A Topological Method for Finding Invariant Sets of Switched Systems

Abstract

We revisit the problem of finding controlled invariants sets (viability), for a class of differential inclusions, using topological methods based on Wazewski property. In many ways, this generalizes the Viability Theorem approach, which is itself a generalization of the Lyapunov function approach for systems described by ordinary differential equations. We give a computable criterion based on SoS methods for a class of differential inclusions to have a non-empty viability kernel within some given region. We use this method to prove the existence of (controlled) invariant sets of switched systems inside a region described by a polynomial template, both with time-dependent switching and with state-based switching through a finite set of hypersurfaces. A Matlab implementation allows us to demonstrate its use.