Integral Sliding Mode Based Finite-Time Tracking Control for Underactuated Surface Vessels with External Disturbances

This study focuses on the problem of finite-time tracking control for underactuated surface vessels (USVs) through sliding-mode control algorithms with external disturbances. Considering the nonexistence of relative degree caused by the underactuated property, the initial tracking error system is firstly transformed to a high order system for the possibility of applying a sliding-mode control algorithm. Subsequently, a finite-time controller based on an integral sliding surface (ISMS) is designed to achieve trajectory tracking. With the aid of this controller, the tracking errors converge to a steady state in a finite time. In contrast to the backstepping-based approach, the proposed method makes it possible to integrate controller design of position tracking and attitude tracking in one step, thus ensuring simplicity for implementation. Finally, theoretical analysis and numerical simulations are conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.