[Math] Show that the equilibrium point $(0,0)$ is asymptotically stable and an estimate of its basin of attraction

basins-of-attractiondynamical systemsordinary differential equationssystems of equations

Consider the system $$\begin{aligned} \dot{x} &=-y-x^3+x^3y^2\\ \dot{y}&=x-y^3+x^2y^3\end{aligned}$$ Show that the equilibrium point $(0,0)$ is asymptotically stable and an estimate of its attractiveness basin.


Clearly the point $(0,0)$ is a point of equilibrium and also $D_f(x,y)=\begin{pmatrix}-3x^2+3y^4 & -1+2yx^3\\ 1+2xy^3 &-3y^2+3y^2x^2 \end{pmatrix}$, so $D_f(0,0)=\begin{pmatrix}0 & -1\\1 &0 \end{pmatrix}$ and has eigenvalues ​​$ \pm i$
So, I can not conclude anything of stability for this point, I need a Liapunov function and I do not know what it is or how to find it, could someone help me please? Thank you very much.

Best Answer

In addition to what has been said by @Evgeny and @MrYouMath: the set $$ M=\left\{ (x,y)\in\mathbb R^2 :\; x^2+y^2<2 \right\} $$ is a positively invariant set of the considered system since $\forall (x,y)\in M$ $$ \dot V=-x^4-y^4+x^2y^2(x^2+y^2)<-x^4-y^4+2x^2y^2=-(x^2-y^2)^2\leq 0; $$ it is also a subset (guaranteed estimation) of the domain of attraction.

Related Question