Global finite-time stabilisation of a class of feedforward non-linear systems

In this study, the problem of global finite-time stabilisation for a class of feedforward non-linear systems is considered. Based on state transformation and Lyapunov method, a state feedback controller with a dynamic gain is derived. The finite-time stability of the closed-loop system and the boundedness of the control signal are proved by the finite-time Lyapunov stability theory. Different from many other existing control designs for feedforward non-linear systems, neither saturation nor recursive computation is applied in our approach, and thus the designed controllers have a very simple structure which can be easily implemented. A simulation example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedure. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.