Structural stability for the bidirectional cyclic negative feedback systems

Abstract

The present paper investigates the structural stability of bidirectional cyclic negative feedback systems. To address this, we develop a generalized Floquet theory and construct nested invariant cones for the systems. Subsequently, we demonstrate that the Poincaré-Bendixson property for the limit set persists under $C^1$-perturbations. By applying the generalized Floquet theory and the nested invariant cones, we establish that the stable and unstable manifolds of any two connecting hyperbolic critical elements intersect transversally, with the exception of two hyperbolic equilibria possessing the same odd Morse index. Next, we prove the generic hyperbolicity of critical elements using the Sard-Smale theorem. Furthermore, by formulating the transversality condition as a functional constraint, we generically preclude connecting orbits between hyperbolic equilibrium points with the same odd Morse index, thereby establishing the generic Kupka-Smale property. Finally, under dissipative assumptions, we show that the system generically exhibits the Morse-Smale property. Our findings characterize the stability of bidirectional cyclic negative feedback systems in two distinct manners: $C^1$- small perturbations of the system do not alter the asymptotic behavior of orbits; from a topological perspective, generic vector fields in bidirectional cyclic negative feedback systems are structurally stable.