which takes the time-varying solution of parametric Lyapunov equation to design control gain. Note that the state-independent parameter is selected based on the connectivity of topology, which is a piece of global information. To get rid of this dependence, a node-based adaptive parameter is further proposed to achieve fully distributed consensus. Through finite-time stability theory, both the prepared parameters, including state-independent and adaptive parameters, for control protocol make the agents achieve finite-time consensus. Particularly, a specific convergence time is given by following the concept of finite-time escaping function. Finally, we provide a practical simulation on finite-time formation problem of six satellites, demonstrating the validity of theoretical results.

Fast finite-time consensus protocol of multi-agent systems with nonholonomic constraints

In this paper, a fast finite-time consensus protocol for multi-agent systems with nonholonomic constraints is studied. First, the chained form nonholonomic systems are transformed into two subsystems, which are the first-order subsystem and the reduced-order subsystem. Based on graph theory content and fast finite-time control theory, the fast finite-time consensus problems of the two subsystems are taken into consideration separately. Second, a switching control strategy is proposed to ensure that all states of multiple nonholonomic systems converge instantly to the same state in finite time. Finally, a numerical example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.

Finite-time group consensus via pinning control for heterogeneous multi-agent systems with disturbances by integral sliding mode

In this paper, the finite-time group consensus for a class of heterogeneous multi-agent systems (HMASs) with bounded disturbances is studied by designing a pinning control scheme with an integral sliding mode. For an HMAS without disturbance, a continuous finite-time consensus protocol with a pinning and grouping strategy is proposed. Under the designed control protocol, the HMAS achieves consensus according to the given grouping requirement in a finite time and the final states converge to the desired consistency values. The detailed theoretical proof is given on the strength of Lyapunov theory, LaSalle’s invariance principle and homogeneity with dilation principle. On this basis, this paper further introduces an integral sliding mode into finite-time group consensus protocol designed above such that the HMAS with one or more pinning agents can achieve accurate finite-time group consensus even if there exist uncertain bounded disturbances. It is noted that the control input is chattering-free. Two simulation examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes.

Adaptive Fault-Tolerant Fast Finite-Time Consensus Protocols for Multiple Mechanical Systems With Output Constraints

In this article, we discuss fast finite-time consensus (FFTC) problems for uncertain nonlinear multiple mechanical systems with actuator faults and time-varying asymmetric output constraints. In order to guarantee the constraints are satisfied, an appropriate nonlinear mapping (NM) is employed to transform the original system with output constrains into an corresponding unconstrained one. Combining neural networks technology, graph theory, fast finite-time control theory, and backstepping technology, the actuator faults are considered to propose a distributed adaptive finite-time consensus (FTC) protocol, which can guarantee the position errors as well as the velocity errors reaching a region in finite time. Finally, an illustrative example is presented to support the obtained theoretical results.

Fault-tolerant finite-time dynamical consensus of double-integrator multi-agent systems with partial agents subject to synchronous self-sensing function failure

This paper investigates fault-tolerant finite-time dynamical consensus problems of double-integrator multi-agent systems (MASs) with partial agents subject to synchronous self-sensing function failure (SSFF). A strategy of recovering the connectivity of network topology among normal agents based on multi-hop communication and a fault-tolerant finite-time dynamical consensus protocol with time-varying gains are proposed to resist synchronous SSFF. It is proved that double-integrator MASs with partial agents subject to synchronous SSFF using the proposed strategy of network topology connectivity recovery and fault-tolerant finite-time dynamical consensus protocol with the proper time-varying gains can achieve finite-time dynamical consensus. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.

Fully Distributed Adaptive Finite-Time Consensus for Uncertain Nonlinear Multiagent Systems.

In this article, the adaptive finite-time consensus problem is discussed for uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems. In contrast with the correlative literature, the systems permit multiple uncertainties (not only in control coefficients but also in inherent nonlinearities), and typically the consensus protocol is pursued in a fully distributed fashion (independent from any global information of network topology). This essentially challenges the realization of the finite-time consensus. To overcome the challenge, a new continuous fully distributed protocol is proposed by combining adaptive techniques such that the finite-time consensus of the systems under investigation is achieved. Remarkably, a dynamic high gain, rather than multiple ones in the related literature, is adequate to resist two kinds of uncertainties and to guarantee the fully distributed fashion of the consensus protocol. Moreover, the adaptive finite-time consensus protocol is specified on the scenario of leader-following multiagent systems. Simulation results of three interaction topologies are acquired to illustrate the validity and the wider applicability of the proposed protocol.

Distributed Finite-Time Consensus Control of Second-Order Multiagent Systems Subject to Communication Time Delay

This paper studies the consensus problem of a second-order multiagent system (MAS) with fixed communication delay under the structure of leaderless and leader-following systems. By using graph theory and finite-time control scheme, a distributed control protocol is proposed for each agent to reach consensus in a finite time. In practical application, the time delay of states is unavoidable, and for this, the consensus method is supposed to be extended to solve the time-delay problem. Thus, a finite-time consensus protocol with communication time delay is proposed in this paper. Compared with the general consensus method, the reliability and convergence speed of the system are increased by using the finite-time control. In addition, the protocol is distributed, and all agents have only local interactions. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed protocol is verified by two numerical simulations.

Three-dimensional cooperative interception guidance law with impact time constraint

This article proposes a new terminal cooperative guidance law with impact time constraint in three-dimensional (3D) engagement. Two parts are comprised by this guidance scheme to control the impact time and fulfill the interception. The guidance law along the line-of-sight (LOS) direction is first designed based on finite time consensus protocol to share time-to-go values among missiles and reach the consensus. Meanwhile, the guidance law on the LOS normal direction is developed based on the fast finite time control method to achieve the interception. The stability analysis of the proposed guidance law based on the Lyapunov theory is also demonstrated in detail. Moreover, the maneuvering target can be intercepted successfully under the presented control algorithm, and the guidance system can fulfill stability within finite time. Additionally, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed guidance scheme are explicitly verified through simulation tests.

Distributed Adaptive Finite-Time Consensus for Second-Order Multiagent Systems With Mismatched Disturbances Under Directed Networks.

In this paper, the finite-time output consensus problem is considered for a class of second-order multiagent systems (MASs), where the mismatched disturbance exists in the dynamics of each agent, and the communication topology is directed. First of all, a basic backstepping control protocol is proposed to solve the finite-time consensus problem without mismatched disturbance. Then, a finite-time disturbance observer is designed to estimate the mismatched disturbance, based on which, two adaptive finite-time consensus protocols are proposed to solve the finite-time output consensus and tracking consensus problems without using any global information with respect to the communication topology. Finally, two simulation examples are illustrated to verify the theoretical results.

Finite‐time consensus of leader‐following non‐linear multi‐agent systems via event‐triggered impulsive control

This work is concerned with the finite-time consensus of leader-following non-linear multi-agent systems by means of distributed event-triggered impulsive control. The finite-time consensus protocol is first put forward based on event-triggered impulsive strategies, where the impulsive instants are determined by the proposed event-triggered condition. For the event-triggered condition, it not only determines the impulsive instants but also effects the update time of the finite-time control. Moreover, compared with the existing finite-time controllers, the controller designed in this work does not contain any sign function, thereby overcoming the chattering phenomenon. In addition, without finding Zeno behaviour, the feasibility of the proposed control protocol is demonstrated. Lastly, simulations are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes.

Three-dimensional cooperative guidance law for multiple missiles with impact angle constraint

This paper proposes a cooperative guidance law for attacking a ground target with the impact angle constraint based on the motion camouflage strategy in the line-of-sight (LOS) frame. A dynamic model with the impact angle constraint is established according to the relative motion between multiple missiles and the target. The process of cooperative guidance law design is divided into two stages. Firstly, based on the undirected graph theory, a new finite-time consensus protocol on the LOS direction is derived to guarantee relative distances reach consensus. And the value of acceleration command is positive, which is beneficial for engineering realization. Secondly, the acceleration command on the normal direction of the LOS is designed based on motion camouflage and finite-time convergence, which can ensure the missiles reach the target with the desired angle and satisfy the motion camouflage state. The finite-time stability analysis is proved by the Lyapunov theory. Numerical simulations for stationary and maneuver targets have demonstrated the effectiveness of the cooperative guidance law proposed.

Finite-time consensus protocols for multi-dimensional multi-agent systems

A finite-time consensus protocol is proposed for multi-dimensional multi-agent systems, using direction-preserving signum controls. Filippov solutions and nonsmooth analysis techniques are adopted to handle discontinuities. Sufficient and necessary conditions are provided to guarantee infinite-time convergence and boundedness of the solutions. It turns out that the number of agents which have continuous control law plays an essential role in finite-time convergence. In addition, it is shown that the unit balls introduced by $$\ell _p$$ norms, where $$p\in [1,\infty ]$$ , are invariant for the closed loop.

Distributed consensus of multi-agent systems with increased convergence rate

Abstract Consensus problem with faster convergence rate of consensus problem has been considered in this paper. Adding more edges such as that connecting each agent and its second-nearest neighbor or changing the consensus protocol such as mixing asymptotic terms and terms of finite-time has been proved to be possible ways in increasing the convergence rate of multi-agent system in this paper. Based on analysis of Laplacian matrix, increasing of the convergence rate has been proved using the second-smallest eigenvalue for the first method. Concerning the second method, advantages of asymptotic consensus protocol and finite-time consensus protocol have been mixed together with the help of homogeneity function and theory of Lyapunov. Simulation results using matlab are also presented to illustrate the newly designed consensus protocols in increasing the convergence rate.

Adaptive finite-time consensus for multiple mechanical systems with unknown backlash nonlinearity and uncertain dynamics

This paper studies the problem of finite-time consensus (FTC) for uncertain multiple mechanical systems with unknown backlash nonlinearity and external disturbance. Combining finite-time control technique and graph theory, a distributed adaptive FTC protocol is proposed. Radial basis function neural networks are employed to approximate the unknown functions. If the designed parameters of control algorithms and adaptive laws are appropriately chosen, then it can be proved that the position errors between arbitrary two mechanical systems will converge to a small region of zero in finite time as well as the velocity errors. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by numerical simulation.