Two-dimensional invariant manifolds and global bifurcations: Some approximation and visualization studies (Q1370353)

The systematic computational study of two-dimensional invariant manifolds for dynamical systems has only recently begun [\textit{J. Guckenheimer} and \textit{P. Worfolk}, NATO ASI Ser., Ser. C, Math. Phys. Sci. 408, 241-277 (1993; Zbl 0795.58034)]. Here the authors do outline and demonstrate how a more-or-less straightforward implementation of some geometric and numerical ideas can be helpful in the description of higher-dimensional phase portraits. The presented examples involve the computational approximation of two-dimensional invariant manifolds (both stable and unstable) of steady states and limit cycles of flows in three dimensions. These examples outline how such approximations, with the help of computer graphics and visualization, can be of assistance in the discovery and characterization of global bifurcations as a control parameter varies.