This work deals with nonlinear processes which, in the absence of input con
straints, can be locally stabilized by a linearizing static state feedback
law. Such systems, under unconstrained linearizing control laws, possess a
cascaded structure between a (asymptotically or exponentially) stable nonli
near subsystem and an exponentially stable linear subsystem, which allows f
or a straightforward stability analysis. In the presence of input constrain
ts, however, this cascaded structure breaks down to an interconnection betw
een two nonlinear subsystems; analyzing the stability of such interconnecti
ons is a rather cumbersome task, that typically results in conservative est
imates of regions of stability. In this article, we present an analysis fra
mework for the local stabilization of such processes and the estimation of
regions of closed-loop stability in the presence of input constraints. The
proposed approach entails: (i) specifying a region in state-space where the
closed-loop system behaves effectively as a cascade and asymptotic stabili
ty can be guaranteed in the presence of constraints, provided that the stat
es of the system remain in this region for all times; and (ii) constructing
invariant sets within this region that qualify as regions of closed-loop s
tability. A detailed case study is carried out on a polymerization reactor
example and the desirable features of the proposed methodology are aptly il
lustrated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.