Dynamics of microbubble oscillators with delay coupling

We investigate the stability of the in-phase mode in a system of two delay-coupled bubble oscillators. The bubble oscillator model is based on a 1956 paper by Keller and Kolodner. Delay coupling is due to the time it takes for a signal to travel from one bubble to another through the liquid medium that surrounds them. Using techniques from the theory of differential-delay equations as well as perturbation theory, we show that the equilibrium of the in-phase mode can be made unstable if the delay is long enough and if the coupling strength is large enough, resulting in a Hopf bifurcation. We then employ Lindstedt’s method to compute the amplitude of the limit cycle as a function of the time delay. This work is motivated by medical applications involving noninvasive localized drug delivery via microbubbles.     

Limit Cycle-Strange Attractor Competition

To understand the competition between what are known as limit cycle and strange attractor dynamics, the classical oscillators that display such features were coupled and studied with and without external forcing. Numerical simulations show that, when the Duffing equation (the strange attractor prototype) forces the van der Pol oscillator (the limit cycle prototype), the limit cycle is destroyed. However, when the van der Pol oscillator is coupled to the Duffing equation as linear forcing, the two traditionally stable steady states are destabilized and a quasi-periodic orbit is born. In turn, this limit cycle is eventually destroyed because the coupling strength is increased and eventually gives way to strange attractor or chaotic dynamics. When two van der Pol oscillators are coupled in the absence of external periodic forcing, the system approaches a stable, nonzero steady state when the coupling strengths are both unity; trajectories approach a limit cycle if coupling strengths are equal and less than 1. Solutions grow unbounded if the coupling strengths are equal and greater than 1. Quasi-periodic solutions give way to chaos as the coupling strength increases and one oscillator is strongly coupled to the other. Finally, increasing the nonlinearity in both the oscillators is stabilizing whereas increasing the nonlinearity in a single oscillator results in subcritical instability.     

Symmetry breaking, coupling management, and localized modes in dual-core discrete nonlinear-Schrödinger lattices

We introduce a system of two linearly coupled discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equations (DNLSEs), with the coupling constant subject to a rapid temporal modulation. The model can be realized in bimodal Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). Using an averaging procedure based on the multiscale method, we derive a system of averaged (autonomous) equations, which take the form of coupled DNLSEs with additional nonlinear coupling terms of the four-wave-mixing type. We identify stability regions for fundamental onsite discrete symmetric solitons (single-site modes with equal norms in both components), as well as for two-site in-phase and twisted modes, the in-phase ones being completely unstable. The symmetry-breaking bifurcation, which destabilizes the fundamental symmetric solitons and gives rise to their asymmetric counterparts, is investigated too. It is demonstrated that the averaged equations provide a good approximation in all the cases. In particular, the symmetry-breaking bifurcation, which is of the pitchfork type in the framework of the averaged equations, corresponds to a Hopf bifurcation in terms of the original system.     

Some minimal bimolecular mass-action systems with limit cycles

We discuss three examples of bimolecular mass-action systems with three species, due to Feinberg, Berner, Heinrich, and Wilhelm. Each system has a unique positive equilibrium which is unstable for certain rate constants and then exhibits stable limit cycles, but no chaotic behaviour. For some rate constants in the Feinberg–Berner system, a stable equilibrium, an unstabe limit cycle, and a stable limit cycle coexist. All three networks are minimal in some sense.By way of homogenising these three examples, we construct bimolecular mass-conserving mass-action systems with four species that admit a stable limit cycle. The homogenised Feinberg–Berner system and the homogenised Wilhelm–Heinrich system admit the coexistence of a stable equilibrium, an unstable limit cycle, and a stable limit cycle.     

Synchronization of time-delay coupled pulse oscillators

We present a detailed study of the dynamics of pulse oscillators with time-delayed coupling. We get the return maps, obtain strict solutions and analyze their stability. For the case of two oscillators, a periodical structure of synchronization regions is found in parameter space, and the regions corresponding to in-phase and antiphase regimes alternate with growth of time delay. Two types of switching between in-phase and antiphase regimes are studied. We also show that for different parameters coupling delay may have synchronizing or desynchronizing effect. Another novel result is that phase locked regimes exist for arbitrary large values. The specificity of system dynamics with large delay is studied.     

Stability of stationary solutions in models of the Calvin cycle

In this paper results are obtained concerning the number of positive stationary solutions in simple models of the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis and the stability of these solutions. It is proved that there are open sets of parameters in the model of Zhu et al. (2009) for which there exist two positive stationary solutions. There are never more than two isolated positive stationary solutions but under certain explicit special conditions on the parameters there is a whole continuum of positive stationary solutions. It is also shown that in the set of parameter values for which two isolated positive stationary solutions exist there is an open subset where one of the solutions is asymptotically stable and the other is unstable. In related models derived from the work of Grimbs et al. (2011), for which it was known that more than one positive stationary solution exists, it is proved that there are parameter values for which one of these solutions is asymptotically stable and the other unstable. A key technical aspect of the proofs is to exploit the fact that there is a bifurcation where the centre manifold is one-dimensional.     

The orbital stability of periodic motions of a Hamiltonian system with two degrees of freedom in the case of 3:1 resonance

The problem of the orbital stability of periodic motions, produced from an equilibrium position of an autonomous Hamiltonian system with two degrees of freedom is considered. The Hamiltonian function is assumed to be analytic and alternating in a certain neighbourhood of the equilibrium position, the eigenvalues of the matrix of the linearized system are pure imaginary, and the frequencies of the linear oscillations satisfy a 3:1 ratio. The problem of the orbital stability of periodic motions is solved in a rigorous non-linear formulation. It is shown that short-period motions are orbitally stable with the sole exception of the case corresponding to bifurcation of short-period and long-period motions. In this particular case there is an unstable short-period orbit. It is established that, if the equilibrium position is stable, then, depending on the values of the system parameters, there is only one family of orbitally stable long-period motions, or two families of orbitally stable and one family of unstable long-period motions. If the equilibrium position is unstable, there is only one family of unstable long-period motions or one family of orbitally stable and two families of unstable long-period motions. Special cases, corresponding to bifurcation of long-period motions or degeneration in the problem of stability, when an additional analysis is necessary, may be exceptions. The problem of the orbital stability of the periodic motions of a dynamically symmetrical satellite close to its steady rotation is considered as an application.     

The dynamics ofn weakly coupled identical oscillators

Summary We present a framework for analysing arbitrary networks of identical dissipative oscillators assuming weak coupling. Using the symmetry of the network, we find dynamically invariant regions in the phase space existing purely by virtue of their spatio-temporal symmetry (the temporal symmetry corresponds to phase shifts). We focus on arrays which are symmetric under all permutations of the oscillators (this arises with global coupling) and also on rings of oscillators with both directed and bidirectional coupling. For these examples, we classify all spatio-temporal symmetries, including limit cycle solutions such as in-phase oscillation and those involving phase shifts. We also show the existence of “submaximal” limit cycle solutions under generic conditions. The canonical invariant region of the phase space is defined and used to investigate the dynamics. We discuss how the limit cycles lose and gain stability, and how symmetry can give rise to structurally stable heteroclinic cycles, a phenomenon not generically found in systems without symmetry. We also investigate how certain types of coupling (including linear coupling between oscillators with symmetric waveforms) can give rise to degenerate behaviour, where the oscillators decouple into smaller groups.     

Synchronous motion of two vertically excited planar elastic pendula

The dynamics of two planar elastic pendula mounted on the horizontally excited platform have been studied. We give evidence that the pendula can exhibit synchronous oscillatory and rotation motion and show that stable in-phase and anti-phase synchronous states always co-exist. The complete bifurcational scenario leading from synchronous to asynchronous motion is shown. We argue that our results are robust as they exist in the wide range of the system parameters.     

Asymptotic Solutions of the Field-Noyes Model for the Belousov Reaction—I. Homogeneous Oscillations

Multiple-time-scale techniques are used to solve the non-linear autonomous system used by Field and Noyes to model the chemical oscillations of the Belousov reaction. An asymptotic representation, valid for a wide range of parameters, is found for a spatially homogeneous limit-cycle solution. For certain values of the parameters, two limit-cycle solutions are shown (asymptotically) to exist. For parameter values for which the limit cycle appears to be unique, it is shown to be linearly stable. The asymptotic solution is shown to correspond excellently to the numerical solution calculated by Field and Noyes for one set of parameters.     

Quantification of synchronization phenomena in two reciprocally gap-junction coupled bursting pancreatic β-cells

This paper aims to discuss our research into synchronized transitions in two reciprocally gap-junction coupled bursting pancreatic β-cells. Numerical results revealed that propagations of synchronous states could be induced not only by changing the coupling strength, but also by varying the slow time constant. Firstly, these asynchronous and synchronous states such as out-of-phase, almost in-phase and in-phase synchronization were specifically demonstrated by phase portraits and time evolutions. By comparing interspike intervals (ISI) bifurcation diagrams of two coupled neurons with an individual neuron, we found that coupling strength played a critical role in tonic-to-bursting transitions. In particular, with the phase difference and ISI-distance being introduced, regions of various synchronous and asynchronous states were plotted in a two-dimensional parameter space. More interestingly, it was found that the coupled neurons could always realize complete synchronization as long as the coupling strength was appropriate.     

Nonexistence theorem except the out-of-phase and in-phase solutions in the coupled van der Pol equation system

We consider a coupled van der Pol equation system. Our coupled system consists of two van der Pol equations that are connected with each other by linear terms. We assume that two distinctive solutions (out-of-phase and in-phase solutions) exist in the dynamical system of coupled equations and give answers to some problems.     

Analytical investigation of steady-state stability and Hopf-bifurcations occurring in sliding friction oscillators with application to low-frequency disc brake noise

This article presents an analytical investigation on stability and local bifurcation behavior due to exponentially decaying friction characteristics in the sliding domain of a simple friction oscillator, which is commonly referred to as “mass-on-a-belt”-oscillator. Friction is described by a friction coefficient which in the sense of Stribeck depends on the relative velocity between the two tribological partners.For such a characteristic the stability and bifurcation behavior are discussed. It is shown, that the system can undergo a subcritical Hopf-bifurcation from an unstable steady-state fixed-point to an unstable limit cycle, which separates the basins of the stable steady-state fixed-point and the self-sustained stick-slip limit cycle.Therefore, only a local examination of the eigenvalues at the steady-state, as is the classical approach when investigating conditions for the onset of friction-induced vibrations, may not give the whole picture, since the stable region around the steady-state fixed-point may be rather small.Furthermore, the results of above considerations are applied to a brake-noise problem. It is found that, in contrast to squeal, a decaying friction characteristic may be a satisfying explanation for the onset low-frequency groan. The analytical results are compared with experimental measurements.     

Linear hydrodynamical stability of two-layer inclined flow with viscosity and density stratifications

The linear hydrodynamical stability of two superimposed fluidsof different densities and viscosities flowing down an inclinedplane at the limit of zero Reynolds number is studied. Thereare two modes of disturbances at zero Reynolds number, one isthe free surface mode and the other is the interfacial mode.The free surface mode is shown to be always stable. The stabilityof the flow system is governed by the interfacial mode, andstability properties depend on the values of the ratios of densities,viscosities, and depths of the two fluid layers. Asymptoticproperties of stability for the limiting cases of long wavesand small depth ratio are examined and the corresponding neutralstability curves for the governing interfacial mode are provided.Growth rate curves against wavenumber for various sets of parametervalues are presented. The authors conclude with some remarkson how to obtain a more stable two-layer fluid system.     

Driven response of time delay coupled limit cycle oscillators

We study the periodic forced response of a system of two limit cycle oscillators that interact with each other via a time delayed coupling. Detailed bifurcation diagrams in the parameter space of the forcing amplitude and forcing frequency are obtained for various interesting limits using numerical and analytical means. In particular, the effects of the coupling strength, the natural frequency spread of the two oscillators and the time delay parameter on the size and nature of the entrainment domain are delineated. For an appropriate choice of time delay, synchronization can occur with infinitesimal forcing amplitudes even at off-resonant driving. The system is also found to display a nonlinear response on certain critical contours in the space of the coupling strength and time delay. Numerical simulations with a large number of coupled driven oscillators display similar behavior. Time delay offers a novel tuning knob for controlling the system response over a wide range of frequencies and this may have important practical applications.     

Uniqueness of Limit Cycles in a Predator-Prey Model with Sigmoid Functional Response

In this paper, we prove that a predator-prey model with sigmoid functional response and logistic growth for the prey has a unique stable limit cycle, if the equilibrium point is locally unstable. This extends the results of the literature where it was proved that the equilibrium point is globally asymptotically stable, if it is locally stable. For the proof, we use a combination of three versions of Zhang Zhifen''s uniqueness theorem for limit cycles in Li$\acute{\rm e}$nard systems to cover all possible limit cycle configurations. This technique can be applied to a wide range of differential equations where at most one limit cycle occurs.     

Unstable limit cycles in an electric power system and basin boundary of voltage collapse

It has been reported that a saddle node bifurcation or a blue sky bifurcation causes voltage collapse in an electric power system. In these references, computer simulations are carried out with the voltage magnitude of the generator bus terminal held constant. The generator model described by differential equations of internal flux linkages allows the voltage magnitude of the generator bus terminal to change. By using this model, we have carried out computer simulations of the power system to determine the cause of voltage collapse. It is a cyclic fold bifurcation of the stable limit cycle caused by an unstable limit cycle that leads to the voltage collapse. The involvement of complicated sequences of unstable limit cycles with cyclic fold bifurcations is confirmed, and the voltage collapse which is caused by perturbation for steady states is related to these unstable limit cycles. This is very interesting from the point of view of a nonlinear problem. From the point of view of a power system, the power system will fluctuate in practice even in normal operation, and may sometimes operate beyond the limit of its stability in recent year. It is very important in this situation that we clarify bifurcations of limit cycles on the power system.     

On the stability of resonant rotation of a symmetric satellite in an elliptical orbit

We deal with the stability problem of resonant rotation of a symmetric rigid body about its center of mass in an elliptical orbit. The resonant rotation is a planar motion such that the body completes one rotation in absolute space during two orbital revolutions of its center of mass. In [1–3] the stability analysis of the above resonant rotation with respect to planar perturbations has been performed in detail.In this paper we study the stability of the resonant rotation in an extended formulation taking into account both planar and spatial perturbations. By analyzing linearized equations of perturbed motion, we found eccentricity intervals, where the resonant rotation is unstable. Outside of these intervals a nonlinear stability study has been performed and subintervals of formal stability and stability for most initial data have been found. In addition, the instability of the resonant rotation was established at several eccentricity values corresponding to the third and fourth order resonances.Our study has also shown that in linear approximation the spatial perturbations have no effect on the stability of the resonant rotation, whereas in a nonlinear system they can lead to its instability at some resonant values of the eccentricity.     

On the existence of a stable limit cycle to a piecewise linear system in R2

The present paper is devoted to the existence of limit cycles of planar piecewise linear (PWL) systems with two zones separated by a straight line and singularity of type “focus-focus” and “focus-center.” Our investigation is a supplement to the classification of Freire et al concerning the existence and number of the limit cycles depending on certain parameters. To prove existence of a stable limit cycle in the case “focus-center,” we use a pure geometric approach. In the case “focus-focus,” we prove existence of a special configuration of five parameters leading to the existence of a unique stable limit cycle, whose period can be found by solving a transcendent equation. An estimate of this period is obtained. We apply this theory on a two-dimensional system describing the qualitative behavior of a two-dimensional excitable membrane model.