Algebraic Limit Cycles on Quadratic Polynomial Differential Systems

Algebraic limit cycles in quadratic polynomial differential systems started to be studied in 1958, and a few years later the following conjecture appeared: quadratic polynomial differential systems have at most one algebraic limit cycle. We prove that a quadratic polynomial differential system having an invariant algebraic curve with at most one pair of diametrically opposite singular points at infinity has at most one algebraic limit cycle. Our result provides a partial positive answer to this conjecture.

Liouvillian first integrals for a class of generalized Liénard polynomial differential systems

We study the existence of Liouvillian first integrals for the generalized Liénard polynomial differential systems of the form xʹ = y, yʹ = –g(x) – f(x)y, where f(x) = 3Q(x)Qʹ(x)P(x) + Q(x)2Pʹ(x) and g(x) = Q(x)Qʹ(x)(Q(x)2P(x)2 – 1) with P,Q ∈ ℂ[x]. This class of generalized Liénard polynomial differential systems has the invariant algebraic curve (y + Q(x)P(x))2 – Q(x)2 = 0 of hyperelliptic type.

AN ALGORITHM FOR FINDING INVARIANT ALGEBRAIC CURVES OF A GIVEN DEGREE FOR POLYNOMIAL PLANAR VECTOR FIELDS

Given a system of two autonomous ordinary differential equations whose right-hand sides are polynomials, it is very hard to tell if any nonsingular trajectories of the system are contained in algebraic curves. We present an effective method of deciding whether a given system has an invariant algebraic curve of a given degree. The method also allows the construction of examples of polynomial systems with invariant algebraic curves of a given degree. We present the first known example of a degree 6 algebraic saddle-loop for polynomial system of degree 2, which has been found using the described method. We also present some new examples of invariant algebraic curves of degrees 4 and 5 with an interesting geometry.