On infinitesimal contraction analysis for hybrid systems

Abstract: Infinitesimal contraction analysis, wherein global asymptotic convergence results are obtained from local dynamical properties, has proven to be a powerful tool for applications in biological, mechanical, and transportation systems. The technique has primarily been developed for systems governed by a single, possibly nonsmooth, differential or difference equation. We generalize infinitesimal contraction analysis to hybrid systems governed by interacting differential and difference equations. Importantly, we leverage an intrinsic distance function to derive the first contraction results for hybrid systems without restrictions on mode sequence or dwell time. Our theoretical results are illustrated in several examples and applications.