How should I show that this system has no limit cycle?

  • #1
Math100
802
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Homework Statement
Show that the system ## \dot{x}=y(y-x), \dot{y}=x^2 ## has no limit cycle.
Relevant Equations
Bendixson's negative criterion states that there are no closed paths in a simply connected region of the phase plane on which ## \frac{\partial X}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial Y}{\partial y} ## is of one sign.

Dulac's test states that there are no closed paths in a simply connected region in which ## \frac{\partial(\rho X)}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial(\rho Y)}{\partial y} ## is of one sign, where ## \rho(x, y) ## is any function having continuous first partial derivatives.
Proof:

Consider the system ## \dot{x}=y(y-x), \dot{y}=x^2 ##.
By theorem, Bendixson's negative criterion states that there are no closed paths in a simply connected region of the phase plane on which ## \frac{\partial X}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial Y}{\partial y} ## is of one sign.
Let ## \dot{x}=X(x, y)=y(y-x) ## and ## \dot{y}=Y(x, y)=x^2 ##.
Then ## \frac{\partial X}{\partial x}=-y ## and ## \frac{\partial Y}{\partial y}=0 ##, which gives ## \frac{\partial X}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial Y}{\partial y}=-y+0=-y ##.

From here, I don't think applying the Bendixson's negative criterion works in this case. By applying the Dulac's test, I would have to use a function but what function should I use in this problem? I was thinking to use the function ## \rho(x, y)=\frac{1}{y} ## but I don't know if this is the right function to use, because I've got ## \rho X=\frac{1}{y}\cdot y(y-x)=y-x ## and ## \rho Y=\frac{x^2}{y} ##, so ## \frac{\partial\rho X}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial\rho Y}{\partial y}=-1-\frac{x^2}{y^2}=-1-(\frac{x}{y})^2<0, \forall x, y ##. Is this correct? Also, how to determine when to use/apply the Bendixson's negative criterion or the Dulac's test? In this problem, for example, is it okay to apply/use the Dulac's test straight ahead without first applying/using the Bendixson's negative criterion?
 
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  • #2
It is not necessary to apply Dulac (Bendixon is just Dulac with [itex]\rho \equiv 1[/itex]) here.

You know that [itex]\dot y = x^2 > 0[/itex]. Is a periodic orbit possible when [itex]\dot y[/itex] cannot change sign?
 
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  • #3
pasmith said:
It is not necessary to apply Dulac (Bendixon is just Dulac with [itex]\rho \equiv 1[/itex]) here.

You know that [itex]\dot y = x^2 > 0[/itex]. Is a periodic orbit possible when [itex]\dot y[/itex] cannot change sign?
No.
 

FAQ: How should I show that this system has no limit cycle?

1. What is a limit cycle?

A limit cycle is a closed trajectory in a phase space that is stable, meaning that nearby trajectories will converge to it over time. In dynamical systems, it represents a periodic solution where the system oscillates indefinitely. Understanding limit cycles is crucial for analyzing the long-term behavior of nonlinear systems.

2. What methods can be used to determine the absence of limit cycles?

Several methods can be employed to show that a system has no limit cycle, including the Poincaré-Bendixson theorem, Lyapunov functions, and numerical simulations. The Poincaré-Bendixson theorem provides conditions under which a limit cycle can exist, while Lyapunov functions can demonstrate stability or instability of equilibria. Numerical simulations can help visualize the system's behavior over time.

3. How does the Poincaré-Bendixson theorem help in proving the absence of limit cycles?

The Poincaré-Bendixson theorem states that in a planar system, if a trajectory does not converge to a fixed point, then it must either converge to a limit cycle or be part of a more complicated structure. By showing that all trajectories converge to fixed points or exhibit behavior that does not allow for closed orbits, one can conclude that no limit cycles exist.

4. Can Lyapunov functions be used to show the absence of limit cycles?

Yes, Lyapunov functions can be instrumental in proving the absence of limit cycles. If one can construct a Lyapunov function that decreases over time in a neighborhood of an equilibrium point, it indicates that trajectories are attracted to that point and not to any periodic orbits, thereby demonstrating the absence of limit cycles.

5. What role do numerical simulations play in investigating limit cycles?

Numerical simulations can provide visual insights into the behavior of a dynamical system over time. By simulating trajectories for various initial conditions, one can observe whether trajectories settle into fixed points, diverge, or exhibit periodic behavior. If no periodic behavior is observed in the simulations, it can support the conclusion that the system lacks limit cycles.

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