Conditions for the existence of cycles in a system of differential equations (Q2135099)

The authors prove the existence of periodic solutions for a third order system \begin{align*} \dot{x} & = A x + b \varphi(\sigma), \\ \dot{\sigma} & = c^{\mathrm T} x + \varrho_1 \varphi(\sigma) + \varrho_0 (1-u) \varphi(\sigma) - \alpha_1 u \sigma, \end{align*} which is a mathematical model of a phase synchronization system. Exploiting a number of inequality conditions stated on the parameters and functions entering the system, the authors are able to prove the existence of a ``saddle limit cycle of the first kind'' by constructing a cylindrical surface and a closed convex set, which is invariant under the flow of the system. The result is demonstrated for two explicit systems.