A1.6

Dynamics of Differential Equations
Part II, 2001

(i) Given a differential equation x˙=f(x)\dot{x}=f(x) for xRnx \in \mathbb{R}^{n}, explain what it means to say that the solution is given by a flow ϕ:R×RnRn\phi: \mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}^{n} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{n}. Define the orbit, o(x)o(x), through a point xx and the ω\omega-limit set, ω(x)\omega(x), of xx. Define also a homoclinic orbit to a fixed point x0x_{0}. Sketch a flow in R2\mathbb{R}^{2} with a homoclinic orbit, and identify (without detailed justification) the ω\omega-limit sets ω(x)\omega(x) for each point xx in your diagram.

(ii) Consider the differential equations

x˙=zy,y˙=zx,z˙=z2.\dot{x}=z y, \quad \dot{y}=-z x, \quad \dot{z}=-z^{2} .

Transform the equations to polar coordinates (r,θ)(r, \theta) in the (x,y)(x, y) plane. Solve the equation for zz to find z(t)z(t), and hence find θ(t)\theta(t). Hence, or otherwise, determine (with justification) the ω\omega-limit set for all points (x0,y0,z0)R3\left(x_{0}, y_{0}, z_{0}\right) \in \mathbb{R}^{3}.