Synchronization in coupled nonidentical incommensurate fractional-order systems

Synchronization of fractional-order nonlinear systems has received considerable attention for many research activities in recent years. In this Letter, we consider the synchronization between two nonidentical fractional-order systems. Based on the open-plus-closed-loop control method, a general coupling applied to the response system is proposed for synchronizing two nonidentical incommensurate fractional-order systems. We also derive a local stability criterion for such synchronization behavior by utilizing the stability theory of linear incommensurate fractional-order differential equations. Feasibility of the proposed coupling scheme is illustrated through numerical simulations of a limit cycle system, a chaotic system and a hyperchaotic system. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.