This three-year award supports U.S.-France cooperative research in applied mathematics. The investigators are Christopher I. Byrnes, T.J. Tarn and Alberto Isidori of Washington University in St. Louis and Jean-Pierre Aubin of the University of Paris-Dauphine. The objective of their research is to utilize and coordinate diverse methodologies in algebraic and differential equations for resolving problems on the regulation and control of nonlinear systems. They will study output regulation, stabilization of systems by feedback and system tracking. Dr. Byrnes and his group at the University of Washington bring to this collaboration expertise in applying differential geometry to theories of nonlinear control. This is complemented by the French group's algebraic approach to problems in nonlinear systems. The project will benefit from the synthesis of the different methodologies and theories. The problem of controlling or influencing nonlinear systems is of interest to researchers in industry. For example, in the aerospace industry, flight control systems for aircraft are nonlinear systems, where small changes can affect performance. The methodology developed by these researchers could be applied to control problems for wind shear in take-off and landing. This research will also advance our understanding of fundamental theories on nonlinear systems and modern control theory.
