Differential flatness and defect: an overview

We introduce flat systems, which are equivalent to linear ones via a special type of feedback called endogenous. Their physical properties are subsumed by a linearizing output and they might be regarded as providing another nonlinear extension of Kalman's controllability. The distance to flatness is measured by a non-negative integer, the defect. We utilize differential algebra which suits well to the fact that, in accordance with Willems' standpoint, flatness and defect are best defined without distinguishing between input, state, output and other variables. We treat an example of non-flat system, the variable-length pendulum. A high frequency control strategy is proposed such that the averaged system becomes flat.