The period function of some polynomial systems of arbitrary degree

Abstract

We consider certain vector fields in the plane which possess a centre. The main result is that for Hamiltonian polynomial systems which are of even degree, which possess homogeneous nonlinearities, and which have a centre located at the origin, the period function is a strictly increasing function of the energy, throughout its interval of definition. It is also shown that for nonlinear homogeneous Hamiltonian polynomial vector fields of arbitrary degree which possess a centre, the period function is a strictly decreasing function of the energy. With appropriate modifications, this result is extended to arbitrary homogeneous vector fields which possess a centre, irrespective of their being Hamiltonian or polynomial; the period function is then strictly monotonic, except when the degree of homogeneity is one, when the systems are isochronous.