Feedback Linearization in Systems with Nonsmooth Nonlinearities

This paper aims to elucidate the application of feedback linearization in systems having nonsmooth nonlinearities. With the aid of analytical expressions originating from classical feedback linearization theory, it is demonstrated that for a subset of nonsmooth systems, ubiquitous in the structural dynamics and vibrations community, the theory holds soundly. Numerical simulations on a three-degree-of-freedom aeroservoelastic system are carried out to illustrate the application of feedback linearization for a specific control objective, in the presence of dead-zone and piecewise linear structural nonlinearities in the plant. An in-depth study of the arising zero dynamics, based on a combination of analytical formulations and numerical simulations, reveals that asymptotically stable equilibria exist, paving the way for the application of feedback linearization. The latter is demonstrated successfully through pole placement on the linearized system