The number of limit cycles in perturbations of polynomial systems with multiple circles of critical points (Q269430)

The paper deals with limit cycle bifurcation from the zero equilibrium of planar systems of the form \[ \dot x = y F(x,y) + \varepsilon \sum_{i+j = 0}^n a_{ij} x^i y^j, \quad \dot y = - x F(x,y) + \varepsilon \sum_{i+j = 0}^n b_{ij} x^i y^j, \] where \(F(x,y)\) is a polynomial in \((x,y),\) \(F(0,0) \neq 0\). The system exhibits Hopf bifurcation from the origin for small \(\varepsilon > 0\). The main result states the maximal number of limit cycles emerging via Hopf bifurcation in terms of \(n\). The proof is based on an explicit formula for the first order Melnikov function.