Robust synchronization of a class of complex networks with nonlinear couplings via a sliding mode control method

This paper deals with the robust synchronization problem of a class of complex networks with nonlinearly coupled networks. A sliding mode control strategy is proposed to guarantee the compensation of the nonlinear couplings by means of adaptive adjustment of unknown controller parameters. It is shown that, through Lyapunov stability theory, the proposed sliding mode controllers are successful in ensuring the achievement of asymptotic synchronization of networks even in the case of nonlinear couplings. The proposed controller has been tested by simulation on a Chen network.