Periodic solutions of a forced relativistic pendulum via twist dynamics (Q2440837)

The author considers the forced relativistic pendulum \[ \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{\dot x}{\sqrt{1-\dot x^2}}\right)+a\sin x=f(t) \] with \(f\) a \(T\)-periodic function. By using a version of the Poincaré-Birkhoff fixed point theorem due to J. Franks, it is proved the existence of two geometrically different periodic solutions for any prescribed winding number \(N\). As a consequence of the relation between index and stability, at least one of them is unstable. Moreover, the presence of twist dynamics is proved if \(a<\pi^2/T^2\).