Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2006/iii/paper-85/1/c/solution

At the origin's matrix is : it has a double zero eigenvalue and one eigenvector. Trace and determinant vary independently with and there, so two parameters are needed. The symmetry of an odd function removes quadratic terms, giving a reflection-symmetric cubic double-zero normal form. The quadratic nonlinearity required for a generic Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation vanishes.
Use a prime for differentiation with respect to the rescaled time. Direct substitution, with all rescaled variables written without tildes, gives
At , the equations are , . For
differentiation gives . This is the Hamiltonian blow-up of a reflection-symmetric double-zero point.
For , the equilibrium points are a centre equilibrium at and saddles at . The centre equilibrium has eigenvalues ; at either saddle equilibrium they are . Levels contain closed inner ovals around the centre equilibrium. The saddle equilibrium level has
These two branches form a heteroclinic cycle connecting the saddles. The branch with runs from the lower saddle equilibrium to the upper one because ; the other runs back. Outside the potential well, trajectories are open. The right panel of the preceding figure uses the coordinates to display the well and these directed connections.

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