Synchronization theory for forced oscillations in second-order systems (Q797538)

We consider differential equations of the form \(\ddot x+\epsilon f(x,\dot x)+x=\epsilon u,\) where \(\epsilon>0\) is supposed to be small. For piecewise continuous controls u(t), satisfying \(| u(t)\leq 1\), we present sufficient conditions for the existence of 2\(\pi\)-periodic solutions with a given amplitude. We present a method for determining the limiting behavior of controls \(\bar u_{\epsilon}\) for which the equation has a 2\(\pi\)-periodic solution with a maximum amplitude and for determining the limit of this maximum amplitude as \(\epsilon\) tends to zero. The results are applied to the linear system \(\ddot x+\epsilon \dot x+x=\epsilon u,\) the Duffing equation \(\ddot x+\epsilon(\dot x+x^ 3)+x=\epsilon u,\) and the van der Pol equation \(\ddot x+\epsilon(x^ 2- 1)\dot x+x=\epsilon u.\)