Nonautonomous gradient-like vector fields on the circle: classification, structural stability and autonomization (Q2180372)

The authors investigate a class of scalar ordinary differential equations \[ \dot x=f(t,x)\tag{\(\ast\)} \] on the unit circle, i.e. \(x\in{\mathbb S}^1\). This class of equations is (weakly) hyperbolic in the sense that the linearizations along any solution possesses exponential dichotomies on both the semi-axes \({\mathbb R}_+\) and \({\mathbb R}_-\). In addition, an assumption on the structure of the foliation into solution curves for such an equation is imposed, which justifies to denote \((\ast)\) as gradient-like. \par As results, in a somewhat informal way, the global behavior of a foliation is described, a complete invariant of the uniform equivalency is provided and standard models for the equations in this distinguished class are given. Finally, a classification is obtained in the case of almost periodic gradient-like equations.