Weakly coupled parametrically forced oscillator networks: existence, stability, and symmetry of solutions

In this paper, we discuss existence, stability, and symmetry of solutions for networks of parametrically forced oscillators. We consider a nonlinear oscillator model with strong 2:1 resonance via parametric excitation. For uncoupled systems, the 2:1 resonance property results in sets of solutions that we classify using a combinatorial approach. The symmetry properties for solution sets are presented as are the group operators that generate the isotropy subgroups. We then impose weak coupling and prove that solutions from the uncoupled case persist for small coupling by using an appropriate Poincaré map and the Implicit Function Theorem. Solution bifurcations are investigated as a function of coupling strength and forcing frequency using numerical continuation techniques. We find that the characteristics of the single oscillator system are transferred to the network under weak coupling. We explore interesting dynamics that emerge with larger coupling strength, including anti-synchronized chaos and unsynchronized chaos. A classification for the symmetry-breaking that occurs due to weak coupling is presented for a simple example network.