On the number of stable solutions in the Kuramoto model

Abstract

We consider a system of n coupled oscillators described by the Kuramoto model with the dynamics given by θ ˙ = ω + K f ( θ ) . In this system, an equilibrium solution θ ∗ is considered stable when ω + K f ( θ ∗ ) = 0 , and the Jacobian matrix D f ( θ ∗ ) has a simple eigenvalue of zero, indicating the presence of a direction in which the oscillators can adjust their phases. Additionally, the remaining eigenvalues of D f ( θ ∗ ) are negative, indicating stability in orthogonal directions. A crucial constraint imposed on the equilibrium solution is that | Γ ( θ ∗ ) | ≤ π , where | Γ ( θ ∗ ) | represents the length of the shortest arc on the unit circle that contains the equilibrium solution θ ∗ . We provide a proof that there exists a unique solution satisfying the aforementioned stability criteria. This analysis enhances our understanding of the stability and uniqueness of these solutions, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of coupled oscillators in this system.