Bifurcations of dynamical systems

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of bifurcations in a dynamical system defined by the equations \(x' = y - ax\) and \(y' = -y + \frac{x}{1 + x}\). The fixed points are determined, revealing that when \(a = 1\), the fixed points merge, indicating a change in stability. The Jacobian matrix is calculated, showing that for \(a < 1\), the fixed point at the origin is a saddle, while for \(a > 1\), it becomes a stable node. The participants clarify the implications of setting \(a = 0\) on the fixed points, emphasizing the necessity of \(a \neq 0\) for certain calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dynamical systems and fixed points
  • Familiarity with Jacobian matrices and their properties
  • Knowledge of stability analysis in nonlinear systems
  • Basic algebraic manipulation and solving equations
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  • Study the implications of bifurcation theory in dynamical systems
  • Learn about the stability criteria using the Jacobian matrix
  • Explore the concept of fixed points and their significance in nonlinear dynamics
  • Investigate the role of parameters in bifurcation analysis
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Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers interested in dynamical systems, particularly those analyzing stability and bifurcations in nonlinear models.

Dustinsfl
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Something doesn't seem right in regards to my analysis of the Jacobian. What about when $a=0$ at the second fixed point?

\begin{alignat*}{3}
x' & = & y - ax\\
y' & = & -y + \frac{x}{1 + x}
\end{alignat*}
First, we need to determine the fixed points in the system. So let
\begin{alignat*}{3}
y - ax & = & 0\\
-y + \frac{x}{1 + x} & = & 0
\end{alignat*}
Solving for $y$ in the first equation, we have $y = ax$.
$$
-ax + \frac{x}{1 + x} = 0\Rightarrow ax(1 + x) - x = x(ax + a - 1) = 0
$$
One fixed point is $(0,0)$.
$$
ax + a - 1 = 0\Rightarrow x = \frac{1 - a}{a}
$$
Another fixed point is $\left(\frac{1 - a}{a},a - 1\right)$. The Jacobian for the dynamical system is
$$
\mathcal{J} = \begin{pmatrix}
-a & 1\\
\frac{1}{(1 + x)^2} & -1
\end{pmatrix}.
$$
For the fixed point $(0,0)$, the Jacobian is
$$
\mathcal{J} = \begin{pmatrix}
-a & 1\\
1 & -1
\end{pmatrix}.
$$
Then the trace of the Jacobian is $\text{tr}(\mathcal{J}) = -(a + 1)$ and the determinant is $\det(\mathcal{J}) = a - 1$. When $a = 1$, the determinant is 0 and the two fixed points merge together. Therefore, when $a$ crosses 1, we have a change in stability at $(0,0)$ and a change in the number of fixed points. We will have a saddle when $a < 1$ at the fixed point $(0,0)$. When $a > 1$, the determinant is positive and the trace is negative.
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\left(\text{tr}(\mathcal{J})\right)^2 - 4\det(\mathcal{J}) & = & (a + 1)^2 - 4(a - 1)\\
& = & a^2 - 2a + 5 > 0
\end{alignat*}
Therefore, we have a stable node at the origin. Next, let $\frac{1}{1 + x} = a$. Then we can re-write the Jacobian as
$$
\mathcal{J} = \begin{pmatrix}
-a & 1\\
a^2 & -1
\end{pmatrix}.
$$
The trace of the Jacobian is $\text{tr}(\mathcal{J}) = -(a + 1)$ and the determinant is $\det(\mathcal{J}) = a(1 - a)$. When $a > 1\cup a < 0$, the determinant is negative. Thus, we will have a saddle at $\left(\frac{1 - a}{a},a - 1\right)$. When $0 < a < 1$, the determinant is positive and the trace is negative.
 
Last edited:
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dwsmith said:
Something doesn't seem right in regards to my analysis of the Jacobian. What about when $a=0$ at the second fixed point?

Hi dwsmith, :)

Note that, when you take \(ax + a - 1 = 0\) from \(x(ax + a - 1) = 0\) you are assuming that \(a\neq 0\). If \(a=0\) then \(x,y=0\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Sudharaka said:
Hi dwsmith, :)

Note that, when you take \(ax + a - 1 = 0\) from \(x(ax + a - 1) = 0\) you are assuming that \(a\neq 0\). If \(a=0\) then \(x,y=0\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

This was wrong. As in, what I had before I edited my post here.
 
Last edited:

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