Exact multiplicity for periodic solutions of Duffing type. (Q1413258)

This paper deals with the existence of \(2\pi\)-periodic solutions to a second-order differential equation of the form \(u''+cu'+g(t,u)=h(t)\), where \(g\) is \(2\pi\)-periodic in \(t\) and concave-convex in \(x\), and \(h\) is a small continuous \(2\pi\)-periodic function. It is proved that there exist exactly three solutions, together their stability/instability, is investigated.. Finally, a Liénard equation of the form \(u''+f(u)u'+g(u)=p(t)\) is studied and a necessary and sufficient condition on \(\bar p\) for the existence of a unique periodic solution is derived when \(g'\) is negative. The proof is performed by applying Mawhin's continuation theorem; the needed estimates are obtained using a Sturm comparison argument. Stability results follow from a local index theorem due to \textit{R. Ortega} [Boll. Unione Mat. Ital, VII. Ser., B 3, No. 3, 533--546 (1989; Zbl 0686.34052)]. For a result containing a Sturm-type argument combined with topological degree, the interested reader may consult the paper of \textit{C. Rebelo} and \textit{F. Zanolin} [Differ. Integral Equ. 13, No.10--12, 1473--1502 (2000; Zbl 0986.34019)].