Bifurcation problems for second order systems (Q2202212)

The author considers the linear system of second order differential equations \[ u'' + A(t)u = 0, 0 \leq t < \infty \] where, for each \(t\), \(A(t)\) is an \(n\times n\) matrix with real components, and positive with respect to the usual cone \(K\) in \(\mathbb{R}^n\). Conditions are provided in order that the first conjugate point \(T\) of \(t = 0\) will be a bifurcation point for higher order perturbations of the equation. For earlier results, see [\textit{S. Ahmad} and \textit{A. C. Lazer}, SIAM J. Math. Anal. 8, 16--23 (1977; Zbl 0384.34021); Nonlinear Anal., Theory Methods Appl. 4, 497--501 (1980; Zbl 0454.34031); the author and \textit{H. L. Smith}, ibid. 2, 93--105 (1978; Zbl 0379.34015)].