A stability problem for holonomic systems (Q1822535)

This paper is concerned with the application of the results obtained by \textit{L. Salvadori} and \textit{F. Visenti} [Rend. Semin. Mat. Univ. Padova 68, 129-147 (1982; Zbl 0524.34046)], who had considered the problem of the generalized Hopf bifurcation for periodic differential systems. That application dealt with the case in which the unperturbed system coincides with the system of equations of motion of a mechanical system with one degree of freedom. In the paper under review the results concerning the application are extended to systems with more than one such degree of freedom. The method used consists of the transformation of the system of equations of motion, by means of suitable changes of variables, in such a way that it is possible to construct Lyapunov functions associated with the asymptotic stability or instability, corresponding to the several cases, of the null solution. These changes of coordinates do not alter the k-asymptotic stability or k-instability properties of the null solution, and the method enables one to recognize the order of the terms of the right hand sides of the equations which determine the asymptotic stability or instability of the zero solution.