I've learned about classification of fixed points of 2D systems using linear stability analysis and I am wondering how if at all I can apply the same process to analyzing local behavior of fixed points in 3D systems.
I am specifically wondering about these cases:
- 1 positive, 2 distinct negative real eigenvalues
- 1 positive, 2 repeated negative real eigenvalues
- 1 positive, 2 complex eigenvalues with negative real part
- 1 negative, 2 complex eigenvalues with negative real part
In the first two cases I am guessing that it works something like 2D: the stable manifold is a 2D manifold and the unstable manifold is a curve. I am wondering what the difference would be between 2 distinct versus 2 repeated would be.
In the last two cases I am having trouble visualing what this would even look like.
Any help or resources are appreciated.
Best Answer
Have a look at Fig. 2.4 (b) of this book.
In general, I do not know many sources that specifically distinguish between various cases as on the plane (note, e.g., that stable node is topologically equivalent to a stable focus, and so forth). However, in a very old book by Nemytskii and Stepanov you can find a very detailed classification of various types of equilibria in ${\bf R}^n$.