On the construction of bifurcation curves related to limit cycles of multiplicity three for planar vector fields (Q455908)

The authors consider planar vector fields \(f(x,y,\lambda)\) depending on a three-dimensional parameter vector \(\lambda\). It is assumed that \(f(0,0,\lambda)\equiv 0\) and that there exists a parameter value \(\lambda=\lambda_0\) connected with the Andronov-Hopf bifurcation of a limit cycle of multiplicity three from the origin. An algorithm is proposed to continue the corresponding local Andronov-Hopf bifurcation curve in the parameter space. The approach is based on the continuation of a periodic orbit to some augmented vector field and the construction of a Poincaré function to another augmented system. The algorithm is applied to study limit cycle bifurcation of the Liénard system \(\dot x=y-(x^7-c x^5+b x^3-a x), \;\dot y=-x \).