Apply the Poincaré-Lindstedt method to the truncated system from part (b). Since , its scalar equation isIntroduce the stretched time , with asymptotic expansionsPrimes in this part mean derivatives with respect to . At first order,The trigonometric identitiesreduce this toA periodic cannot have a secular term, so both fundamental-harmonic coefficients must vanish. Taking givesIn particular is necessary. Once these conditions hold, a bounded particular correction isadding fundamental sine and cosine terms adjusts the phase and the first correction to the amplitude. Consequently the required leading periodic orbit isHere is the leading amplitude, not an assertion that the exact finite- amplitude is independent of .
To justify existence beyond formal cancellation, the leading radial displacement in a Poincaré return map is , whereAt the positive root , . The implicit function theorem, applied after dividing the displacement by , continues this root to a periodic orbit for sufficiently small positive . Its radial Floquet multiplier is , so it is attracting. These statements apply to the truncated system with fixed ; its interpretation as a local approximation to the original three-dimensional system also requires small, so that stays near the Hopf bifurcation.