Ordered intricacy of Shilnikov saddle-focus homoclinics in symmetric systems

Chaos. 2021 Jul;31(7):073143. doi: 10.1063/5.0054776.

Abstract

Using the technique of Poincaré return maps, we disclose an intricate order of subsequent homoclinic bifurcations near the primary figure-8 connection of the Shilnikov saddle-focus in systems with reflection symmetry. We also reveal admissible shapes of the corresponding bifurcation curves in a parameter space. Their scalability ratio and organization are proven to be universal for such homoclinic bifurcations of higher orders. Two applications with similar dynamics due to the Shilnikov saddle-foci are used to illustrate the theory: a smooth adaptation of the Chua circuit and a 3D normal form.