The parameter functionalization method for the problem of saddle-node bifurcations in dynamical systems (Q2362371)

Consider the parameter dependent system \[ {dx\over dt}= f(x,\mu),\quad x\in\mathbb{R}\tag{\(*\)} \] assuming that \(x=0\) is a non-hyperbolic equilibrium for \(\mu=\mu_0\). The authors study the bifuraction of this equilibrium without using center manifold or normal form theory. They represent the equation \(f(x,\mu)=0\) in some convenient form \(F(x,\mu)=0\) and replace the parameter \(\mu\) by some functional \(\mu(x)\). This approach has been introduced by \textit{M. A. Krasnosel'skij} and \textit{P. P. Zabrejko} [Nelineĭnyĭ Analiz i ego Prilozheniya. Moskva: Izdat. `Nauka'. 512 pp. R. 1.97 (1975; Zbl 0326.47052)]. The authors consider the cases that the matrix \(f_x(0,\mu)\) has zero as simple (codimension 1 case) or semi-simple (codimension 2 case) eigenvalue and construct the corresponding functionals \(\mu(x)\). They derive asymptotic formulas for the resulting solutions and analyse their stability. As an application they consider the synchronization of the periodic solution of an autonomous van der Pol quation under external forcing.