Saturation based nonlinear depth and yaw control of underwater vehicles with stability analysis and real-time experiments

Abstract : This paper deals with two nonlinear controllers based on saturation functions with varying parameters, for set-point regulation and trajectory tracking on an Underwater Vehicle. The proposed controllers combine the advantages of robust control and easy tuning in real applications. The stability of the closed-loop system with the proposed nonlinear controllers is proven by Lyapunov arguments. Experimental results for the trajectory tracking control in 2 degrees of freedom, these are the depth and yaw motion of an underwater vehicle, show the performance of the proposed control strategy.