Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2022 / ii / Paper 3 / 31B / d / Solution

The Poincare-Bendixson theorem states that a nonempty compact $\omega$-limit set of a planar $C^1$ flow which contains no equilibrium is a periodic orbit.

The origin is the only equilibrium: at a nonzero equilibrium, putting $q=x^2+y^2-a$ would requirebut its determinant $q^2+3$ is positive. By local asymptotic stability, choose a small simple closed Lyapunov level curve on which the original vector field points inward. On a sufficiently large circle,so the original vector field points outward.

Reverse time. The annulus between these two curves is then a compact positively invariant trapping region: the reversed field points into it at both boundaries. It contains no equilibrium. The Poincaré--Bendixson theorem applied to any reversed trajectory in the annulus produces a periodic orbit. Reversing time does not change its image, so the original system also has a periodic orbit.

Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.