Existence of periodic solutions for nonlinear differential equations with a \(p\)-Laplacian-like operator (Q2488703)

This paper proves the existence of periodic solutions for nonlinear differential equations \[ (\phi(u'))'+f(t,u,u')=0, \] where \((\phi(u'))'\) is a p-Laplacian-like operator (the conditions required on the function \(\phi\) are satisfied in the \(p\)-Laplacian case \(\phi(u)=u^{p-1}\), but are more general). Assuming that \(f(t,u,u')\) is \(T\)-periodic with respect to \(t\), and that it satisfies certain growth conditions with respect to \(u\), relative to the function \(\phi(u)\), it is proven that the equation has at least one \(T\)-periodic solution. The method of proof is based on transforming the equation to generalized polar coordinates, introduced by \textit{W.-P. Sun, W.-G. Ge} [Acta Math. Appl. Sin., Engl. Ser. 18, No.2, 341-348 (2002; Zbl 1035.34012)], and proving that the Poincaré-Bohl fixed-point theorem can be applied to the time-\(T\) mapping in a suitable set.