Passivity-based hierarchical sliding mode control/observer of underactuated mechanical systems

This paper investigates a passivity-based hierarchical SM control (PBHSMC) approach to solve the trajectory tracking issue of a special class of UMSs using unmeasured states and in presence of both unmatched and matched perturbations. First, a passivity-based SM observer (PBSMO) is designed for quick estimation of states in the UMS. Then, we develop a nonlinear two-layer switching surface using feedback passivation. The passivation-based approach ensures global asymptotical convergence of tracking error on the switching surface with the discontinuous term. Moreover, we develop an SMC law that can satisfy reaching mode and sliding mode conditions. Finally, to illustrate the performance of theoretical results, the developed control scheme is assessed by numerical simulation of two case studies including flexible-joint manipulator (FJM) and underactuated surface vessel (USV) systems. The simulation results indicate the superiority of the PBSMO-based PBHSMC scheme over the conventional SMO-based HSMC in suppressing unwanted oscillations of link, low tracking error and overshoot, short settling time, smooth and small control efforts, and also more accurate estimation of state variables with less chattering.