A Perturbation Method for Nonlinear Two-Dimensional Maps

A new perturbation method for a weakly nonlinear two-dimensional discrete-time dynamical system is presented. The proposed technique generalizes the asymptotic perturbation method that is valid for continuous-time systems and detects periodic or almost-periodic orbits and their stability. Two equations for the amplitude and the phase of solutions are derived and their fixed points correspond to limit cycles for the starting nonlinear map. The method is applied to various nonlinear (autonomous or not) two-dimensional maps. For the autonomous maps we derive the conditions for the appearance of a supercritical Hopf bifurcation and predict the characteristics of the corresponding limit cycle. For the nonautonomous maps we show amplitude-response and frequency-response curves. Under appropriate conditions, we demonstrate the occurrence of saddle-node bifurcations of cycles and of jumps and hysteresis effects in the system response (cusp catastrophe). Modulated motion can be observed for very low values of the external excitation and an infinite-period bifurcation occurs if the external excitation increases. Analytic approximate solutions are in good agreement with numerically obtained solutions.