Symbolic computation and the cyclicity problem for singularities (Q432740)

In this tutorial paper, the author describes an approach based on algorithms of computational algebra for studying small-amplitude limit cycles bifurcating from an elementary center or focus at the origin of systems of the form \[ \dot x=\lambda x - y +\sum_{j+k=2}^n A_{jk}x^jy^k, \quad \dot y = x + \lambda y +\sum_{j+k=2}^n B_{jk}x^jy^k \] The problem is known as the cyclicity problem or the local 16th Hilbert problem. The method is based on the complexification of the real system and studying properties of the Bautin ideal, that is, the ideal generated by the focus quantities, of the associated complex system. The main idea is to map the focus quantities into a polynomial subalgebra generated by the invariants of the rotation group of the system. It is demonstrated that, even if the Bautin ideal is not a radical ideal in the original polynomial ring, its image can be a radical ideal in the subalgebra. It allows to obtain an upper bound for the cyclicity of an elementary center or focus for some families of polynomial systems. Computations are performed mainly using the computer algebra system \texttt{Singular}.