Second-order terminal sliding mode control for networks synchronization

This paper proposes a second-order terminal sliding mode controller for outer synchronization of a class of complex networks with disturbances. This control scheme adopts a hierarchical control structure to reduce the numbers of controllers. The multivariable error systems were decomposed into two subsystems, a controllable nonlinear subsystem and a linear subsystem. The proposed terminal sliding mode controller was only designed for the nonlinear subsystem. The linear subsystem is set to appropriate sliding mode parameters to implement synchronization. This approach possesses the features of less controllers, faster convergence and higher tracking precision. The performance of the control strategy is evaluated through the control of the complex networks consisting of $$N$$N identical Rössler systems. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.