Global existence of solutions for a class of nonlinear differential equations

Abstract

By making use of a special Lyapunov-type function and applying the comparison method due to Conti, we prove global existence of solutions for a general class of nonlinear second-order differential equations that includes, in particular, van der Pol, Rayleigh, and Lienard equations, widely encountered in applications. Relevant examples are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.