Consider the following two-dimensional autonomous system $$\left\{ \begin{array}{cc} \dot{u} = -2v+v^2 \\ \dot{v} = -3u^2 +6u \end{array} \right. $$
Determine whether the critical point $(0,0)$ is stable or unstable.
Looking at the phase portrait, I expect that $(0,0)$ is stable, but not asymptotically stable.
If we try to investigate the stability using the linearization of the system around the point $(0,0)$, then we cannot conclude anything, as the Jacobi matrix in $(0,0)$ has purely imaginary eigenvalues.
Hence, we have to use a Lyapunov function. However, I have not been able to determine it. I tried to use a quadractic form $$V(u,v) = au^2 + buv + cv^2, $$ with $a > 0$ and $b^2 – 4ac < 0$, but to no avail.
Best Answer
the system is Hamiltonian, meaning there is a function $H$ that stays constant. $$ \dot{x} = -2y + y^2 $$ $$ \dot{y} = 6x - 3 x^2 $$ with Hamiltonian $$ H = x^3 - 3 x^2 + \frac{y^3}{3} - y^2 $$ so trajectories near the origin are closed (periodic) and sort of egg shaped.
If we erase the squared terms in the system, we revert to actual ellipses near the origin