Finite-time lag synchronization of master-slave complex dynamical networks with unknown signal propagation delays

This paper studies the finite-time lag synchronization issue of master-slave complex networks with unknown signal propagation delays by the linear and adaptive error state feedback approaches. The unknown signal propagation delays are fully considered and estimated by adaptive laws. By designing new Lyapunov functional and discontinuous feedback controllers, which involves the estimated error rather than the general synchronization error, sufficient conditions are derived to ensure lag synchronization of the networks within a setting time. It is interesting to discover that the setting time is related to initial values of both the estimated error and the estimated unknown signal propagation delays. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed finite-time lag synchronization criteria.