Robust Adaptive Self-Structuring Neural Network Bounded Target Tracking Control of Underactuated Surface Vessels

This paper studies the target-tracking problem of underactuated surface vessels with model uncertainties and external unknown disturbances. A composite robust adaptive self-structuring neural-network-bounded controller is proposed to improve system performance and avoid input saturation. An extended state observer is proposed to estimate the uncertain nonlinear term, including the unknown velocity of the tracking target, when only the measurement values of the line-of-sight range and angle can be obtained. An adaptive self-structuring neural network is developed to approximate model uncertainties and external unknown disturbances, which can effectively optimize the structure of the neural network to reduce the computational burden by adjusting the number of neurons online. The input-to-state stability of the total closed-loop system is analyzed by the cascade stability theorem. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Asymptotic stabilization of underactuated surface vehicles with actuator saturation

This paper investigates the problem of global asymptotic stabilization of underactuated surface vessels (USVs) with input saturation. A novel input transformation is presented, so that the USV system can be transformed to a cascade structure. For the obtained system, the improved fractional power control laws are proposed to ensure input signals do not exceed actuator constraints and enhance convergence rates. Finally, stabilization and parameter optimization algorithm of USVs are proposed. Simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method.

Integral Sliding Mode Based Finite-Time Tracking Control for Underactuated Surface Vessels with External Disturbances

This study focuses on the problem of finite-time tracking control for underactuated surface vessels (USVs) through sliding-mode control algorithms with external disturbances. Considering the nonexistence of relative degree caused by the underactuated property, the initial tracking error system is firstly transformed to a high order system for the possibility of applying a sliding-mode control algorithm. Subsequently, a finite-time controller based on an integral sliding surface (ISMS) is designed to achieve trajectory tracking. With the aid of this controller, the tracking errors converge to a steady state in a finite time. In contrast to the backstepping-based approach, the proposed method makes it possible to integrate controller design of position tracking and attitude tracking in one step, thus ensuring simplicity for implementation. Finally, theoretical analysis and numerical simulations are conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.