LIMIT CYCLE BIFURCATION IN 3D CONTINUOUS PIECEWISE LINEAR SYSTEMS WITH TWO ZONES: APPLICATION TO CHUA'S CIRCUIT

The generic case of three-dimensional continuous piecewise linear systems with two zones is analyzed. From a bounded linear center configuration we prove that the periodic orbit which is tangent to the separation plane becomes a limit cycle under generic conditions. Expressions for the amplitude, period and characteristic multipliers of the bifurcating limit cycle are given. The obtained results are applied to the study of the onset of asymmetric periodic oscillations in Chua's oscillator.