Bifurcations of dynamical systems

In summary, the conversation discusses the analysis of the Jacobian for a given dynamical system. The system has two fixed points, one at the origin and the other at \(\left(\frac{1-a}{a},a-1\right)\). The determinant and trace of the Jacobian are used to determine the stability of the fixed points, with a change in stability occurring at \(a=1\). The conversation also mentions the possibility of a saddle at the second fixed point, but clarifies that this is not the case when \(a=0\).
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
Something doesn't seem right in regards to my analysis of the Jacobian. What about when $a=0$ at the second fixed point?

\begin{alignat*}{3}
x' & = & y - ax\\
y' & = & -y + \frac{x}{1 + x}
\end{alignat*}
First, we need to determine the fixed points in the system. So let
\begin{alignat*}{3}
y - ax & = & 0\\
-y + \frac{x}{1 + x} & = & 0
\end{alignat*}
Solving for $y$ in the first equation, we have $y = ax$.
$$
-ax + \frac{x}{1 + x} = 0\Rightarrow ax(1 + x) - x = x(ax + a - 1) = 0
$$
One fixed point is $(0,0)$.
$$
ax + a - 1 = 0\Rightarrow x = \frac{1 - a}{a}
$$
Another fixed point is $\left(\frac{1 - a}{a},a - 1\right)$. The Jacobian for the dynamical system is
$$
\mathcal{J} = \begin{pmatrix}
-a & 1\\
\frac{1}{(1 + x)^2} & -1
\end{pmatrix}.
$$
For the fixed point $(0,0)$, the Jacobian is
$$
\mathcal{J} = \begin{pmatrix}
-a & 1\\
1 & -1
\end{pmatrix}.
$$
Then the trace of the Jacobian is $\text{tr}(\mathcal{J}) = -(a + 1)$ and the determinant is $\det(\mathcal{J}) = a - 1$. When $a = 1$, the determinant is 0 and the two fixed points merge together. Therefore, when $a$ crosses 1, we have a change in stability at $(0,0)$ and a change in the number of fixed points. We will have a saddle when $a < 1$ at the fixed point $(0,0)$. When $a > 1$, the determinant is positive and the trace is negative.
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\left(\text{tr}(\mathcal{J})\right)^2 - 4\det(\mathcal{J}) & = & (a + 1)^2 - 4(a - 1)\\
& = & a^2 - 2a + 5 > 0
\end{alignat*}
Therefore, we have a stable node at the origin. Next, let $\frac{1}{1 + x} = a$. Then we can re-write the Jacobian as
$$
\mathcal{J} = \begin{pmatrix}
-a & 1\\
a^2 & -1
\end{pmatrix}.
$$
The trace of the Jacobian is $\text{tr}(\mathcal{J}) = -(a + 1)$ and the determinant is $\det(\mathcal{J}) = a(1 - a)$. When $a > 1\cup a < 0$, the determinant is negative. Thus, we will have a saddle at $\left(\frac{1 - a}{a},a - 1\right)$. When $0 < a < 1$, the determinant is positive and the trace is negative.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
dwsmith said:
Something doesn't seem right in regards to my analysis of the Jacobian. What about when $a=0$ at the second fixed point?

Hi dwsmith, :)

Note that, when you take \(ax + a - 1 = 0\) from \(x(ax + a - 1) = 0\) you are assuming that \(a\neq 0\). If \(a=0\) then \(x,y=0\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
  • #3
Sudharaka said:
Hi dwsmith, :)

Note that, when you take \(ax + a - 1 = 0\) from \(x(ax + a - 1) = 0\) you are assuming that \(a\neq 0\). If \(a=0\) then \(x,y=0\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

This was wrong. As in, what I had before I edited my post here.
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Bifurcations of dynamical systems

What are bifurcations of dynamical systems?

Bifurcations of dynamical systems refer to the qualitative changes in behavior that occur when the parameters of a system are varied. These changes can be sudden and dramatic, leading to the emergence of new patterns and behaviors in the system.

How are bifurcations classified?

Bifurcations are typically classified based on the type of change in behavior that occurs. Some common types of bifurcations include saddle-node, transcritical, pitchfork, and Hopf bifurcations. These classifications help to understand the underlying mechanisms driving the changes in the system.

What causes bifurcations in dynamical systems?

Bifurcations can occur due to changes in the system's parameters, such as external inputs or internal feedback loops. These changes can lead to a critical point, where the system's behavior shifts from one state to another. Additionally, bifurcations can also arise from nonlinear dynamics and chaos, where small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes.

How do bifurcations impact the study of dynamical systems?

Bifurcations play a crucial role in understanding the behavior and stability of dynamical systems. By identifying and studying different bifurcations, scientists can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms driving the system's behavior and make predictions about its future states. This knowledge is essential in various fields, including physics, biology, economics, and engineering.

Can bifurcations be controlled or avoided?

In some cases, bifurcations can be controlled or avoided by altering the system's parameters or implementing feedback control. However, in complex systems, it may be challenging to predict and control bifurcations due to the presence of nonlinear dynamics. Therefore, understanding and identifying bifurcations is crucial for managing and controlling dynamical systems effectively.

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