Limit cycles by FEM for a one-parameter dynamical system associated to the Luo-Rudy I model

Abstract

An one-parameter dynamical system is associated to the mathematical problem governing the membrane excitability of a ventricular cardiomyocyte, according to the Luo-Rudy I model. Limit cycles are described by the solutions of an extended system. A finite element method time approximation (FEM) is used in order to formulate the approximate problem. Starting from a Hopf bifurcation point, approximate limit cycles are obtained, step by step, using an arc-length-continuation method and Newton's method. Some numerical results are presented.