Robust state-feedback stabilization of an underactuated network of interconnected n+m hyperbolic PDE systems

We detail in this article the development of a delay-robust stabilizing state feedback control law for an underactuated network of two subsystems of heterodirectional linear first-order hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations interconnected through their boundaries. Only one of the two subsystems is actuated. The proposed approach is based on the backstepping methodology. A backstepping transform allows us to construct a first feedback to tackle in-domain couplings present in the actuated PDE subsystem. Then, we introduce a predictive tracking controller to stabilize the second PDE subsystem. The stabilization of this subsystem implies the stabilization of the whole network. Finally, the proposed control law is combined with a low-pass filter to become robust with respect to small delays in the control signal and uncertainties on the system parameters.