Robust sliding mode tracking control for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear cascade systems

This paper considers the tracking control problem for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear cascade systems via the multiple Lyapunov functions (MLFs) method. Each subsystem under consideration is composed of two cascade-connected parts: the null space dynamics part and the range space dynamics part. The two main robust control strategies, nonlinear H_∞ control (NHC) and the sliding mode control (SMC), are integrated to function in a complementary manner for tracking control tasks. Furthermore, sufficient conditions for the solvability of the tracking control problem of the switched system and design of both switching laws and controllers are presented. Finally, a simulation example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the developed method.