Lower bounds for the number of limit cycles in a generalized Rayleigh-Li\'enard oscillator

Abstract

In this paper a generalized Rayleigh-Li\'enard oscillator is consider and lower bounds for the number of limit cycles bifurcating from weak focus equilibria and saddle connections are provided. By assuming some open conditions on the parameters of the considered system the existence of up to twelve limit cycles is provided. More precisely, the approach consists in perform suitable changes in the sign of some specific parameters and apply Poincar\'e-Bendixson Theorem for assure the existence of limit cycles. In particular, the method for obtaining the limit cycles through the referred approach is explicitly exhibited. The main techniques applied in this study are the Lyapunov constants and the Melnikov method.