Pfaffian systems and feedback linearization/obstructions

Abstract

The concept of Cartan-Vessiot filtered Lie algebra/module is defined in terms of previous feedback linearizations constructed through canonical forms of Pfaffian systems associated with nonlinear systems. Nonlinearization/Cartan-Vessiot algebras are regarded as deformations of linear ones. It is shown how certain problems of interest in nonlinear system theory translate over to algebraic problems involving this sort of algebraic structure.