Invariance-Like Theorems and “lim inf” Convergence Properties

Several theorems, inspired by the Krasovskii-LaSalle invariance principle, to establish “lim inf” convergence results are presented in a unified framework. These properties are useful to “describe” the oscillatory behavior of the solutions of dynamical systems. The theorems resemble “lim inf” Matrosov and Small-gain theorems and are based on a “lim inf” Barbalat's Lemma. Additional technical assumptions to have “lim” convergence are given: the “lim inf”/“lim” relation is discussed in-depth and the role of some of the assumptions is illustrated by means of examples.