Flow switchability and periodic motions in a periodically forced, discontinuous dynamical system

This paper presents the switchability of a flow from one domain into another one in the periodically forced, discontinuous dynamical system. The inclined line boundary in phase space is used for the dynamical system to switch. The normal vector field product for flow switching on the separation boundary is introduced. The passability condition of a flow to the separation boundary is achieved through such a normal vector field product, and the sliding and grazing conditions to the separation boundary are presented as well. Using mapping structures, periodic motions in such a discontinuous system are predicted analytically, and the corresponding local stability and bifurcation analysis are carried out. With the analytical conditions of grazing and sliding motions, the parameter maps of specific motions are developed. Illustrations of periodic and chaotic motions are given, and the normal vector fields are presented to show the analytical criteria. This investigation may help one better understand the sliding mode control. The methodology presented in this paper can be applied to discontinuous, nonlinear systems. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd