Phantom ducks and models of excitability (Q1199671)

Consider a singular van der Pol equation \(\varepsilon x''+f'(x)x'+x+\alpha=0\), assuming that \(\varepsilon\) and \(\alpha\) are independent small parameters such that \(\alpha=O(\sqrt{\varepsilon})\) and \(\varepsilon=o(\alpha)\). The author concentrates on the case \(\alpha<0\) and studies excitability, i.e. the existence of trajectories that pass the equilibrium at a small distance but first make a large excursion before they settle on the equilibrium. Such trajectories are called pantom ducks. Asymptotic expansions are computed formally using rescaling of the variables and matching procedures. Three regions of the phase plane are considered that corresponds to the unstable manifold, the behavior near the origin and the fast field. Computations are carried out for the special case of \(f(x)={1\over 2}x^ 2+{1\over 3}x^ 3\). In the second part of the paper, the author states and proves an existence theorem for a solution that can be represented by the three local asymptotic expansions obtained in the first part. A last section describes more detailed results on the blown-up equation in the neighborhood of the origin. Bounds on the height at which the central phantom duck crosses the vertical axis are obtained. It is shown that an exponential small deviation leads to a very strong effect. Finally, a complete phase portrait for the phantom duck problem is given.