A linear estimate of the number of limit cycles for a piecewise smooth near-Hamiltonian system (Q2190826)

In the paper, the piecewise polynomial planar system \[ \dot{x}=H_y^\pm(x,y)+\epsilon p^\pm(x,y), \quad \dot{y}=-H_x^\pm(x,y)+\epsilon q^\pm(x,y) \] is considered, where \(\epsilon\) is a small positive parameter, \(H^+(x,y) :=\frac12[(x-1)^2-y^2]\) for \(x\geq 0\), \(H^-(x,y) :=-\frac12[x^2+y^2]\) for \(x< 0\), and the perturbation \((p^+, q^+)\) for \(x\geq 0\), \((p^-, q^-)\) for \(x< 0\), is given by four degree \(n\) polynomials. Considering the first-order Melnikov function related to the open period annulus around the center at the origin, the authors establish that at most \(n+[\frac{n+1}{2}]\) limit cycles can bifurcate (at first-order analysis with respect to \(\epsilon\)). The bound is exact and verifies the conjecture raised by \textit{F. Liang} et al. [Nonlinear Anal., Theory Methods Appl., Ser. A, Theory Methods 75, No. 11, 4355--4374 (2012; Zbl 1264.34073)].