Semi-global finite-time output feedback stabilization for a class of large-scale uncertain nonlinear systems

• A new design scheme is developed by coupling the finite-time stabilization theory with the homogeneous domination approach.
• A controller is constructed for each nominal system by adding one power integrator technique.
• The stability and convergence analysis are carried out using the homogeneous systems theory.
• The efficiency of the decentralized output feedback stabilizers is demonstrated by a simulation example.

This paper addresses the problem of semi-global finite-time decentralized output feedback control for large-scale systems with both higher-order and lower-order terms. A new design scheme is developed by coupling the finite-time output feedback stabilization method with the homogeneous domination approach. Specifically, we first design a homogeneous observer and an output feedback control law for each nominal subsystem without the nonlinearities. Then, based on the homogeneous domination approach, we relax the linear growth condition to a polynomial one and construct decentralized controllers to render the nonlinear system semi-globally finite-time stable.