The 16th Hilbert problem restricted to circular algebraic limit cycles (Q2634200)

The paper is focused on a weakened version of the 16th Hilbert problem related to the upper bound on the maximum number of algebraic limit cycles of arbitrary planar polynomial system of degree \(S\). Two new results are presented. First it is proved that every planar polynomial vector field of degree \(S\) with \(S\) invariant circles is Darboux integrable, and the invariant circles are not limit cycles. Secondly the authors derive that a planar polynomial vector field of degree \(S\) admits at most \(S-1\) invariant circles representing algebraic limit cycles and this number can be reached. Therefore, it can be considered as a solution of this weakened 16th Hilbert problem restricted to algebraic limit cycles given by circles.