Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Mathematics (ISSN 2227-7390). This special issue belongs to the section "C2: Dynamical Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 10115

Special Issue Editors


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Automation Department, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: control theory; industrial processes and applications; control applications; unconventional processes modelling and control; distributed parameter systems; systems theory; numerical simulation; biomedical systems; isotopic separation processes; energy systems; chemical processes; lasers
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Department of Automation, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Memorandumului 28, 400014 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: cyber-physical systems; intelligent control; industrial robot plant control; distributed parameter systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to present the second edition of our Special Issue, "Control Theory and Applications". Building upon the success of the first volume, this edition continues to explore the diverse landscape of mathematical methods applied in the realm of control theory. Our goal remains clear: to gather research articles that showcase the latest advancements in mathematical approaches and their practical applications in the domain of control.

In this Special Issue, we delve into a wide spectrum of scientific subjects, embracing mathematical modeling, the design of controllers using cutting-edge mathematical methodologies, numerical simulation, artificial intelligence, and the application of control strategies. Mathematical methods and procedures are pivotal tools that drive enhancements in current controllers and control strategies, ultimately leading to superior control performances.

Our scope covers a broad array of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Control methods and strategies tailored for practical applications;
  • Mathematical modeling of dynamic processes, laying the foundation for precision control;
  • Identification methods that unlock the secrets of complex systems;
  • Innovative mathematical techniques in the design of controllers;
  • Advanced control methodologies that challenge the boundaries of what is possible;
  • The integration of artificial intelligence in modeling and controlling dynamic processes;
  • Numerical simulation methods that bridge the gap between theory and practical application;
  • The study of fractional-order system modeling and control;
  • The fascinating realm of modeling, simulating, and controlling distributed parameter processes;
  • Mathematical modeling and control strategies for unconventional processes;
  • The application of mathematical prowess to the control of industrial and energy systems;
  • The intricate world of robotic system control;
  • Biomedical system modeling and control, where precision is paramount.

As we embark on this second edition, we anticipate even more groundbreaking research and innovative solutions to emerge. The collaboration of researchers in this dynamic field is what fuels progress and drives us closer to achieving more efficient, effective, and reliable control systems.

We look forward to your contributions and the wealth of knowledge you will bring to this Special Issue. Let us continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable in control theory and its practical applications.

Prof. Dr. Mihail Ioan Abrudean
Dr. Vlad Muresan
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • mathematical modelling
  • mathematical methods
  • control theory
  • numerical simulation
  • artificial intelligence
  • neural networks
  • industrial applications
  • identification
  • advanced control
  • controller design
  • distributed parameter processes
  • unconventional processes
  • energy systems
  • fractional-order systems
  • robotic systems
  • biomedical systems

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 993 KiB  
Article
Calculus of Long Rectangular Plates Embedded in Long Borders with Uniform Vertical Load on a Line Parallel to the Long Borders
by Daniel Opruţa, Mihai-Sorin Tripa, Luminiţa Codrea, Cristian Boldor, Dan Dumea, Robert Gyorbiro, Cosmin Brisc, Iulia Bărăian, Petre Opriţoiu, Aurel Chereches and Mihaela Suciu
Mathematics 2025, 13(6), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060993 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
This article presents the Transfer Matrix Method as a mathematical approach for the calculus of different structures that can be discretized into elements using an iterative calculus for future applications in the vehicle industry. Plate calculus is important in construction, medicine, orthodontics, and [...] Read more.
This article presents the Transfer Matrix Method as a mathematical approach for the calculus of different structures that can be discretized into elements using an iterative calculus for future applications in the vehicle industry. Plate calculus is important in construction, medicine, orthodontics, and many other fields. This work is original due to the mathematical apparatus used in the calculus of long rectangular plates embedded in both long borders and required by a uniformly distributed force on a line parallel to the long borders. The plate is discretized along its length in unitary beams, which have the width of the rectangular plate. The unitary beam can also be discretized into parts. As applications, the long rectangular plates embedded on the two long borders and charged with a vertical uniform load that acts on a line parallel to the long borders are studied. A state vector is associated with each side. For each of the four cases studied, a matrix relationship was written for each side, based on a transfer matrix, the state vector corresponding to the origin side, and the vector due to the action of external forces acting on the considered side. After, it is possible to calculate all the state vectors for all sides of the unity beam. Now, the efforts, deformations, and stress can be calculated in any section of the beam, respectively, for the long rectangular plate. This calculus will serve as a calculus of resistance for different pieces of the components of vehicles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 898 KiB  
Article
About Calculus Through the Transfer Matrix Method of a Beam with Intermediate Support with Applications in Dental Restorations
by Otilia Cojocariu-Oltean, Mihai-Sorin Tripa, Iulia Bărăian, Doina-Iulia Rotaru and Mihaela Suciu
Mathematics 2024, 12(23), 3861; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12233861 - 8 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 803
Abstract
This work presents an original and very interesting approach to a calculus problem involving beams with intermediate supports through the transfer-matrix method, a very easy method to program to quickly obtain good results. To exemplify the applicability of this approach in dentistry, the [...] Read more.
This work presents an original and very interesting approach to a calculus problem involving beams with intermediate supports through the transfer-matrix method, a very easy method to program to quickly obtain good results. To exemplify the applicability of this approach in dentistry, the calculus of a dental bridge on three poles is explored. Dental restorations are very important for improving a person’s general state of health as a result of improving mastication and esthetic appearance. The approach used in this study consists of presenting a theoretical study about an indeterminate beam with an intermediate support and then particularizing it for application in a dental restoration case, with a dental bridge on three poles and two missing teeth between the three poles. The bridge is assimilated to a simple static indeterminate beam. This paper is unique in that it involves the application of the transfer-matrix method for a case study in dental restoration. The assimilation of a dental bridge with a statically undetermined beam, resting on the extremities and on an intermediate support, is an original approach. The results obtained in the presented case study were validated by comparison with those obtained through the classical calculation of the Resistance of Materials, with Clapeyron’s equation of three moments. Due to the ease and elegance of solving various problems with the TMM, this approach will continue to be relevant to other original case studies with different modeling requirements, and these applications will be presented in future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 6661 KiB  
Article
On Neural Observer in Dynamic Sliding Mode Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Wind Generator
by Ali Karami-Mollaee and Oscar Barambones
Mathematics 2024, 12(14), 2246; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12142246 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 809
Abstract
The captured energy of a wind turbine (WT) can be converted into electricity by a generator. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of this system, both the structures of WTs and generators should be considered for control. But the present challenge is WT uncertainty, [...] Read more.
The captured energy of a wind turbine (WT) can be converted into electricity by a generator. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of this system, both the structures of WTs and generators should be considered for control. But the present challenge is WT uncertainty, while the input signals to the generator should be smooth. In this paper, a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is considered. The dynamics of the PMSG can be described using two axes, named d-q reference frameworks, with an input in each framework direction. To obtain the maximum power and to overcome the uncertainty by means of a smooth signal, the dynamic sliding mode controller (D-SMC) is implemented. In the D-SMC, an integrator is placed in the control scheme in order to suppress the chattering, because it acts like a low-pass filter. To estimate the state added by the integrator, a new observer-based neural network (ONN) is proposed. The proof of the stability of the D-SMC and ONN is based on Lyapunov theory. To prove the advantages of the D-SMC, a comparison was also carried out by traditional sliding mode control (T-SMC) with a similar ONN. From this comparison, we know that the advantages of the D-SMC are clear in terms of real implementation, concept, and chattering suppression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 321 KiB  
Article
Saddle-Point Equilibrium Strategy for Linear Quadratic Uncertain Stochastic Hybrid Differential Games Based on Subadditive Measures
by Zhifu Jia and Cunlin Li
Mathematics 2024, 12(8), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12081132 - 9 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1289
Abstract
This paper describes a kind of linear quadratic uncertain stochastic hybrid differential game system grounded in the framework of subadditive measures, in which the system dynamics are described by a hybrid differential equation with Wiener–Liu noise and the performance index function is quadratic. [...] Read more.
This paper describes a kind of linear quadratic uncertain stochastic hybrid differential game system grounded in the framework of subadditive measures, in which the system dynamics are described by a hybrid differential equation with Wiener–Liu noise and the performance index function is quadratic. Firstly, we introduce the concept of hybrid differential games and establish the Max–Min Lemma for the two-player zero-sum game scenario. Next, we discuss the analysis of saddle-point equilibrium strategies for linear quadratic hybrid differential games, addressing both finite and infinite time horizons. Through the incorporation of a generalized Riccati differential equation (GRDE) and guided by the principles of the Itô–Liu formula, we prove that that solving the GRDE is crucial and serves as both a sufficient and necessary precondition for identifying equilibrium strategies within a finite horizon. In addition, we also acquire the explicit formulations of equilibrium strategies in closed forms, alongside determining the optimal values of the cost function. Through the adoption of a generalized Riccati equation (GRE) and applying a similar approach to that used for the finite horizon case, we establish that the ability to solve the GRE constitutes a sufficient criterion for the emergence of equilibrium strategies in scenarios extending over an infinite horizon. Moreover, we explore the dynamics of a resource extraction problem within a finite horizon and separately delve into an H control problem applicable to an infinite horizon. Finally, we present the conclusions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2677 KiB  
Article
Finite-Time Robust Path-Following Control of Perturbed Autonomous Ground Vehicles Using a Novel Self-Tuning Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Manifold
by Cong Phat Vo, Quoc Hung Hoang, Tae-Hyun Kim and Jeong hwan Jeon
Mathematics 2024, 12(4), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12040549 - 10 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2092
Abstract
This work presents a finite-time robust path-following control scheme for perturbed autonomous ground vehicles. Specifically, a novel self-tuning nonsingular fast-terminal sliding manifold that further enhances the convergence rate and tracking accuracy is proposed. Then, uncertain dynamics and external disturbances are estimated by a [...] Read more.
This work presents a finite-time robust path-following control scheme for perturbed autonomous ground vehicles. Specifically, a novel self-tuning nonsingular fast-terminal sliding manifold that further enhances the convergence rate and tracking accuracy is proposed. Then, uncertain dynamics and external disturbances are estimated by a high-gain disturbance observer to compensate for the designed control input. Successively, a super-twisting algorithm is incorporated into the final control law, significantly mitigating the chattering phenomenon of both the input control signal and the output trajectory. Furthermore, the global finite-time convergence and stability of the whole proposed control algorithm are proven by the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed method is validated with comparisons in a numerical example. It obtains high control performance, reduced chattering, fast convergence rate, singularity avoidance, and robustness against uncertainties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1794 KiB  
Article
Stability Margin of Data-Driven LQR and Its Application to Consensus Problem
by Abdul Aris Umar, Kunhee Ryu, Juhoon Back and Jung-Su Kim
Mathematics 2024, 12(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12020199 - 8 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1725
Abstract
In contrast with traditional control input design techniques based on mathematical models of the system, in data-driven control approaches, which have recently gained substantial attention, the controller is derived directly from the data that are collected from experiments or observations of the target [...] Read more.
In contrast with traditional control input design techniques based on mathematical models of the system, in data-driven control approaches, which have recently gained substantial attention, the controller is derived directly from the data that are collected from experiments or observations of the target system. In particular, several data-driven optimal control and model predictive control (MPC) techniques have been proposed. In this paper, it is shown that the recently proposed data-driven LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) has a stability margin that is the set of the uncertainties in the control input channels maintaining the closed-loop stability. As an application of the proposed stability margin of the data-driven LQR, the consensus problem is considered. Since the control design for the consensus of multi-agent systems can be reformulated into the robust stabilization of a linear system with uncertainty in the input channel, it is demonstrated that the derived stability margin can be used to design a controller for the consensus of multi-agent systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 4011 KiB  
Article
Predefined-Time Fractional-Order Tracking Control for UAVs with Perturbation
by Abdellah Benaddy, Moussa Labbadi, Sahbi Boubaker, Faisal S. Alsubaei and Mostafa Bouzi
Mathematics 2023, 11(24), 4886; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11244886 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
This manuscript describes the design of a controller that assures predefined-time convergence in fractional-order sliding mode control (PTFOSMC) for a quadrotor UAV subjected to matched perturbation. Moreover, predefined-time techniques enable the establishment of a time constraint for convergence as a control parameter, distinguishing [...] Read more.
This manuscript describes the design of a controller that assures predefined-time convergence in fractional-order sliding mode control (PTFOSMC) for a quadrotor UAV subjected to matched perturbation. Moreover, predefined-time techniques enable the establishment of a time constraint for convergence as a control parameter, distinguishing them from finite- and fixed-time controllers. The proposed control offers the advantage of sliding mode control, exhibiting rapid response and robust performance for the quadrotor subsystems. Notably, the suggested controller is devoid of terms dependent on the initial conditions of the quadrotor. Additionally, an established switching-type predefined-time controller with fractional-order is introduced to bolster robustness against external disturbances and alleviate the chattering problem associated with the sliding mode technique. The application of the Lyapunov function is employed to analyze the predefined-time stability of the quadrotor utilizing the suggested PTFOSMC. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested scheme. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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43 pages, 547 KiB  
Review
Complex Dynamics and Intelligent Control: Advances, Challenges, and Applications in Mining and Industrial Processes
by Luis Rojas, Víctor Yepes and José Garcia
Mathematics 2025, 13(6), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060961 - 14 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 977
Abstract
Complex dynamics and nonlinear systems play a critical role in industrial processes, where complex interactions, high uncertainty, and external disturbances can significantly impact efficiency, stability, and safety. In sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and energy networks, even small perturbations can lead to unexpected [...] Read more.
Complex dynamics and nonlinear systems play a critical role in industrial processes, where complex interactions, high uncertainty, and external disturbances can significantly impact efficiency, stability, and safety. In sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and energy networks, even small perturbations can lead to unexpected system behaviors, operational inefficiencies, or cascading failures. Understanding and controlling these dynamics is essential for developing robust, adaptive, and resilient industrial systems. This study conducts a systematic literature review covering 2015–2025 in Scopus and Web of Science, initially retrieving 2628 (Scopus) and 343 (WoS) articles. After automated filtering (Python) and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, a refined dataset of 2900 references was obtained, from which 89 highly relevant studies were selected. The literature was categorized into six key areas: (i) heat transfer with magnetized fluids, (ii) nonlinear control, (iii) big-data-driven optimization, (iv) energy transition via SOEC, (v) fault detection in control valves, and (vi) stochastic modeling with semi-Markov switching. Findings highlight the convergence of robust control, machine learning, IoT, and Industry 4.0 methodologies in tackling industrial challenges. Cybersecurity and sustainability also emerge as critical factors in developing resilient models, alongside barriers such as limited data availability, platform heterogeneity, and interoperability gaps. Future research should integrate multiscale analysis, deterministic chaos, and deep learning to enhance the adaptability, security, and efficiency of industrial operations in high-complexity environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Theory and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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