Van der Pol Equation: Solving w/ Perturbation Methods

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of multiple scale perturbation and the application of this method to solve a differential equation. The resulting solution involves finding the radius and period of a limit cycle, with the radius approaching 2 and the period approaching $2\pi$ as $\varepsilon$ approaches 0.
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Dustinsfl
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$$
x'' + \varepsilon(x^2-1)x'+x=0\quad \varepsilon\ll 1
$$
Using multiple scale perturbation and letting $f(x,x') = (x^2-1)x'$, we have
$$
x_{0tt} + \varepsilon x_{1tt} + 2\varepsilon x_{0tT} + \cdots + \varepsilon f(x_0,x_{0t}) + \cdots + x_0 + \varepsilon x_1 + \cdots = 0
$$
where $T$ is our slow time and $T = \varepsilon t$.
\begin{alignat}{4}
\text{order } 1: & \ \ x_{0tt} + x_0 & = & 0\\
\text{order } \varepsilon: & \ \ x_{1tt} + x_1 & = & -2x_{0tT} - f(x_0,x_{0t})
\end{alignat}
So $x_0(t,T) = A(T)\cos t + B(T)\sin t = r(T)\cos(t + \phi(T))$.
\begin{alignat}{3}
x_{1tt} + x_1 & = & -2x_{0tT} - f(x_0,x_{0t})\\
& = & 2[r'\sin(t + \phi) + r\phi'\cos(t+\phi)] - f(r\cos(t+\phi),-r\sin(t+\phi))\\
& = & 2r'\sin\theta + 2r\phi'\cos\theta - f(r\cos\theta,-r\sin\theta)
\end{alignat}
where $\theta = t+\phi$.
$$
f(r\cos\theta,-r\sin\theta) = \frac{a_0}{2} + \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(a_n\cos n\theta + b_n\sin n\theta)
$$
The only resonance terms will occur when $n=1$.
Then
\begin{alignat}{3}
x_{1tt} + x_1 & = & 2r'\sin\theta + 2r\phi'\cos\theta - a_1\cos\theta - b_1\sin\theta - \frac{a_0}{2}-\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}(a_n\cos n\theta + b_n\sin n\theta)\\
& = & \cos\theta(2r\phi'-a_1) + \sin\theta(2r'-b_1) - \text{non-resonance terms}
\end{alignat}
So $2r\phi'-a_1 = 0\Rightarrow \frac{a_1}{2} = r\phi' $ and $2r'-b_1 = 0\Rightarrow \frac{b_1}{2} = r'$.
$$
a_1 = \frac{-1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}r(r^2\cos^2\theta - 1)\sin\theta\cos\theta d\theta\\
b_1 = \frac{-1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}r(r^2\cos^2\theta - 1)\sin\theta\sin\theta d\theta
$$
That is,
$$
r' = \frac{-1}{2\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}[r^3\cos^2\theta\sin^2\theta - r\sin^2\theta] d\theta
$$
and
$$
r\phi' = \frac{-1}{2\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}[r^3\cos^3\theta\sin\theta - r\sin\theta\cos\theta] d\theta
$$
For $r'$, we can use the orthonormal basis $\left\{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}},\cos\theta,\cos 2\theta,\ldots,\sin\theta,\ldots\right\}$ to integrate.
\begin{alignat}{3}
-r^3\langle\cos^2\theta\sin^2\theta\rangle + r\langle\sin^2\theta\rangle & = & -\frac{r^3}{2}\langle\sin^2\theta\rangle -\frac{r^3}{2}\langle\cos 2\theta\sin^2\theta\rangle + \frac{r}{2}\\
& = & -\frac{r^3}{4} -\frac{r^3}{2\sqrt{2}}\left\langle\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\cos 2\theta\right\rangle - \frac{r^3}{4}\langle\cos^22\theta\rangle + \frac{r}{2}\\
& = & -\frac{r^3}{4} -\frac{r^3}{4}\left\langle \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right)^2 \right\rangle -\frac{r^3}{4\sqrt{2}}\left\langle \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\cos 4\theta \right\rangle + \frac{r}{2}\\
&= &-\frac{r^3}{8} + \frac{r}{2}
\end{alignat}
Therefore,
$$
r' = \frac{1}{8}r(r^2-4).
$$
For $r\phi'$, we will use the orthonormal basis.
$$
r\phi' = 0.
$$
\begin{alignat}{3}
\int\frac{8dr}{r(r^2-4)} & = & \int dT\\
\int\phi' & = & 0
\end{alignat}
Thus, $\phi(T) = \phi_0$.
By partial fractions,
$$
\int\left[\frac{1}{r - 2} + \frac{1}{r + 2} - \frac{2}{r}\right]dr = T + k\Rightarrow r(T) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + Ce^{-T}}}
$$
Let $r(0)=r_0$. Then
$$
r(0) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + C}} = r_0\Rightarrow C = \frac{4}{r^2_0} - 1.
$$
$$
r(T) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + \left(\frac{4}{r^2_0} - 1\right)e^{-T}}}
$$
Recall that $x(t,\varepsilon) = r(T)\cos(t+\phi(T)) + \mathcal{O}(\varepsilon)$. Then
$$
x(t,\varepsilon) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + \left(\frac{4}{r^2_0} - 1\right)e^{-T}}}\cos(t + \phi_0) + \mathcal{O}(\varepsilon) =
\frac{2}{\sqrt{1 + \left(\frac{4}{r^2_0} - 1\right)e^{-\varepsilon t}}}\cos(t + \phi_0) + \mathcal{O}(\varepsilon)
$$
We now that that
$$
\lim_{t\to\infty}x(t,\varepsilon) = 2\cos(t + \phi_0)+ \mathcal{O}(\varepsilon)
$$
and
$$
x(t,\varepsilon = 0) = r_0\cos(t+\phi_0).
$$
So the for small epsilon, the period is $2\pi+ \mathcal{O}(\varepsilon)$ and the radius of the limit cycle approaches 2 as $t\to\infty$.
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  • #2
Hi dwsmith, :)

So what is your question?

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

So what is your question?

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

I had a question as I was typing but I figure it out. But I decided to finish the problem anyways.
 

FAQ: Van der Pol Equation: Solving w/ Perturbation Methods

What is the Van der Pol Equation?

The Van der Pol Equation is a mathematical model that describes the behavior of a damped oscillator. It is a second-order differential equation that was first developed by the Dutch physicist Balthasar van der Pol in the early 20th century.

What is the significance of solving the Van der Pol Equation using perturbation methods?

Solving the Van der Pol Equation using perturbation methods allows for an approximate solution to be found for highly nonlinear systems. This is useful in situations where an exact solution is not feasible or cannot be easily obtained.

How do perturbation methods work in solving the Van der Pol Equation?

Perturbation methods involve breaking down the original equation into a simpler form, which can then be solved using known techniques. The solution is then corrected to account for the effects of the perturbation, resulting in a more accurate solution.

What are the limitations of using perturbation methods to solve the Van der Pol Equation?

Perturbation methods are only suitable for systems that are close to a known solution. They may not provide accurate results for large perturbations or for systems with multiple solutions. In such cases, other numerical methods may be more appropriate.

What are some applications of the Van der Pol Equation and its solutions?

The Van der Pol Equation has been used to model a wide range of physical systems, including electrical circuits, biological oscillators, and chemical reactions. Its solutions can also provide insights into the behavior of chaotic systems and can be used in control systems and signal processing.

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