Global Melnikov theory in Hamiltonian systems with general time-dependent perturbations (Q1631292)

The paper considers splitting of homoclinic manifolds in Hamiltonian systems under time-dependent perturbations; the considered time dependencies include periodic and quasi periodic ones as well as general time dependence. In order to discuss the problem, the authors develop a \textit{global} Melnikov theory. In the authors' words: ``We adopt a global point of view and we think of a normally hyperbolic invariant manifold (NHIM) rather than of single orbits, hence we obtain a theory for all unperturbed orbits irrespective of whether they are periodic or quasi-periodic or any other behavior''. The general theory guarantees these NHIM to exist and persist -- with their stable and unstable manifolds -- under perturbation. The attention is focused on explicit expressions for the splitting of stable and unstable manifolds. It should be stressed that the considered perturbations are not necessarily Hamiltonian; in particular, the case where the perturbation includes (small) dissipation is included in the theory. The case of Hamiltonian perturbation is thus a special one, and leads to specific and simpler results. The relation with the problem of Arnold diffusion is also briefly considered. The present paper considers a simple model, with (weakly) coupled pendula and rotators (in the physical literature, this is also sometimes called a spin-orbit type system). Explicit (integral) formula are given for the above mentioned splitting of stable and unstable manifolds of NHIM; in general this involves improper integrals, but the integrands in these converge exponentially fast, so that the integrals can effectively be computed. In the special case of Hamiltonian perturbation, making use of the symplectic structure of the full problem, the answer becomes simpler and concisely written.