Finiteness theorems for limit cycles

This book is devoted to the following finiteness theorem: A polynomial vector field on the real plane has a finite number of limit cycles. To prove the theorem, it suffices to note that limit cycles cannot accumulate on a polycycle of an analytic vector field. This approach necessitates investigation of the monodromy transformation (also known as the Poincar return mapping or the first return mapping) corresponding to this cycle. To carry out this investigation, this book utilizes five sources: The theory of Dulac, use of the complex domain, resolution of singularities, the geometric theory of normal forms, and superexact asymptotic series. In the introduction, the author presents results about this problem that were known up to the writing of the present book, with full proofs (except in the case of results in the local theory and theorems on resolution of singularities)

Concerning the Hilbert 16th problem

This book examines qualitative properties of vector fields in the plane, in the spirit of Hilbert's Sixteenth Problem. Two principal topics explored are bifurcations of limit cycles of planar vector fields and desingularization of singular points for individual vector fields and for analytic families of such fields. In addition to presenting important new developments in this area, this book contains an introductory paper which outlines the general context and describes connections between the papers in the volume. The book will appeal to researchers and graduate students working in the quali