Sliding Mode Control in Dynamic Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Due to its inherent robustness and finite time convergence, sliding mode control (SMC) is extensively used for the control of nonlinear uncertain systems. Apart from robustness against parametric variations and external disturbances, it also provides model order reduction. It has been employed in a large range of dynamic systems, including but not limited to electric drives, power converters, power systems, aircraft, autonomous vehicles, a wide range of mechanical systems, and industrial processes. The discontinuous control law in SMC is the reason for its robustness. However, it is also responsible for the so-called chattering problem. Most of the research in SMC is carried out to address the chattering phenomenon, which gives rise to higher-order SMC, adaptive SMC and chattering-free SMC. Another important research topic pertaining to SMC is the finite-time convergence of the error dynamics, which leads to the advent of finite-time convergent SMC (FTSMC). Contrary to conventional SMC, the sliding variable in FTSMC is nonlinear, which results in the finite-time convergence of the sliding mode.  

Currently, SMC is being extensively used in power converters, electric drives, the control of underactuated systems, the control of energy conversion systems, and fault-tolerant control. The integration of machine learning techniques with SMC has caught the attention of many control engineers.                    

The objective of this Special Issue is to bring together an articulate set of papers that advance our understanding of the theory and practice behind SMC and its variants. The Special Issue is timely since recent years have witnessed the notable experimental realization of SMC-based control laws in applications of immense importance.

Both theoretical and applied avenues fall within the scope of the Special Issue, thus making it equally interesting for mathematicians, engineers and scientists. Please note that modern control techniques other than SMC or its variants are not included in the scope of the Special Issue. In addition to original research papers, comprehensive and systematic reviews listing current challenges and suggesting possible future research directions on the subject topic are also welcomed. It is anticipated that the wider dissemination of recent research trends in SMC and its variants will stimulate more exchanges and collaborations among the control community and contribute to further advancements from an applied perspective.

Dr. Jamshed Iqbal
Dr. Ali Arshad Uppal
Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Azam
Guest Editors

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