This monograph provides readers with tools for the analysis, and control of systems with fewer control inputs than degrees of freedom to be controlled, i.e., underactuated systems. The text deals with the consequences of a lack of a general theory that would allow methodical treatment of such systems and the ad hoc approach to control design that often results, imposing a level of organization whenever the latter is lacking.

The authors take as their starting point the construction of a graphical characterization or control flow diagram reflecting the transmission of generalized forces through the degrees of freedom. Underactuated systems are classified according to the three main structures by which this is found to happen chain, tree, and isolated vertex and control design procedures proposed. The procedure is applied to several well-known examples of underactuated systems: acrobot; pendubot; Tora system; ball and beam; inertia wheel; and robotic arm with elastic joint.

The text is illustrated with MATLAB(r)/Simulink(r) simulations that demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods detailed.

Readers interested in aircraft, vehicle control or various forms of walking robot will be able to learn from "Underactuated Mechanical Systems" how to estimate the degree of complexity required in the control design of several classes of underactuated systems and proceed on to further generate more systematic control laws according to its methods of analysis."

This monograph provides readers with tools for the analysis, and control of systems with fewer control inputs than degrees of freedom to be controlled, i.e., underactuated systems. The text deals with the consequences of a lack of a general theory that would allow methodical treatment of such systems and the ad hoc approach to control design that often results, imposing a level of organization whenever the latter is lacking. The authors take as their starting point the construction of a graphical characterization or control flow diagram reflecting the transmission of generalized forces through the degrees of freedom. Underactuated systems are classified according to the three main structures by which this is found to happen-chain, tree, and isolated vertex-and control design procedures proposed. The procedure is applied to several well-known examples of underactuated systems: acrobot; pendubot; Tora system; ball and beam; inertia wheel; and robotic arm with elastic joint. (R)/Simulink (R) simulations that demonstrate the effectiveness of the methods detailed.Readers interested in aircraft, vehicle control or various forms of walking robot will be able to learn from Underactuated Mechanical Systems how to estimate the degree of complexity required in the control design of several classes of underactuated systems and proceed on to further generate more systematic control laws according to its methods of analysis.

This book is a collection of contributions defining the state of current knowledge and new trends in hybrid systems - systems involving both continuous dynamics and discrete events - as described by the work of several well-known groups of researchers. Hybrid Dynamical Systems presents theoretical advances in such areas as diagnosability, observability and stabilization for various classes of system. Continuous and discrete state estimation and self-triggering control of nonlinear systems are advanced. The text employs various methods, among them, high-order sliding modes, Takagi-Sugeno representation and sampled-data switching to achieve its ends. The many applications of hybrid systems from power converters to computer science are not forgotten; studies of flexible-joint robotic arms and - as representative biological systems - the behaviour of the human heart and vasculature, demonstrate the wide-ranging practical significance of control in hybrid systems. The cross-disciplinary origins of study in hybrid systems are evident. Academic researchers and graduate students interested in hybrid and switched systems need look no further than Hybrid Dynamical Systems for a single source which will bring them up to date with work in this area from around the world.

Vehicles are complex mechanical systems with strong nonlinear characteristics and which can present some uncertainties due to their dynamic parameters such as masses, inertias, suspension springs, tires side slip coefficients, etc.

A vehicle is composed of many parts, namely the unsprung mass, the sprung mass, the suspension which makes the link between these two masses and therefore ensures passenger comfort, and also the pneumatic which absorbs the energy coming from the road and ensures contact between the vehicle and the road. In addition to its complexity and the presence of many nonlinearities and uncertainties, the presence of some external perturbations, such as the wind and the road inputs with its own characteristics (radius of curvature, longitudinal and lateral slop, road profile and skid resistance) can cause risks not only to the vehicle but also to passengers and other road users.

Many methods have been developed in order to understand the behavior of a vehicle ( light and heavy vehicle), control it and assist the driver in order to avoid possible lane departures, rollover or jackknifing risks, to ensure a better passenger comfort by means of a suspension control and/or to estimate a safety speed and trajectory.