On commuting vector fields and Darboux functions for planar differential equations (Q384223)

There are two approaches for the identification of isochronous systems: seeking a local linearization of the vector field or looking for a non-trivial transversal commutator of the vector field. In the present paper, the authors deal with both problems. By making a suitable ansatz based on the structure of the Darboux polynomials appearing on the inverse of the integrating factor, the authors are able to determine a commutator of the vector field. Moreover, by using a previous result about the problem of determining a linearization, the authors deduce a procedure which addresses this issue and apply it to some well known examples. Some considerations about rational potentials and their connection with commuting vector fields are also presented.